Factors: Germany - Section C Flashcards
‘The German urban working class has grown steadily in importance and prosperity throughout the years 1871-1990’. How far do you agree?
-Bismarck:
2/3 of the population lived in towns
Unemployment only went above 3% in 1 year between 1900-1914
Average wage increased by 25% between 1895 and 1913
Under Chancellor Caprivi in 1891, Sunday work was prohibited and children under 13 couldn’t work and women didn’t have to work more than 11 hours a week
30% of all family households were living in destitution and abject misery
-Weimar:
New Weimar constitution guaranteed employees equal rights with employers when determining working conditions and guaranteed the 8 hour working day
From 1910-1940, population of large urban areas ONLY grew by 36%
Working conditions were generally good
Real wages increased by 9% in 1927 and 12% in 1928
2 million new house built to alleviate overcrowding
-Nazi:
Urban workers benefitted from schemes like the RAD and rearmament programmes, this was at the expense of their rights
The Nazis banned trade unions and their ability to strike
Working class grew by 10% from 1929-1938 as the Nazis prepared the country for war
The working class would be sent to go and fight in the war
-West Germany:
From 1945-1990 the working population in rural communities from from 23.1% to 8.3% by 1970 due to rapid urbanisation
West Germany’s population grew to 61.7 million from 1950-1980, of which 74% lived in urban areas, compared to East Germany the figure was just 57%
The introduction of Guest workers changed Germany’s working class from the 1950s, 1.2 million of them by 1966
The guest workers often had the lowest paid jobs and the fewest rights
In total, 14 million guest workers were employed and the programmed ended in 1973
‘The position of German artisans improved in the years 1871-1990.’ How far do you agree?
-Bismarck:
Rapid industrialisation seriously affected the Mittelstand since factories could mass produce goods far more cheaply
From 1882-85 one-man artisan businesses declined by 13.5% and suffered even more decline from 1897-1907
Mittelstand formed an angry section of society who felt unsupported by political elites
Lacked a political party which represented their views
-Weimar:
The Mittlestand threw their support behind the Nazi party during the early 1920s
The Nazis were anti-communist and there were a number of policies supporting small traders in their original manifesto
The manifesto also said that larger businesses could be shut down and their premises given to small traders at a reduced rate
Skilled workers made up 33% of the Nazi Party in the 1920s
-Nazi:
Hitler supported the Mittelstand as a way of thanking them for their continued support
From 1935, all new artisans had to pass the Master’s Examination to ensure a high level of craft was maintained
Nazi party formations had to order boots and uniforms from artisans and from 1931-1936 the number of artisan businesses rose by 20%
From 1936-1939 the number of artisan businesses declined by 11% and department stores’ turnover grew by 10%, this was because department stores employed 90,000 Germans
By the end of the 1930s, the Nazis actually began to restrict artisans saying there were too many businesses
-West Germany:
Following the Marshall Plan, the German economy began to recover and artisans were given special status which meant they could oversee the organisation and training of skilled workers
By 1955 over 3.5 million Germans were employed in artisan trades, an increase of 1 million from 1939
The cooperatives that had been created during the war from the smaller artisan businesses had expanded meaning small artisans could prosper in West Germany’s advanced economy
The cooperation of big industry with the artisans, which combined mass production with skilled craftsmanship helped to build a strong reputation for West German exports
To what extent was there increased social mobility in German society in the years 1871-1990?
