Nazi During The War Flashcards
(10 cards)
What was the impact of Allied bombing on German cities during the war?
From 1942, cities like Hamburg (1943) and Dresden (1945) were heavily bombed, killing tens of thousands. The 1943 Hamburg raids killed approx. 40,000 civilians and left 1 million homeless.
When was rationing introduced and what did it include?
Rationing began in 1939, covering items like bread, meat, soap, and clothing. By 1942, rations were cut drastically — Germans had to survive on two meat meals a week.
What did Goebbels declare in 1943 and why was it significant?
In February 1943, Goebbels announced “Total War” — all German resources (factories, labour, propaganda) were directed at winning the war. Non-essential businesses were closed, and all efforts were militarised.
How did women’s roles change during the war?
By 1943, labour shortages forced the Nazis to recruit women into war industries. Over 500,000 women entered the workforce, contradicting the earlier Nazi ideal of women staying at home (Kinder, Küche, Kirche).
What were the Einsatzgruppen and what did they do?
These were SS killing squads that followed the German army into Eastern Europe. By the end of 1941, they had murdered over 500,000 Jews, mostly by mass shootings.
What was decided at the Wannsee Conference in 1942?
The Nazis formalised the “Final Solution” — a plan to exterminate all Jews in Europe. This led to the construction of death camps like Auschwitz, where over 1.1 million Jews were killed.
What was life like in Jewish ghettos during the war?
Jews were confined to ghettos like the Warsaw Ghetto (est. 1940). Over 400,000 Jews were crammed into 1.3 square miles. Many died from starvation, disease, and overwork.
Who were the Edelweiss Pirates and what did they do?
Youth opposition group who rejected Nazi values, helped army deserters, and sometimes attacked Hitler Youth patrols. In 1944, members in Cologne assassinated a Gestapo officer and were publicly hanged.
What did Bishop von Galen protest against during the war?
In 1941, he delivered sermons criticising Nazi euthanasia (T4 Programme), which involved killing disabled people. His popularity forced the Nazis to temporarily halt the programme.
What happened in the July Bomb Plot of 1944?
Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg planted a bomb at Hitler’s HQ. It exploded but failed to kill Hitler. Over 5,000 people were executed in retaliation. It was the most serious military attempt to overthrow Hitler.
