How successful were the Nazis in rebuilding the German economy?

Learning objective – to be able to assess the effectiveness of the Nazis’ economic policy. I can describe some of the impact of the Nazi economic policy. Grade D I can explain the how successful the Nazis were in tackling the economic crisis. Grade B I can explain and assess the impact of the Nazis economic policy. Grade A

Starter – This cartoon was produced in 1934 by David Low Starter – This cartoon was produced in 1934 by David Low. What is the message of the cartoon?

How did the Nazis reduce unemployment? Reducing unemployment Huge building programme Increasing the armed forces Rearming Germany Putting all young men to work Removing Jews and women from the register

How did the Nazis control the workers? The Nazis feared high unemployment as unhappy workers were a great source of support for Communism. Also, Hitler wanted to show that life would be better under the Nazis rather than the Communists. The Nazis put measures in place to control the workers – The National Labour Service was set up in 1933. This provided manual work for workers. This became compulsory from 1935 as young men had to serve for six months in the RAD. Trade unions were banned and all workers had to join the German Labour Front [DAF] led by Robert Ley.

How did the German Labour Front control the workers? The German Labour Front was designed not only to control the workers but also win their support. This was done through two DAF led campaigns – Beauty of Labour which aimed to ensure good working conditions, such as good food, and implementing safety measures. Strength Through Joy which provided leisure activities for workers and their families.

How did rearmament help reduce unemployment? From 1936, rearmament became a central point in preparing for the war economy. This was crucial if the Nazis were to achieve their central aim of expanding their borders. Rearmament had a significant impact upon Germans in a number of ways – Government spending on rearmament increased from 3.5 billion marks in 1933 to 26 billion marks in 1939. Production of raw materials for war increased so Germany would be self-sufficient [policy known as autarky]. German army grew from 100,000 men in 1933 to almost 1 million in 1939. Demand from army equipment, such as uniforms soared.

How did rearmament impact upon the German people? Rearmament had a significant impact upon unemployment figures. These fell to half a million by 1939, largely due to the switching of the economy to a war footing. This also has significant support from the German people. Germans felt they had, by 1939, recovered from the humiliations inflected by the Treaty of Versailles and were now on equal terms with other nations.

What was the impact of the ‘People’s Car’? Hitler saw the Volkswagen as a symbol of prosperity – similar to the Ford Model T car in America during the 1920s. A third of the population owned a Volkswagen by 1940. However, the VW factories switched to war production in 1940 and no cars were made until 1946 limiting the project which had begun so well.

What are the arguments which support the idea that people’s lives improved under the Nazis? Unemployment fell from 6 million in 1933 to 0.5 million in 1939. Wages levels rose from 6% in 1934 to 30% in 1938. Spending power increased with sales compared with 1933 rising from 14% in 1934 to 45% in 1938. Car ownership trebled in the 1930s. Working conditions improved through the Strength Through Joy and Beauty of Labour Campaigns.

What are the arguments which challenge the idea that people’s lives improved under the Nazis? Unemployment figures were artificially low with the removal of Jews and other opponents, those on armed service and women from the records. Workers freedoms were reduced. For example, the average working week rose from 43 hours to 49 hours under the Nazis. Nazis economic policy was unsustainable as the government spent more than its income. Imports rose more than its exports – again spending more money than what was coming in. Any figures comparing economic progress since 1933 were really a return to normal because living standards were so low during the Great Depression. Rising prices cancelled out rising wages.

Task Stick a copy of this visual representation of the living conditions under the Nazis into your exercise book. Beside each image write how it can contribute to answering the central question – ‘Did life get better for Germans under the Nazis?’

Task Complete the continuum worksheet. Remember you should – Think carefully about the extent of the impact of each event card. Add your own knowledge to each event card to improve its explanation.

Plenary – a touch of Scrabble What are the three key words from this lesson that sums up your learning? Which word has the highest value if you used in a game of Scrabble? Compare with the person next to you. Which word has the highest value?