-Bismarck:
Unemployment only went above 3% in 1 year between 1900-1914
Average wage increased by 25% between 1895 and 1913
Rapid industrialisation seriously affected the Mittelstand since factories could mass produce goods far more cheaply
From 1882-85 one-man artisan businesses declined by 13.5% and suffered even more decline from 1897-1907
As a result of industrialisation more women were entering the workforce but work was clearly segregated between women’s and men’s work
Female sectors were textiles, clothes-making and food processing, these were often the lowest paid and least skilled jobs without trade union protection
-Weimar:
From 1910-1940, population of large urban areas ONLY grew by 36%
Working conditions were generally good
Real wages increased by 9% in 1927 and 12% in 1928
Skilled workers made up 33% of the Nazi Party in the 1920s
Women made up 9.6% of the New Weimar parliament from 1919
Women were expected to stop working once they were married so they could focus on raising a family
Women workers still had low paid jobs and low status
‘Weimar Women’ were often urbanised, financially independent, single, sexually active
-Nazi:
Urban workers benefitted from schemes like the RAD and rearmament programmes, this was at the expense of their rights
Working class grew by 10% from 1929-1938 as the Nazis prepared the country for war
Nazi party formations had to order boots and uniforms from artisans and from 1931-1936 the number of artisan businesses rose by 20%
From 1936-1939 the number of artisan businesses declined by 11% and department stores’ turnover grew by 10%, this was because department stores employed 90,000 Germans
Female teachers were dismissed and women barred from jury duty
The number of female secondary school teachers declined by 15% between 1933-35
-West Germany:
From 1945-1990 the working population in rural communities from from 23.1% to 8.3% by 1970 due to rapid urbanisation
West Germany’s population grew to 61.7 million from 1950-1980, of which 74% lived in urban areas, compared to East Germany the figure was just 57%
By 1955 over 3.5 million Germans were employed in artisan trades, an increase of 1 million from 1939
The cooperatives that had been created during the war from the smaller artisan businesses had expanded meaning small artisans could prosper in West Germany’s advanced economy
By 1980, women made up just 39% of the workforce - a figure only 6 and 2 percent higher than Nazi and Weimar Germany respectively
Women’s pay was 30% lower than men’s
Women made up 75% of staff in hospitals but only 4 % of doctors and 50% of school staff but only 20% of headteachers
Women’s role and status changed very little from before
‘The role of women in the workplace was the most important change in their position in German society during the period 1871-1990’ How far do you agree?
-Bismarck:
Women’s roles were quire traditional, women had to fulfill their patriotic duty through maternal care providing emotional support for their family and tending to the sick and needy
The national civil code legalised the lower status of women and asserted that men had authority in all matters
As a result of industrialisation more women were entering the workforce but work was clearly segregated between women’s and men’s work
Female sectors were textiles, clothes-making and food processing, these were often the lowest paid and least skilled jobs without trade union protection
-Weimar:
Women made up 9.6% of the New Weimar parliament from 1919
Women were expected to stop working once they were married so they could focus on raising a family
Women workers still had low paid jobs and low status
Life remained traditional for many Women
Women now had the right to vote under the new Weimar constitution
First world war led to double earners, married women who also worked, something that led to the economic development of Women
-Nazi:
Nazi’s view on women were very traditional and ran parallel to their place in Imperial Germany, women were to give birth to many children and create a healthy race of Germans
Female teachers were dismissed and women barred from jury duty
The number of female secondary school teachers declined by 15% between 1933-35
In 1938, the Nazis introduced a compulsory ‘duty year’ for unmarried women under 25 to work in clothing, textiles and tobacco industries
In 1943, 3 million women aged 17-45 conscripted to work
Women made up 60% of the workforce during the second world war
-West Germany:
Female membership of political parties was just 4.4%
Women’s roles were still quite traditional despite the Basic Law of 1949 guaranteeing them legal equality
By 1980, women made up just 39% of the workforce - a figure only 6 and 2 percent higher than Nazi and Weimar Germany respectively
Women’s pay was 30% lower than men’s
Women made up 75% of staff in hospitals but only 4 % of doctors and 50% of school staff but only 20% of headteachers
Women made up 30% of students by 1960, this grew to 37.9% by 1980
The social status of women was judged by their father’s or husband’s employment and their role and status changed very little from before
How far do you agree that the number and the significance of white-collar workers grew steadily in the years 1871-1990?
