5. Germany and the occupied territories during WW2 Flashcards
What role were women encouraged to play in Nazi Germany at the start of the war
- At the start of the war, Nazi ideology continued to promote traditional values, with women expected to focus on their duties as wives and mothers.
What rewards were offered to women who had large families
- Women who had four or more children were rewarded with medals such as the Mother’s Cross.
Why did the Nazi regime begin to mobilise women
- The refusal to fully mobilise women for work meant that Germany lagged behind other wartime economies, such as Britain and the Soviet Union
- However, from around 1943 onwards, as the war situation worsened the regime had little choice but to expand the female workforce.
In what ways did women contribute to the war effort from 1943 onwards
- Women played an essential role in maintaining production, particularly in munitions factories and food production.
- They also filled roles in government offices, postal services, and public transport.
- In rural areas, women farmed, ensuring that food production
How far did the war change the role of women in Nazi Germany
The Nazis continued promotion of traditional gender roles limited the recognition and extent of change. As a result, while women’s roles expanded out of necessity, the long-term impact was constrained by Nazi ideology.
What types of bombing strategies did the allies use against Germany
- From 1940 onwards, Britain and later the United States carried out sustained bombing campaigns against Germany.
- Early raids targeted military and industrial sites, but by 1942, the strategy shifted to area bombing, aimed at destroying entire cities
Which German cities were most heavily affected by bombing
- Major attacks included the bombing of Hamburg (1943), which killed around 40,000 people, and Dresden (1945), where around 25,000 died.
- Cities like Berlin, Cologne, and Munich suffered repeated attacks.
How did the allied bombing disrupt Germanys war economy
- Allied bombing had a devastating physical and psychological impact on Germany.
- Industrial production was severely disrupted, transport links were destroyed, and millions of civilians were left homeless. - The destruction of factories and infrastructure undermined the Nazi war economy, especially from 1943 onward
What psychological effects did bombing have on the German civilian population
- Constant air raids forced families into shelters, created widespread fear and exhaustion, and caused the deaths of around 400,000 Germans.
- Morale dropped, and maintaining daily life became increasingly difficult.
- Despite this, the Nazi regime maintained tight control through propaganda and repression,
Why did allied bombing fail to cause the collapse of the Nazi regime
The Nazis maintained control through fear, censorship, and propaganda. So while bombing weakened Germany significantly, it did not break the regime, meaning its impact was severe but not decisive.
Who were the White Rose and what did they do
- The White Rose was formed by students at the University of Munich,
- They distributed anti-Nazi leaflets in 1942–43, calling for passive resistance and exposing the regime’s atrocities, especially on the Eastern Front.
- They were arrested by the Gestapo and executed in 1943.
What actions did the Edelweiss Pirates take against the Nazis
- The Edelweiss Pirates were working-class youths in cities like Cologne who rejected Nazi values.
- They resisted by avoiding the Hitler Youth, listening to banned music and sometimes attacking Nazi officials.
- Several were publicly hanged as a warning to others
Why did some young people choose to resist the Nazi regime
- These groups showed that not all Germans accepted Nazi ideology. They challenged the regime’s total control, especially over youth culture.
- Showed educated Germans could see through Nazi propaganda and act on conscience.
How did the Gestapo deal with the resistance group during the war
The Gestapo dealt with them quickly and brutally, using imprisonment, torture, and executions to stamp out dissent
Why was opposition to the Nazis during the war limited in effectiveness
- The regime’s surveillance, propaganda, and use of terror kept most Germans passive or fearful.
- As a result, while these groups exposed cracks in Nazi control, their overall impact on the regime was minimal.
Who was Claus von Stauffenberg and what was his role in the July 1944 bomb plot
- Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg was a senior army officer who had become disillusioned with Nazi leadership
- On 20 July 1944, Stauffenberg planted a bomb in Hitler’s military headquarters in East Prussia. The bomb exploded, but Hitler survived with only minor injuries.
What was Operation Valkyrie and what did the conspirators hope to achieve
- Operation Valkyrie, was the most serious attempt to overthrow Hitler during the war
- The conspirators hoped to seize control of the government and negotiate peace with the Allies.
Why did some army officers want to remove Hitler in 1944
- Some officers believed that removing Hitler could save Germany from total destruction. It was a rare and organised example of high-level resistance.
What were the consequences of the failure of the bomb plot
- Hitler became more paranoid and increased repression across the country.
- The Gestapo launched mass arrests, and many in the military were purged. The regime used the event to justify even harsher crackdowns on dissent
How significant was the July Bomb Plot as a threat to Nazi control
- The July Bomb Plot was the most significant internal threat to Hitler’s rule, but its failure only strengthened his position. It demonstrated that opposition existed
- it led to greater repression. Its symbolic importance was high, but its practical impact was limited.
What items were rationed in Germany during WWII
- Each citizen was issued a ration card that allowed them a limited amount of key goods, such as bread, meat, butter, and milk.
How did rationing change between 1939-45
- Although the Nazis initially managed to maintain a basic level of provision, conditions worsened after 1942.
- Luxury goods disappeared, and many Germans turned to the black market to obtain additional food and goods.
- Queuing for hours and surviving on poor diets became common.
How did rationing affect women’s role in the home and workplace
- Women, in particular, bore the burden of managing limited household resources, often while also working and raising children alone.
- Frustration with shortages and declining living standards grew, especially as people saw the contrast between their suffering and the privileges enjoyed by Nazi officials and the military elite.
What impact did rationing have on public morale and support for the war
. It caused hardship, especially from 1942 onwards, and contributed to growing war weariness and declining morale.
- However, it did not lead to open rebellion or widespread resistance, as fear, propaganda, and loyalty to the war effort kept most people compliant.
- Its practical effects were serious, but its political impact was limited.
