Pig iron production in Europe 1900-1945, by country
In Europe during the early 20th century, Germany was generally the country with the highest annual output of pig iron. The second-largest producer varied by decade; the United Kingdom held this position until the 1920s, when French output increased after its reclamation of Alsace-Lorraine from Germany after the First World War, whereas Russian output then grew significantly as it industrialized in the 1930s. Belgium and Luxembourg also had fairly high outputs for their size, and German industry became dependent on their output during both world wars after the UK established its naval blockade.
Output during the world wars differed, however, as there was an observable decrease in most countries during the First World War, whereas output remained much higher during the Second World War. The impact of many other major political and economic events is reflected in the output of pig iron in these countries, such as the Great Depression of the 1930s, or more regional events such as the Russian Revolution from 1917-1923 or German hyperinflation in 1923.
Output during the world wars differed, however, as there was an observable decrease in most countries during the First World War, whereas output remained much higher during the Second World War. The impact of many other major political and economic events is reflected in the output of pig iron in these countries, such as the Great Depression of the 1930s, or more regional events such as the Russian Revolution from 1917-1923 or German hyperinflation in 1923.
