7. Social Policies: The Workforce

Question 1

7 ways in which Hitler controlled the workforce

Answer 1

Reich Labour Service (RAD)
Public Work Scheme
Rearmament and conscription
German Labour Front (DAF)
Strength Through Joy (KDF)
Volkswagen Scheme
The Beauty of Labour (SDA)

Question 2

Reich Labour Service (RAD)

Answer 2

Provided short term employment for unemployed men
Unemployed 18-25-year-old men given manual labour for 6 months
Men paid very low wages and discipline was strict

Question 3

When did the Reich Labour Service become compulsory?

Answer 3

1935

Question 4

Public Work Schemes

Answer 4

Government funded schemes to provide jobs
Responsible for building autobahns
Other public works included building brides, coastal walks and sports facilities

Question 5

Size of Public Work Schemes by 1935

Answer 5

By 1935, 125,000 men employed and 500km of autobahns finished

Question 6

When was conscription introduced?

Answer 6

1935

Question 7

Impact of conscription

Answer 7

Army grew from 100,000 in 1933 to 1.4 million in 1939

Question 8

German Labour Front (DAF) (4)

Answer 8

Trade Unions banned and replaced with DAF
Strikes banned and wages set by the DAF
Membership required to be part of the DAF
Workers given relatively high wages, job security and social/leisure programs to ensure they didn’t challenge the regime

Question 9

Strength Through Joy (KDF)

Answer 9

Organised leisure activities as a reward for hard work
Included sport events, foreign travel and cultural activities

Question 10

Volkswagen Scheme

Answer 10

People would give 5 marks a week to the Nazis in hopes of eventually receiving a new Volkswagen
By 1939, no one received a Volkswagen and no money was refunded

Question 11

The Beauty of Labour (SDA)

Answer 11

Aimed to improve work conditions by providing canteens, toilets, showers and sports facilities