History (What was it like to live in Nazi Germany)

YOU WILL PASS THIS ON UR BIRTHDAY 01/09/25

What key economic change occurred in Nazi Germany in 1936?

In 1936, Hitler replaced Dr. Schacht with Hermann Goering as Minister of Economy to pursue a more radical, rearmament-focused policy.

What were Hitler's four main economic goals?

1. Achieve autarky. 2. Increase farming output. 3. Boost rearmament. 4. Intensify government control over industry.

Summarize the 'Four Year Plan'.

From 1936-1939, Goering's plan focused on autarky and rearmament. It involved: the Reich Food Estate, ersatz goods (e.g., coal for rubber), production targets, industry control, the Hermann Goering Works, and enslaved labor.

What were the main criticisms of the 'Four Year Plan'?

Criticisms included Goering's lack of economic experience, business leader opposition, and the 'guns, not butter' approach that lowered the standard of living.

According to historians, how did Nazi Germany's pre-war economic state contribute to its weakness in WWII?

Historians argue the Nazi economy was a weakness because it failed to achieve autarky, still importing one-third of raw materials by 1939, and was not initially designed for sustained total war.

When did Germany shift to a war economy, and what economic challenges did it face despite this?

Germany fully transitioned to a war economy only by 1942 under Albert Speer. However, it still struggled with critical shortages in fuel, coal, food, and workers, hindering its capacity to support the war effort.

How did Nazi Germany attempt to secure resources and labor to sustain its war economy, and what was the extent of forced labor?

Germany relied heavily on plundering resources from occupied countries and extensively used enslaved labor from ghettos and concentration camps. By 1944, approximately one-quarter of Germany's workforce was enslaved.

Provide an example of how Germany's economic and supply issues directly impacted its military operations during WWII?

During Operation Barbarossa against the USSR, Germany's insufficient supplies prevented the proper execution of 'blitzkrieg' tactics, demonstrating a direct impact of economic weakness on military strategy.

How did early WWII victories affect Nazi Party support?

Initial successes like the quick defeat of France gave German citizens access to new goods and generous rations, leading to a temporary increase in support for the Nazi Party.

What initial factors led to a decrease in support for the Nazi Party?

Support for the Nazi Party started to decrease as rationing extended to more products and black markets developed in towns and cities due to shortages.

What major military setbacks and home front issues caused support for the Nazi Party to decline in the mid-war period?

The unsuccessful invasion of the USSR, particularly the withdrawal after the Battle of Stalingrad, and intensified British bombing causing high casualties and a drop in living standards, significantly decreased support for the Nazi Party.

During the 'Total War' campaign, what measures did the Nazi regime use to maintain or gain support?

Goebbels produced propaganda to boost war effort support, and SS members profited from goods created in concentration camps, which internally supported the regime among certain groups.

Why did the 'Total War' campaign also lead to decreased support for the Nazi Party?

Support for the Nazi Party decreased during the 'Total War' campaign as women were forced into labor, British bombing intensified (leading to children moving to the countryside), and the government eliminated entertainment and luxury items, impacting public morale.

What events in the final stages of WWII led to a collapse in support for the Nazi Party?

The creation and failure of the Volkssturm (Home Guard), the Allied push towards Berlin causing widespread devastation, and massive civilian casualties from bombing raids like Dresden (1945) led to a significant decrease in support for the Nazi Party.

What event ultimately signaled the end of the Nazi regime?

The suicides of Hitler and Goebbels marked the definitive end of the Nazi regime.

How did WWII impact German women on the home front?

German women were forced to contribute to war work by 1944. They faced incredibly difficult conditions, including deaths from aerial bombings and poor living standards due to rationing and shortages.

Describe the impact of WWII and the Holocaust on Jewish people during the Nazi regime.

Initially, Jewish people were confined to ghettos, leading to thousands of deaths from starvation or illness. Einsatzgruppen murdered millions more. By 1942, the Nazis implemented the 'Final Solution,' establishing extermination camps like Auschwitz-Birkenau, where over 1.1 million people were gassed. Roughly six million Jewish people died during the Holocaust, with many other countries collaborating by sending their Jewish communities to these death camps.

How did WWII affect young people in Germany?

The Second World War affected young people differently. Indoctrinated Hitler Youth members actively helped the war effort, for example, by putting out fires after bombings. However, youth opposition groups also grew, with some young people hiding 'enemies of the state.' Other young people were forced into the war effort, with children as young as 12 being conscripted into the Volkssturm in 1945.

What was the experience of Polish people under Nazi occupation during WWII?

Polish people were treated poorly by the Nazis; their property was confiscated, and attempts were made to 'Germanise' them. Many were sent to concentration camps as prisoners of war (POWs), subjected to forced labor, and died from exhaustion or ill-health.

What were the benefits for businesses under Nazi rule?

The Nazis reduced the threat of Communism among workers and banned trade unions and strikes, which increased worker productivity. Rearmament also offered lucrative government contracts, particularly for war goods like steel.

