Employment

• How many Germans were unemployed when Hitler became chancellor in January 1933?

  About 5 million Germans
• Why was tackling unemployment a priority for Hitler when he became chancellor?

  Because about 25% of the workforce was unemployed
• What measures did the Nazis introduce to reduce unemployment by 1939?

  • Established the National Labour Service (RAD) in 1933
  • Planned a 7,000 mile autobahn network
  • Created jobs in the construction industry
  • Increased military conscription and weapon production
• What was the purpose of the National Labour Service (RAD) established in 1933?

  To provide paid work for the unemployed
• Why was the National Labour Service (RAD) unpopular among workers?

  Due to its levels of discipline, poor working conditions, and low rates of pay
• From what year was service in the RAD made compulsory for all young men?

  1935
• How many men were employed in the autobahn project by 1935?

  125,000 men
• How much did the Nazis spend on public works by 1938?

  38 billion marks a year
• How many men were conscripted into the army by 1939?

  1. 36 million men
• What was one of the roles of the 72,000 people employed by the Nazis by 1935?

  Making aircraft
• What are some claims made by historians regarding Nazi unemployment figures?

  • Unemployed women and Jews were excluded from figures (invisible unemployment)
  • Part-time workers were counted as fully employed
  • Many people were in concentration camps, freeing up jobs
• What does 'invisible unemployment' refer to in the context of Nazi Germany?

  It refers to unemployed women and Jews not being counted in unemployment figures
• How did the Nazis manipulate unemployment figures?

  By excluding certain groups and counting part-time jobs as full-time
• What was one consequence of many people being in concentration camps regarding employment?

  It freed up jobs for other people