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The Nazi Economy

The Nazi Economy. Aims:. Identify the methods used by the Nazis to reduce unemployment in Germany by 1939. The German Economy. When Hitler came to power in 1933, 6 million Germans were out of work – 25.9% of the workforce.

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The Nazi Economy

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  1. The Nazi Economy

  2. Aims: • Identify the methods used by the Nazis to reduce unemployment in Germany by 1939.

  3. The German Economy • When Hitler came to power in 1933, 6 million Germans were out of work – 25.9% of the workforce. • One of the most popular Nazis election slogans was ‘Work and Bread’ and by 1939 only 400,000 German were unemployed – 0.5% of the workforce. • The Nazis had three main objectives for the German economy – create jobs, rearm, achieve Autarky (self sufficiency).

  4. Tackling Unemployment The National Labour Service (RAD) • All young men between 18-25 years had to join for six months. • They were given jobs in public works schemes e.g. building schools, hospitals and over 7000 km of motorways (autobahns). • They had to wear uniform, lived camps and were given a weekly sum of money.

  5. Tackling Unemployment Rearmament • In 1935 conscription was introduced – a direct breech of the Treaty of Versailles. • All 18-25 year olds had to join the armed forces for 2 years. • The army grew from 100,000 to 1.4 million by 1939. • Many more found jobs producing weapons and equipment.

  6. Tackling Unemployment Forced Out of Jobs • Many women and Jews were forced out of their jobs due to Nazi policies. • Those in concentration camps were no longer included in the unemployment figures. Autarky – Self Sufficiency • Scientists were ordered to produce substitutes so that Germany did not have to depend on other countries – this would be essential in a time of war. • Various substitutes e.g. petrol from coal were developed.

  7. Now complete question 2 from page 53 of your textbook

  8. German Labour Front • The Nazis banned trade unions very quickly after coming to power. • They were replaced by the German Labour Front which was run by Dr Robert Ley. • Its role was to protect the rights of workers and improve conditions. • This organisation allowed the Nazis to have strict control over German workers – no strikes were allowed, laws about minimum wages and maximum working hours were abolished and you needed Government permission to change jobs. • Yet by 1938 the average German was earning higher wages.

  9. Strength Through Joy (KDF) Aim • Examine how the Strength Through Joy Movement helped workers in Nazi Germany. • Dr Ley was also in charge of an organisation Strength Through Joy (Kraft Durch Freude - KDF). • The KDF provided activities for workers to do in their leisure time and rewarded those who worked hard. • If workers used their leisure time in a purposeful way they would not get involved in any activities to oppose the Nazis.

  10. Workers were given the opportunity to go on luxury holidays at bargain prices. The KDF had its own band and sponsored plays, musicals and operas so that ordinary Germans could afford to go. Free evening classes were offered to adults to learn new skills

  11. Over 7 million people took part in sports marches organised by the KDF The Volkswagen Swindle – the KDF started a savings scheme to help workers buy a car. However war broke out in 1939 and the factory producing the car was used to build weapons instead. No one got their money back.

  12. Strength Through Joy (KDF) • Copy the ‘Strength Through Joy’ symbol into your jotter in the middle of your page. • Create a spider diagram of the activities that workers would be offered. • You should include at least six examples of activities in your diagram.

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