impact on Germany in the early war years (1939 to 1942)

• Despite successes in the actual war, the impact on Germany in the early war years (1939 to 1942) was felt by most. 
• . A war economy was announced at the end of 1939 but was not successful until the appointment of Albert Speer in February 1942. He focused factories on a single product. Encouraged the employment of women and used concentration camp prisoners as workers. 
• Serious shortages were widespread. Rationing was introduced and supply was controlled. People were issued points depending on their age and occupation. Jews were given much lower allocation. 
• Women were never conscripted but lots of women did take up employment. From 1939 to 1941 this rose from 760,000 to 1.5 million. This was still a very small percentage of the population though. 
• The RAF began bombing Germany in 1940. Raids could be 3 or 4 times per week. A voluntary evacuation for German children in cities began.