Hitler’s Nazi Germany: Aims and Results of Policies (copy)

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to Hitler’s policies and their socio-economic impacts in Nazi Germany.

Wehrwirtschaft

A term that refers to a war economy, characterized by autarky and a managed cartel-based economy. Focused on rearmament, had close connections between industrialists and Nazi government such as Krupp being associated with arms and steel and I.G. Farben being associated with chemicals. 70% of farmland was “monopolized” by 1937. Historian Bracher says that theres no consistent economic or social theory and Hitler responded that the decisive factor is performance, leading to debates on whether Germany should prioritize security of quality of life (Guns vs. Butter)

Autarky

An economic policy aimed at self-sufficiency, reducing dependency on foreign imports.

Reich Labor Service

A labor service implemented by the Nazi regime to provide work for unemployed citizens.

Nazi-Soviet Pact

A treaty signed in 1939 between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, allowing for mutual cooperation and division of territories.

Four Year Plan

A series of economic measures introduced by Hermann Goering in 1936 aimed at preparing Germany for war. Goering pushed military autarky by forcing factories to produce synthetic material so they can’t trade them and they had to work with chemicals, synthetic fuels, or steelworks using German ore. Also heavy machinery was used, Goering regulated foreign exchange, labor, resource distribution/prices, and nationalized failing corporations. As a result, Germany missed targets as by 1939, they still had 1/3 of resources and most historians think that Germany is not fully prepared for war in 1939.

Lebensborn

A program initiated by the Nazis to encourage Aryan women to bear children for the state.

Final Solution

Nazi Germany's plan for the systematic extermination of the Jewish people during the Holocaust.

Nuremberg Laws

Racial laws implemented in 1935 that prohibited marriage between Aryans and non-Aryans.

Kristallnacht

A coordinated attack on Jewish people and property in Germany on November 9-10, 1938, often referred to as the 'Night of Broken Glass'. German diplomat assassinated by Jewish refugee in Paris. Goebbels allowed retaliation. SA, civillians attacked Jews. 91 dead, 20k sent to camps, many arrested or forced to emigrate, and 700 businesses destroyed and Jews were forced to pay for damages.

Confessional Church

A Protestant church that opposed the Nazi regime and sought to maintain the independence of the church from state control. They were formed by Matin Niemoller when he created the Pastors’ Emergency League. While they were permitted by Hitler, they were still harassed by the government and the Reich Church, and were eventually abolished.

Strength through Joy

A propaganda program aimed at promoting Nazi ideology through leisure and culture, targeting the working class.

Volksgemeinschaft

The 'People's Community' concept used by the Nazis to promote national unity based on race.

German Labor Front (DAF)

A state-controlled labor organization established by the Nazis to replace trade unions and wanted no strikes

Euthanasia program

A systematic killing program initiated by the Nazis targeting individuals with disabilities or genetic disorders.

Volksgenossen

A term used by the Nazis to refer to 'racially pure' German citizens.

Blut und Boden

A phrase meaning 'Blood and Soil,' emphasizing the connection between the German people and their land.