Employment and Living Standards

• What was the level of unemployment in Germany by 1932?

  Six million
• What promise did Hitler make regarding unemployment?

  He promised to reduce and remove unemployment caused by the Great Depression
• What was one method used by the Nazis to keep unemployment figures low?

  They dismissed Jews from their jobs
• What was the Reich Labour Service?

  • A scheme for young men to perform manual labor
  • Compulsory for men aged 18-25 from 1935
  • Workers lived in camps, wore uniforms, and received low pay
  • Included military drill and work
• Who were excluded from the official unemployment figures?


  Jews, unmarried men under 25, women who married, and concentration camp opponents
• How much did Hitler spend on job creation schemes from 1933 to 1938?

  It rose from 18.4 billion marks to 37.1 billion marks
• What was the purpose of the massive road-building program initiated by the Nazis?

  To provide Germany with 7,000 kilometers of autobahns for military movement
• How many kilometers of autobahns had been built by 1938?

  Just over 3,000 kilometers
• What was the effect of rearmament on unemployment?

  It greatly reduced unemployment
• How many men were in the army by 1939?

  1,400,000
• What was the spending on rearmament in 1933 compared to 1939?

  It increased from 3.5 billion marks to 26 billion marks
• What were the main schemes introduced by the Nazis to improve workers' lives?


  • Strength through Joy (KdF): Leisure and cultural activities
  • Beauty of Labour: Improved working conditions
  • Volkswagen scheme: Opportunity to save for a car
• How many people took KdF holidays in 1938?

  More than 10 million
• What was the purpose of the Beauty of Labour program?

  To improve working conditions for workers
• What was the average weekly wage in 1938?

  109 marks
• What was the 'Eintopf' meal promoted by the Nazis?

  A one-pot dish comprising meat and vegetables
• What were the consequences of the Nazis' policies on women in the workforce?

  Women were denied employment opportunities and dismissed from jobs
• What happened to trade unions under the Nazi regime?

  They were banned and replaced by the German Labour Front
• What was the average working hours in industry by 1939?

  47 hours per week
• What was the Volkswagen scheme described as?

  A con trick where no cars were delivered by 1939
• How did the cost of living change during the 1930s in Germany?

  The cost of living increased, with basic groceries costing more in 1939 than in 1933
• What was the impact of government policy on agricultural production?

  It aimed to reduce agricultural production to keep prices up for farmers
• What was the average working hours in industry in 1933?

  42.9 hours per week
• What were the implications of the long working hours under the Nazi regime?


  Workers were expected to perform hard work and long hours