Chapter 22 (NOT FINAL) Flashcards
When was the Four Year Plan launched?
1936
When did Hitler order the entire German economy to be converted onto a war footing?
September 1939
What did the German army suffer from in 1939-41?
Supply and equipment shortages.
Why was the German economy not sufficiently prepared to supply the German army when war broke out in September 1939?
Hitler had not planned for war to start until 1941.
What was a major factor in the Germany’s struggling wartime economy?
The mismanagement by Hermann Goering of the Four Year Plan since 1936.
What position did Albert Speer hold?
He was Armaments Minister from 1942
How did Albert Speer describe Goering’s managing of the economy?
“era of incompetence”
How did Speer improve the production of armaments as Armaments Minister?
- Central coordination of the allocation of labour, equipment, and materials.
- Narrowed the range of products produced.
- Introduced mass production techniques.
- 24 hour working day.
How much did German aircraft production rise between 1941 and 1943 under Speer’s direction?
200%
How much did tank production increase between 1941 and 1943?
250%
What caused a loss of 35% of tanks between 1943-44?
Allied bombing destroying factories and supply lines.
What was the problem for the labour force during the war?
Men were conscripted into the army just at the time production needed to increase.
What happened to non-essential small businesses in January 1943?
Hitler ordered them to be closed and their workers transferred to more essential work.
When did Hitler agree to the use of Russian prisoners as slave labour to make up for shortages?
October 1941
How were prisoners of war and concentration camp inmates used during the war?
As slave labour on starvation rations.
