The Ruhr Region is an area of western Germany that surrounds the Ruhr River, a tributary of the Rhine River. The area had much industrial activity in the early 20th century. The Ruhr Region helped Germany prepare for World War II. Claims of Ruhr industrialists helping Hitler rise to power have been made, though some sources (Britannica, in this instance) say these claims may have been exaggerated. Because of the Ruhr Region’s industrial activity, it was a key target for bombing by the Allied Forces. Roughly 75% of the area was destroyed by the bombing. Dismantling and controlled rebuilding by the Allied Powers occurred after World War II, and in 1954, the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) obtained sovereignty of this area.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Ruhr.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/place/Ruhr. Accessed 25 Oct, 2022.