Finally, the period 1914–1945 ended in a number of European countries, and especially in France,
with a redistribution of wealth that affected the largest fortunes disproportionately, especially those
consisting largely of stock in large industrial firms. Recall, in particular, the nationalization of certain
companies as a sanction after Liberation (the Renault automobile company is the emblematic
example), as well as the national solidarity tax, which was also imposed in 1945. This progressive
tax was a one-time levy on both capital and acquisitions made during the Occupation, but the rates
were extremely high and imposed an additional burden on the individuals affected.