Conscription

Question 1

When was conscription introduced in Nazi Germany?

Answer 1

1935, in violation of the Treaty of Versailles.

Question 2

How did conscription violate the Treaty of Versailles?

Answer 2

The Treaty limited the German army to 100,000 men and banned conscription — Hitler reintroduced it to expand the military.

Question 3

What were the main aims of reintroducing conscription?

Answer 3

Build a strong military force for future war.
Instil discipline and loyalty in German men.
Reduce unemployment.
Promote Nazi ideology and militarism.

Question 4

How did conscription affect unemployment figures?

Answer 4

It significantly reduced unemployment, removing hundreds of thousands of young men from the civilian labour market.

Question 5

How did conscription affect the size of the Wehrmacht?

Answer 5

By 1939, the army had grown to over 1.4 million men, reflecting the Nazis’ rapid militarisation.

Question 6

How did conscription support Nazi ideology?

Answer 6

It helped foster obedience, nationalism, militarism, and created a generation loyal to the Nazi state.

Question 7

How did other countries respond to German conscription in 1935?

Answer 7

Britain and France protested but took no direct action, following a policy of appeasement.

Question 8

How was conscription connected to Nazi rearmament?

Answer 8

It was a key part of the wider Four-Year Plan and Hitler’s goal of preparing Germany for war.