NAZI ECONOMY Flashcards

1
Q

WHAT were some initial aims for the Nazi economic policy?

A

Short term: economic recovery, and reduction of unemployment
Long term: economic autarky

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

WHO was Economic Minister under the Nazis?

A

Hjalmar Schact

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

WHAT were autobahns?

A

Roads built by the Nazis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

HOW did the Nazis use autobahns as propaganda?

A
  • Used photographs of their construction to show the extent of employment
  • They were a visible sign of economic revival and national renewal, achieved by the Nazis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

WHAT was the reality of the autobahns?

A
  • It employed relatively few (only 125,000 at its peak)
  • The autobahns were underused as few Germans owned cars
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

HOW many were employed for the creation of autobahns?

A

Only 125,000 at its peak

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

WHEN was the Reich Labour Service established?

A

1935

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

WHAT was the Reich Labour Service?

A

Nazi organisation which gave unemployed young men 6 months’ labour in farming or construction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

WHAT was the ‘battle for work’?

A

The Nazi plan to reduce unemployment, which included government spending on autobahns and public buildings and the stimulation of industrial production through loans/tax relief on private companies

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

WHEN was military conscription introduced?

A

1935

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

WHEN was the ‘New Plan’ introduced?

A

1934

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

WHAT was the ‘New Plan’?

A

Nazi economic scheme which placed controls on imports and access to foreign currency

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

HOW did the Nazis regulate foreign exchange under the ‘New Plan’?

A

Foreign exchange was only paid in Reichsmarks, meaning countries could only use the money on German goods

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

WHAT were Mefo Bills?

A

A Nazi scheme where the government paid for its military equipment using credit notes, which gained value if the companies kept them for 5 years before cashing them in

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

WHY were Mefo Bills successful?

A

They meant that the government didn’t need the funds to finance rearmament and also that it was kept a secret, not appearing in government accounts

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

WHEN was the Four Year Plan introduced?

A

1936

17
Q

WHAT was the Four Year Plan?

A

A Nazi scheme that aimed to make Germany ready for war in 4 years.

18
Q

HOW was the Four Year Plan used?

A
  • Controls were put on labour supply, prices, raw materials and foreign exchange in order to manage the economy
  • Private companies had production targets
  • State-owned industrial plants established
  • Research and investment into artificial products
19
Q

WHAT does autarky mean?

A

Self sufficiency

20
Q

HOW was the idea of autarky used as propaganda?

A
  • Linked to ideas of national pride and independence
  • Presented as a battle in which the whole community had to participate in
21
Q

WHAT is an example of how community was involved in the strive for autarky?

A

1937: there was a campaign to collect scrap metal to melt down for raw materials through the collection of pots/pans, fences, lampposts, etc.

22
Q

To WHAT extent was the Four Year Plan a success?

A

Despite massive investment, it didn’t meet its targets. By 1939, 1/3 of Germany’s raw materials were still imported

23
Q

In WHICH ways did living standards decline under the Nazis?

A
  • Longer hours and less pay for some workers
  • Labour shortages appearing in 1939
  • Rise in prices in 1930s, and shortages of key commodities
  • Rationing in 1930s
24
Q

WHAT is the estimate for hidden unemployment figures?

A

As high as 1.5 million by 1936, meaning there would be a total of 3 million unemployed

25
Q

In WHICH ways did living standards improve under the Nazis?

A
  • Official statistics show a dramatic reduction in unemployment
  • Rearmament boosted the economy (more jobs available)
  • For many, income increased 1933-39
  • Better standards in industry
  • Bonus schemes