HI - Germany: 4.4

What was Germany's plan for economic self-sufficiency?

Germany aimed to become self-sufficient by reducing imports and increasing domestic production of raw materials.

What was the aim of the 'New Plan'?

To reduce imports and unemployment.

Who introduced the 'New Plan'?

Dr. Hjalmar Schacht, the Minister of the Economy.

How did the 'New Plan' reduce unemployment?

Trade agreements for raw materials and public works projects like road building.

How was money from the 'New Plan' used?

It was invested in Hitler's rearmament efforts.

Who was responsible for the 'Four Year Plan' in 1936?

Hermann Goering.

What was the goal of the 'Four Year Plan'?

To prepare Germany for war by becoming self-sufficient in key resources like oil, steel, and rubber.

How did scientists contribute to the 'Four Year Plan'?

They developed synthetic substitutes, such as textiles made from pulped wood.

What propaganda campaign accompanied the 'Four Year Plan'?

A campaign encouraging Germans to buy German-made products.

What were some economic issues caused by the 'Four Year Plan'?

Frequent food shortages, rationing, reliance on imports, and a budget deficit exceeding 40 billion marks by 1939.

How did the cost of basic food change from 1937 to 1939?

The average cost of basic food decreased.

What happened to unemployment between 1933 and 1939?

It fell from 6 million to 0.5 million.

What public works projects helped reduce unemployment?

Autobahn (motorways) construction and the Olympic Stadium.

How did arms spending contribute to employment?

Arms spending increased from 2 million to 17 million Reichsmarks, creating jobs in arms factories, coal mines, and iron and steel production.

How did Hitler's foreign policy impact employment?

The military expansion led to over 900,000 men in the army by 1938.

What role did private companies play in employment?

The government paid private companies like Volkswagen to create jobs.

What is 'invisible unemployment'?

Groups like women, Jews, and those in temporary jobs were not counted in unemployment statistics.

How did the National Labour Service (RAD) affect unemployment?

It organized unemployed men for public works projects and forced singles to serve six months.

Why was RAD introduced?

Hitler believed it would instill discipline and appreciation for manual labor.

What was the effect of RAD on Germany's global image?

It made Germany appear advanced.

How was temporary employment counted in statistics?

Temporary agricultural jobs were counted as full employment, excluding over 1 million people.

Did employment statistics reflect living standards?

No, wages increased, but working hours rose by 10% and the cost of living increased.

Who led the German Labour Front (RAD)?

Dr. Robert Ley.

What was the purpose of the German Labour Front?

To control wages and ensure efficient industry.

What was 'Strength Through Joy' (KDF)?

A program that provided leisure activities to workers to increase satisfaction and productivity.

What rewards did the 'Strength Through Joy' program offer?

Subsidized cruises, museum tours, cheap theatre tickets, sports competitions, and free courses.

What was the Volkswagen project?

It promised affordable cars for workers but instead, the factory produced weapons.

What was 'Beauty of Labour' (SDA)?

A program to improve workplace conditions.

How did the SDA program affect workers?

It improved facilities like canteens and sports areas but expected workers to build them in their spare time.