-Bismarck:
In Prussia the civil service grew to 250,000 by 1907
The number of teachers grew by 43% between 1891 and 1913 and doctors double from 1876-1913
Number of white collar workers grew from 4.7% to 10% of the population
By 1912 the power of while collar workers was more powerful than ever and although some feared the increasing power of the SPD, the middle class parties were willing to work with them in the Reichstag
During the war, white collar workers saw a dramatic drop in their standards of living, to the same level of ordinary workers
-Weimar:
The hyperinflation from 1921-23 hit white collar workers particularly hard and this lead to a growing sense of unease about the ability of the Weimar governments to help them
The increasing number of women who had gained jobs during the war along with the progressive society Weimar created meant that white collar workers returning from war found it hard to find employment
The number of white collar workers doubled between 1907-1925
White collar workers did not receive the same level of state support as blue collar workers and 90,000 of them had no employment support at all
-Nazi:
Nazi’s promise to reduce female employment appealed to the white collar workers
White collar workers made up 20% of Nazi party membership from 1929-1932
Nazis gave rights to white collar workers over working class people - only sacked within 6 weeks notice
White collar population grew by 25% from 1933-39 and made up 1 of every 4 workers in the country
Received a 10% pay rise during the Nazi period
Enjoyed better pension schemes under the Nazis than the working class
White collar workers remained loyal to the Nazis throughout the war too
-West Germany:
The rapid industrial growth of the 1950s drove a massive expansion of white-collar workers
By 1980 they made up 35% of the workforce
There was a huge demand for skilled labour which encouraged education and social mobility
From 1950-64 real wages doubled
Living standards improved by 58% between 1953 and 1960
The move to the service industry allowed more Germans to enter the middle class and by 1989, 66% of the population was employed in the service industry
‘The Weimar years witnessed the most significant changes to the status and role of women in the years 1871-1990.’ How far do you agree with this judgement?
-Bismarck:
Women’s roles were quire traditional, women had to fulfill their patriotic duty through maternal care providing emotional support for their family and tending to the sick and needy
The national civil code legalised the lower status of women and asserted that men had authority in all matters
As a result of industrialisation more women were entering the workforce but work was clearly segregated between women’s and men’s work
Female sectors were textiles, clothes-making and food processing, these were often the lowest paid and least skilled jobs without trade union protection
Bismarck’s welfare provisions did provide women with 6 weeks’ maternity leave and 11 hour working days by 1891
Emma Ihrer established the society for the Protection of Women Workers’ which provided working women with doctors and lawyers for free, the group ha 1000 members by 1886 when it was banned
The BDF was formed in 1894, campaigned for middle-class women to have equality in education and politics and be allowed to organise their own financial affairs
-Weimar:
Women made up 9.6% of the New Weimar parliament from 1919
Women also made up 6.1% of Germany’s state Parliaments
Women were expected to stop working once they were married so they could focus on raising a family
Women workers still had low paid jobs and low status
Life remained traditional for many Women
Women now had the right to vote under the new Weimar constitution
First world war led to double earners, married women who also worked, something that led to the economic development of Women
Membership of the BDF grew from 300,000 in 1914 to 900,000 during the 1920s
‘Weimar Women’ were often urbanised, financially independent, single, sexually active
-Nazi:
Nazi’s view on women were very traditional and ran parallel to their place in Imperial Germany, women were to give birth to many children and create a healthy race of Germans
Female teachers were dismissed and women barred from jury duty
The number of female secondary school teachers declined by 15% between 1933-35
In 1938, the Nazis introduced a compulsory ‘duty year’ for unmarried women under 25 to work in clothing, textiles and tobacco industries
In 1943, 3 million women aged 17-45 conscripted to work
Despite this, only 900,000 women actually entered the workforce, due to Nazi disorganisation
Women made up 60% of the workforce during the second world war
Mutterkreuz introduced for women to have children, 8 for gold, 6 for silver and 4 for bronze
Women’s wages did increase at an ever faster rate than men’s during 1935-38
-West Germany:
Female membership of political parties was just 4.4%
Women’s roles were still quite traditional despite the Basic Law of 1949 guaranteeing them legal equality
