L1 - impact of WW2 on germany (morale)

prior to the outbreak of war, why did hitler experience high levels of popularity? (5)

• political stability and order

• economic growth

• successful foreign policy

• propaganda

• creation of a volksgemeinschaft

what things most notably negatively impacted the german people during ww2? (4)

• rationing

• demands of supporting the wartime economy

• bombing of german cities by the allies

• casualties in their armed forces

what was the general public mood at the start of WW2?

• reluctant loyalty rather than cheer and enthusiasm

• cooperated due to propaganda and pressure from german police state

  • hitler knew it would be crucial to maintain morale, should be central to domestic policy

what were the 3 key aims of nazi wartime policy when it came to german society?

• develop the resources needed to win the war

• continues to create a nazified state that would remain loyal to regime and war effort

• maintain public morale and support for the war

how did goebbels attempt to maintain morale of the german public during WW2?

• orchestrated a sophisticated propaganda campaign

• SD and gestapo closely monitored and reported upon levels of morale

• policy was adapted as response to changes in public mood

  • often criticised for lack of anticipation, belated efforts that should’ve already been in place hindered efficacy

for how long was morale positive after the end of the war?

morale was positive for the first 21 months of the war

why was morale positive from sept 1939 - june 1941?

• propaganda made people optimistic → believed end to war would be swift

• were yet to become war weary

• hitler broadcast speeches on radio to raise morale

• hitler myth was prolific and well supported → military genius responsible for quick blitzkreig victories

when did germany invade the ussr?

june 1941

when did germany declare war on the usa?

december 1941

how did the nazis present the invasion of the ussr? consequences?

• crusade against ‘jewish bolshevism’

• early successes left public feeling optimistic

• soviet success downplayed by nazi propaganda

how did the invasion of the ussr impact german morale?

• hopes of quick victory were over

• letters from home began to reveal the harsh winter, lack of supplies, low morale and soviet victories

  • began initial demand for war to come to an end as awoken to realities of war

• had initiated war on two fronts

• some were empowered by ideological victory against communism, pleased with regaining of land lost during TOV

example of occupancy of ussr awakening civilian population to the realities of war

goebbels broadcast an appeal for winter clothing for soldiers on eastern front

how was the defeat at stalingrad feb 1943 serve as crucial absolute turning point for morale?

• shocked public → hitler myth lost some of its potency

• increase in patriotism and willingness to support regime in total war

when and how did the allied bombing campaign beginning?

• march 1942

• RAF began bombing campaign on Lubeck

evidence for brutal destruction from allied bombing campaign

• march - july 1943: over 40 cities attacked

• july - august 1943: