Based on the Yalta Conference during World War II, it was decided that no money would be paid as reparations to Allied countries (although this rule was not followed in later agreements). Instead, a significant portion of the value transferred involved German industrial assets and forced labour given to the Allies.

"Greenback" is a slang term for the emergency paper currency issued by the U.S. during the American Civil War in the mid-1860s. Its distinctive green ink recognised it. Initially, the notes were used to finance the Civil War and were backed by the government. However, they were not backed by gold or silver, which led to fluctuations in value and inflation.