What were the weaknesses or unfulfilled promises for businesses under Nazi rule?

The Nazis increased government control over businesses. Promises to restrict larger department stores to benefit small businesses were unfulfilled, leading to continued dominance by large corporations. During armament, fewer businesses produced consumer goods.

Why did Hitler ban trade unions in Nazi Germany?

Hitler disliked trade unions because he believed they supported left-wing political groups, such as the Communist Party, and organized strikes that disrupted the economy.

What replaced trade unions and what was its function under Nazi rule?

All trade unions were banned in May 1933 using the Enabling Act. They were replaced by the Labour Front (DAF), which controlled workers' rights, hours, and pay levels.

How did 'Strength Through Joy' (KdF) aim to impact workers?

The Nazis established the Strength Through Joy (KdF) organization in 1933 to make work more enjoyable and prevent unrest. It provided leisure activities, trips, and holidays for workers. KdF also ran a scheme for workers to purchase a 'Volkswagen' car by saving five marks per week, though this failed as factories switched to armaments production after 1938.

What was the purpose of the 'Beauty of Labour' (SdA) program and what was expected of workers?

The Nazis created the Beauty of Labour (SdA) program in 1934 to improve working environments by providing better facilities like toilets, changing rooms, showers, and canteens. However, workers were expected to build and decorate these new facilities themselves, without extra pay or outside regular working hours.

What were some benefits for workers under the Nazi regime?

Strength Through Joy (KdF) offered leisure activities and holidays, and the Beauty of Labour (SdA) program aimed to improve working conditions, both intended to increase worker satisfaction.

What were the weaknesses for workers under the Nazi regime regarding satisfaction and rights?

Workers remained dissatisfied due to the DAF prohibiting strikes and wage negotiations, and the SdA increasing their workload.

How did the Nazi regime attempt to improve living standards for workers with the Volkswagen scheme?

The Volkswagen scheme promised affordable cars at 999 Reichsmark as a way to improve living standards.

What was the outcome of the Volkswagen scheme for workers?

Despite the promise, no workers actually received a Volkswagen car.

Did workers' wages increase under the Nazi regime?

Most workers experienced wage increases, especially skilled workers in industries like armaments.

Why were wage increases not always beneficial for workers under the Nazi regime?

The impact of wage increases was diminished by higher food prices, which rose by 20% by 1939, leaving unskilled workers worse off.

What were the benefits for farmers under the Nazi regime?

The Nazis valued farmers highly due to their 'Blood and Soil' ideology, the Reich Food Estate offered guaranteed customers at fair prices, and the Reich Entailed Farm Law protected farmers from property repossession.

What were the weaknesses for farmers under the Nazi regime?

The Nazis increased control over what farmers grew, farming communities remained poor with many moving to cities, and banks became reluctant to lend money due to the Reich Entailed Farm Law.

What was the initial state of unemployment in Germany when Hitler came to power?

Around six million Germans were unemployed by 1932 due to the Great Depression, with five million still unemployed when Hitler became Chancellor in 1933.

Why was reducing unemployment a key focus for the Nazi Party?

Reducing unemployment was a key focus for the Nazi Party because unemployed workers could support left-wing groups like the KPD and were not contributing to society or the economy.

What were some key policies introduced by the Nazis to reduce unemployment?

The National Labour Service (RAD) provided paid work on public projects, the Autobahn project created many construction jobs, and other public works (roads, bridges, sports facilities) were heavily financed.

How did Dr. Schacht's 'New Plan' address unemployment and economic recovery?

Under Dr. Hjalmar Schacht, the New Plan (1934) involved cutting welfare spending, investing in industry, and creating trade deals, which helped recover the economy and reduce unemployment by 1936.

How did rearmament contribute to reducing unemployment in Nazi Germany?

Hitler ignored the Treaty of Versailles by announcing conscription in 1935, increasing the army to 1.4 million men by 1939, and significantly boosting spending on armaments, which created numerous jobs.

How did the Nazis 'hide' the true level of unemployment through 'invisible unemployment'?

They excluded women, Jewish people, and conscripted men from official figures, and did not count part-time workers or those in compulsory labor schemes (like RAD) as unemployed.

What were the Nazi expectations for women's roles in the Third Reich?

The Nazis believed women's lives revolved around the 'three Ks' (Kinder, Kirche, Küche - children, church, cooking) and their mission was to be beautiful and raise children.

What were the main aims of Nazi policies concerning women?

To reverse the changes to women's roles brought by the Weimar Republic and to increase the birth rate, which had fallen significantly by 1933.

Who led Nazi policies for women, and what organization oversaw all women-related groups?

Gertrud Scholtz-Klink was the leader of the National Socialist Women's League. The German Women’s Enterprise (DFW) oversaw all women-related organizations, banning those that did not join.

Describe the "Law for the Encouragement of Marriage" (1933) and its incentives for women.

This law offered loans of 1,000 marks (equivalent to eight months’ wages) to women who married and left their jobs or remained unemployed. Each child removed a quarter of the loan, with mothers of four children having the entire loan canceled.

