Creating a command economy, 1936-39 Flashcards
Who was in charge of ‘The Second Four Year Plan’?
Hermann Goering
What is a command economy?
An economy where the state decides what and how much to produce (rather than business or agriculture).
Why did Germany initiate the Second 4YP?
Because it had high foreign debts due to raw-material imports for rearmament and work creation.
What were the 2 main economic aims of the second 4YP?
Rearmament and autarky
Give examples of ersatz products:
Buna (replaced rubber) and synthetic fuel.
Why was producing synthetic fuel costly?
Because 6 tonnes of coal were required to make 1 tonne of synthetic fuel, which was essential for military transport, and was therefore prioritised.
How did the Nazis deal with the “Guns or Butter” debate?
They tried to ‘re-educate’ people to consume less, especially meat and fat. Propaganda aimed at changing their eating habits, consuming less was seen as patriotic.
Who did the Nazis lose the support of as a result of the shift to a command economy?
Big industrialists and manufacturers
Why had Germany failed to meet most of its targets for autarky?
The targets were unrealistic
What percentage of agricultural needs were being imported in 1934 in comparison to 1939?
1934 = 20%
1939 = still 17%
Which areas never reached satisfactory levels?
Oil, buna, arms production.
How prepared was Germany for war in 1939?
Not fully mobilised but better prepared than Britain and France.
How successful had propaganda been in encouraging people to eat fish and jam instead of other foods?
Slightly less successful than they had hoped.
What happened to jam consumption throughout this period?
It trebled
Which key materials had been successfully produced?
Aluminium and explosives
