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Nazi Economic Policies (BBC) - Coggle Diagram
Nazi Economic Policies (BBC)
Economic Policies
page 2
The Nazis tried to make Germany self sufficient - that is to produce all the goods it needed without having to rely on imported supplies. They called this policy "Autarky".
The Nazis implemented a major programme of public works, such as building a repairing roads, railways and houses.
This significantly helped reduce unemployment, as did large-scale military rearmament.
With Germany building up its armed forces, thousands of jobs in the iron, steel, aviation and shipbuilding industries were created.
The Nazis took control of workers' lives in a number of ways:
The German Labour Front was established in 1933 and operated as a trade union for its members, although it was controlled by the Nazi Party. Striking was banned.
The German Labour Service set up in 1935 made it compulsory for young men to be employed in public works schemes for 6 month stints.
The Strength Through Joy movement provided Nazi approved leisure activities and holidays for loyal workers
Militarism
page 3
The Nazis were determined that Germany be a militarist state, whereby the country was prepared for war at any time. For this to become a reality, the Nazis launched an ambitious rearmament programme. They also relied on the education system to prepare young men for military service, both physically and mentally.
The Hitler Youth developed survival skills and physical strength. It also taught boys military skills which they would perfect when they entered the army.
Rearmament involved increasing the amount of weapons for the army, air force and navy as well as stockpiles of munitions. German businesses received huge orders for tanks, aeroplanes and ships, as well as guns, bombs and bullets.
The size of the army was increased from 100,000 men to 1,400,000. Men under 25 had to carry out at least 2 years of military service.
Conscription was introduced in 1935 and as a result most young men were drafted into the army.
From 1936 to 1939, Hitler's armed forces helped fascist leased Franco to victory in the Spanish Civil War. This provided the Nazis with an opportunity to train men and test equipment and tactics.
Youth movements and education
page 4
The Nazis tried to brainwash the German population into believing in the Nazi way of life. They believed that the best way to do this was by changing the minds of the young.
Education
This was controlled by the state and aimed at developing young adults who believed fully in Nazi ideals.
Teachers and university lecturers had to join the National Socialist Teachers' League, which would question their suitability to teach. They were forced to teach a very specific curriculum.
Anti-Nazi and Jewish teachers were sacked.
School subjects were given a pro-Nazi bias.
History was taught to glorify Germany.
Biology taught that pure Germans were superior.
Textbooks were rewritten to emphasise militarism, as well as Nazi political and racial beliefs.
Regular physical exercise was a key part of the school day for boys and girls.
Girls attended classes that taught them how to be good mothers and wives.
Specialist schools (Napolas) were set up for those destined to become future leaders of Nazi Germany.
Youth Groups
Boys were encouraged to join youth groups which progressed to the Hitler Youth. It taught survival techniques, military skills and the importance of physical fitness.
Girls were encouraged to join youth groups which progressed to the League of German Maidens. It taught the importance of motherhood and how to be a good wife. Women were expected to have large families and would earn rewards based upon how many children they had.
Expectations of women
page 5
Hitler had very clear ideas about the role of women in the Nazi state. They were the centre of family life, as housewives and mothers.
Female doctors, teachers and civil servants were forced to give up their careers. Even at the end of the war, women were never asked to serve in the armed forces.
Their job was to keep the home nice for their husband and family.
Hitler wanted Germany to have a high birth rate, so the population would grow. The Nazis even considered making it law that families should have at least four children.
The Law for the Encouragement of Marriage gave newly-wed couples a loan of 1,000 marks, and allowed them to keep 250 marks for each child they had. Mothers who had more than eight children were given a gold medal.
Women were supposed to copy traditional German peasant dress - plain peasant costumes, hair in plaits or buns and flat shoes. They were expected not to wear make-up or trousers, dye their hair or smoke in public.
Nuremberg Rallies
page 6
They started in 1923 on a small scale, but from 1933, Nazi rallies were held annually at purpose-built grounds in Nuremberg.
These military gatherings would involve hundreds of thousands of Nazis, including members of the Party, armed forces and youth groups.
The rallies can be seen as propaganda aimed to show German people and those abroad that their country was powerful, ordered, and under the complete control of the Nazis.
Features of the Nuremberg Rallies included:
Nazis in immaculate military dress
marches by soldiers with flags, accompanied by drums
torchlight processions
speeches by Hitler and other leading Nazis