Life for Workers in Nazi Germany

Flashcards covering key concepts about the life of workers in Nazi Germany.

How did Hitler initially address unemployment in Germany?

By appointing Schacht and implementing the New Plan, which included the RAD for young unemployed men.

What was the purpose of the National Labour Service (RAD)?

To provide work for unemployed young men on public projects like schools and motorways.

What significant change occurred in the German military by 1939?

The size of the army grew from 550,000 in 1935 to 1.4 million troops.

What was Goering's Four Year Plan primarily focused on?

Preparing Germany for war and increasing re-armament spending.

What does 'autarky' mean in the context of Nazi Germany?

Economic self-sufficiency aimed at reducing dependence on imports.

What were some of the shortcomings of Nazi policies on autarky?

Many ersatz products were of poor quality, and over 30% of raw materials were still imported by 1939.

What impact did the Nazi regime have on unemployment figures by 1939?

Unemployment decreased drastically from 6 million in 1933 to 300,000 by 1939.

Why did the Nazis seek to control German workers?

To prepare the country for war and eliminate support for left-wing groups.

What measures were taken by the Nazis to control workers and prevent strikes?

Banning Trade Unions, making strikes illegal, and requiring government permission to change jobs.

What was the role of the German Labour Front (DAF)?

It was a Nazi-controlled organization that replaced free trade unions and managed labor policies.

What was KDF (Strength Through Joy) designed to do?

It managed workers' leisure time and offered incentives like cheap entertainment and vacations.

What was the reality of the Volkswagen Beetle program for workers?

Workers could pay for it, but not one worker actually received a car.

What was 'Beauty of Labour' (SdA)?

A program to improve working conditions with better facilities for workers.

What year was the National Labour Service (RAD) established?

The RAD was established in 1935.

When was the Nazi regime's rearmament policy significantly ramped up with Goering's Four Year Plan?

Goering's Four Year Plan began in 1936.

In what year did the German army grow to 1.4 million troops?

By 1939, the German army had expanded to 1.4 million troops.

When did unemployment in Germany peak at 6 million before the Nazis took action?

Unemployment peaked at 6 million in 1933.

What year was the Volkswagen Beetle program launched?

The Volkswagen Beetle program was launched in 1938.

When did unemployment figures drop to 300,000 under Nazi policies?

Unemployment figures dropped to around 300,000 by 1939.

In what year did the Nazis ban Trade Unions and make strikes illegal?

Trade Unions were banned and strikes made illegal shortly after the Nazis came to power in 1933.

What year did the 'Beauty of Labour' (SdA) program begin?

The 'Beauty of Labour' program was initiated in 1934