Why did Gustav Stresemann try to fulfill Germany’s reparations obligations?

Gustav Stresemann, who served as Germany’s foreign minister from 1923 until his death in 1929, pursued a policy known as the "policy of fulfillment" (Erfüllungspolitik). He believed that Germany was more likely to gain relief from the harsh conditions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles by attempting to meet its obligations rather than by stubbornly resisting them.12

By demonstrating a willingness to comply with reparations payments, Stresemann aimed to achieve several strategic goals:

• Diplomatic Leverage: He sought to gain a favorable position for negotiations with the victorious Western Allies, particularly France.3
• Ending Occupation: He fought to secure the removal of foreign troops from German soil, specifically the Rhineland and the Ruhr.31
• Restoring Status: His enduring objective was to obtain equal rights for Germany and restore the nation to its former standing among European powers.3

This pragmatic approach facilitated agreements like the Dawes Plan and the Pact of Locarno, which helped stabilize the German economy and reintegrate the country into the international community through the League of Nations.132