Economic Changes

• What were the first priorities for the Nazis in 1933?

  Improve the economy and reduce unemployment
• How did the Nazis revive the economy from 1933 to 1936?

  By investing in public works and supporting businesses
• What were the main economic policies of the Nazis from 1933 to 1936?

  • Invested in public works programmes
  • Provided loans, subsidies, and tax relief
  • Controlled wages and prices
  • Managed imports and trade agreements
• What was the National Labour Service (RAD)?

  A compulsory service for men aged 18-25
• What were the working conditions like in the RAD?

  Low pay, long hours, and boring work
• Who was Hjalmar Schacht?

  President of the Reichsbank and Minister for Economy
• What were the aims of the Four-Year Plan (1936-40)?

  • Rearmament for military expansion
  • Achieve self-sufficiency in raw materials
  • Avoid problems faced in WWI
• What were the benefits of Nazi economic policies?

  Reduced unemployment and increased wages
• What were the drawbacks of Nazi economic policies?

  Food prices rose and working hours increased
• Why was the policy of autarky considered a failure?

  Germany depended on imports for one-third of materials
• What happened to the rationing system in Germany during the war?

  It was established in August 1939
• How did the war impact the availability of goods in Germany?

  Initially few shortages, but severe rationing later
• What was the impact of the Total War policy on German businesses?

  Non-war businesses were closed and repurposed
• What was the effect of bombing on German cities from 1942 to 1945?

  Over a million homes were destroyed
• How did the German population respond to the shortages during the war?

  They relied on the black market for essentials
• What were the impacts of the Second World War on German civilians?

  • Rationing of food and goods increased
  • Labour shortages led to forced labour
  • Extensive bombing caused destruction and homelessness