NAZI ECONOMY

Question 1

WHAT were some initial aims for the Nazi economic policy?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

WHO was Economic Minister under the Nazis?

Answer 2

Hjalmar Schact

Question 3

WHAT were autobahns?

Answer 3

Roads built by the Nazis

Question 4

HOW did the Nazis use autobahns as propaganda?

Answer 4

• 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

Question 5

WHAT was the reality of the autobahns?

Answer 5

It employed relatively few (only 125,000 at its peak) and the autobahns were underused as few Germans owned cars

Question 6

WHEN was the Reich Labour Service established?

Answer 6

1935

Question 7

WHAT was the Reich Labour Service?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

WHAT was the ‘battle for work’?

Answer 8

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

Question 9

WHEN was military conscription introduced?

Answer 9

1935

Question 10

WHEN was the ‘New Plan’?

Answer 10

1934

Question 11

WHAT was the ‘New Plan’?

Answer 11

• Placed controls on imports and access to foreign currency
• Initiated trade agreements, supplying Germany with food/raw materials. Germany paid in Reichsmarks, meaning countries could only use the money on German goods

Question 12

WHAT were Mefo Bills?

Answer 12

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

Question 13

WHY were Mefo Bills successful?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

WHEN was the Four Year Plan introduced?

Answer 14

1936

Question 15

WHAT was the Four Year Plan?

Answer 15

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

Question 16

HOW was the Four Year Plan used?

Answer 16

• 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

Question 17

WHAT does autarky mean?

Answer 17

Self sufficiency

Question 18

HOW was the idea of autarky used as propaganda?

Answer 18

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

Question 19

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

Answer 19

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

Question 20

To WHAT extent was the Four Year Plan a success?

Answer 20

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

Question 21

In WHICH ways did living standards decline under the Nazis?

Answer 21

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

Question 22

WHAT is the estimate for hidden unemployment figures?

Answer 22

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

Question 23

In WHICH ways did living standards improve under the Nazis?

Answer 23

• 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