What was the "Lebensborn Programme" introduced in 1935?

Started by SS leader Heinrich Himmler, this program paired SS men with single women of 'Aryan' ancestry to create 'genetically pure' children, providing special homes for women after birth.

How did the 1938 divorce laws impact women in Nazi Germany?

Husbands could legally divorce their wives for failing or refusing to have children, or for having abortions.

What were the "Mother's Cross Awards" (1938), and what were the associated honors?

Awards presented on Mother's Day to women with four or more children. Gold medal recipients received a public salute from the Hitler Youth, and families with ten children had Hitler named as the godfather of the tenth child.

What was the Nazi stance on women's employment, and how was it enforced?

The Nazis prioritized women staying at home to care for the family and introduced laws to reduce the number of women in the workforce.

Were Nazi policies towards women initially successful before WWII?

Yes, the number of marriages increased from 500,000 in 1932 to 750,000 by 1934, and the birth rate gradually increased from 15 per 1000 in 1933 to 20 per 1000 in 1939, showing some initial success.

How did the build-up to and during WWII affect Nazi policies towards women?

Germany faced a national shortage of workers by 1937, leading to women fulfilling factory jobs and working in non-combat roles in the Wehrmacht. However, women's employment rates by 1939 did not reach 1930 levels, indicating a shift from the initial 'stay-at-home' ideal due to war demands.

What were the core Nazi beliefs regarding the young people of Germany?

Hitler and the Nazis wanted to create a Third Reich that would last a thousand years. They believed that adults were harder to influence due to mixed opinions, so controlling the youth and future generations was crucial to ensure continuous public support for the Nazi Party.

What were the key Nazi beliefs about the young?

The Nazis aimed for the young to be: 1. Completely loyal to Hitler and the Nazi Party. 2. Strong and healthy, both physically and mentally. 3. Proud to be German. 4. Willing to sacrifice their lives for Germany. 5. Trained for their designated gender roles (boys as future soldiers and workers, girls as mothers and homemakers).

How did the Nazis increase membership in their youth groups?

Membership in Nazi youth groups was increased through: 1. Taking an oath of allegiance to Hitler for new members. 2. Making membership compulsory from 1936. 3. Closing down all other youth organizations. 4. Running youth groups on a voluntary basis until 1939.

List the different types of Nazi Youth Groups by age and gender.

There were separate youth groups based on age and gender: 1. Ages 6-10 (Male): Pimpfe. 2. Ages 10-14 (Male): German Young People. 3. Ages 10-14 (Female): Young Maidens. 4. Ages 14-18 (Male): Hitler Youth. 5. Ages 14-18 (Female): League of German Maidens.

Describe the structure and training of the Hitler Youth.

Baldur von Schirach was the leader of the Hitler Youth. Boys could join at age 14, and at 18, they became members of the Nazi Party, entering work or the armed forces. Training focused on: 1. Sport and Camping: Developing a healthy body. 2. Military Training: Including map reading, signals, and rifle shooting. 3. Political Indoctrination: Teaching Nazi ideology. 4. Social Activities: Such as group evenings, singing, and telling stories.

What was the League of German Maidens (BDM), and what was its focus?

The League of German Maidens (BDM) was the female equivalent of the Hitler Youth. Its primary focus was training girls to be good wives and mothers, with activities centered around the 'three Ks' (Kinder, Kirche, Küche - children, church, cooking). They also engaged in camping and sports to ensure girls were healthy.

What was the purpose of the 'Faith and Beauty Society'?

The 'Faith and Beauty Society' was a sub-group created in 1938 for BDM members aged 17-21. It provided further education to ensure women retained Nazi teachings after leaving the BDM at 18, preparing them to eventually join the National Socialist Women's League.

How popular were the Nazi youth groups?

Although membership reached nine million by 1939, it did not mean that all members enjoyed being in a Nazi youth group, with many showing reluctance or dislike.

Who was responsible for education reform in Nazi Germany, and what changes were made to teachers?

Bernhard Rust, the Education Minister appointed in 1934, made several changes, including sacking disloyal teachers, making party membership compulsory, and requiring an oath of loyalty to Hitler.

What were the daily responsibilities of teachers in Nazi schools?

Teachers were required to teach the Nazi salute, begin and end each lesson with 'Heil Hitler', and display Nazi posters, flags, and pictures of Hitler in classrooms.

How was the school curriculum structured under Nazi rule, and what was its purpose?

Boys and girls were educated separately. The curriculum was controlled by the Nazis to influence children's beliefs, with all textbooks requiring approval after 1935 and containing pictures of Hitler.

What specific texts and historical narratives were emphasized in Nazi school curriculum?

Mein Kampf became a compulsory text, and historical events like the First World War were reworded to blame Jewish people and the November Criminals.

What were 'Napolas' in Nazi Germany?

Napolas were schools for the most 'gifted' and racially pure children, where SS members replaced traditional teachers. The emphasis was on sport and physical training, and students were prepared to join the SS or police services.