By 1980, women made up just 39% of the workforce - a figure only 6 and 2 percent higher than Nazi and Weimar Germany respectively
Women’s pay was 30% lower than men’s
Women made up 75% of staff in hospitals but only 4 % of doctors and 50% of school staff but only 20% of headteachers
Women made up 30% of students by 1960, this grew to 37.9% by 1980
By the early 1980s, female admissions to universities matched the number of men applying for the first time and 41% of university students were women by 1989
The social status of women was judged by their father’s or husband’s employment and their role and status changed very little from before
‘The First World War brought about the most significant changes in the role of women in Germany in the year 1871-1990.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
-First World War:
Women played a significant role in opposing the war, in 1914 for example Clara Zetkin, Rosa Luxemburg and Luise Kahler were among the few SPD members who opposed the party’s policy of supporting the war
Women’s lives changed economically, whilst the number of women working didn’t increase the type of work undertaken did
The shortage of male workers meant women began working in areas previously forbidden, such as heavy industry such as, chemicals, iron, steel and engineering
Women also took up key positions in the German postal service and transport sectors, many women even became the primary breadwinner for the first time
Women’s work was even promoted by the government as being essential for the war effort
-Weimar:
Women made up 9.6% of the New Weimar parliament from 1919
Women also made up 6.1% of Germany’s state Parliaments
Women were expected to stop working once they were married so they could focus on raising a family
Women workers still had low paid jobs and low status
Life remained traditional for many Women
Women now had the right to vote under the new Weimar constitution
First world war led to double earners, married women who also worked, something that led to the economic development of Women
Membership of the BDF grew from 300,000 in 1914 to 900,000 during the 1920s
‘Weimar Women’ were often urbanised, financially independent, single, sexually active
-Nazi:
Nazi’s view on women were very traditional and ran parallel to their place in Imperial Germany, women were to give birth to many children and create a healthy race of Germans
Female teachers were dismissed and women barred from jury duty
The number of female secondary school teachers declined by 15% between 1933-35
In 1938, the Nazis introduced a compulsory ‘duty year’ for unmarried women under 25 to work in clothing, textiles and tobacco industries
In 1943, 3 million women aged 17-45 conscripted to work
Despite this, only 900,000 women actually entered the workforce, due to Nazi disorganisation
Women made up 60% of the workforce during the second world war
Mutterkreuz introduced for women to have children, 8 for gold, 6 for silver and 4 for bronze
Women’s wages did increase at an ever faster rate than men’s during 1935-38
-West Germany:
Female membership of political parties was just 4.4%
Women’s roles were still quite traditional despite the Basic Law of 1949 guaranteeing them legal equality
By 1980, women made up just 39% of the workforce - a figure only 6 and 2 percent higher than Nazi and Weimar Germany respectively
Women’s pay was 30% lower than men’s
Women made up 75% of staff in hospitals but only 4 % of doctors and 50% of school staff but only 20% of headteachers
Women made up 30% of students by 1960, this grew to 37.9% by 1980
By the early 1980s, female admissions to universities matched the number of men applying for the first time and 41% of university students were women by 1989
The social status of women was judged by their father’s or husband’s employment and their role and status changed very little from before
‘Social reforms resulted in consistent improvement in the lives of Germans in the years 1871-1990.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
-Bismarck:
Unemployment only went above 3% in 1 year between 1900-1914
Average wage increased by 25% between 1895 and 1913
Under Chancellor Caprivi in 1891, Sunday work was prohibited and children under 13 couldn’t work and women didn’t have to work more than 11 hours a week
In Prussia the civil service grew to 250,000 by 1907
The number of teachers grew by 43% between 1891 and 1913 and doctors double from 1876-1913
Number of white collar workers grew from 4.7% to 10% of the population
-Weimar:
New Weimar constitution guaranteed employees equal rights with employers when determining working conditions and guaranteed the 8 hour working day
Working conditions were generally good
Real wages increased by 9% in 1927 and 12% in 1928
2 million new houses built to alleviate overcrowding
Women made up 9.6% of the New Weimar parliament from 1919
Women also made up 6.1% of Germany’s state Parliaments
Women were expected to stop working once they were married so they could focus on raising a family
-Nazi:
Urban workers benefitted from schemes like the RAD and rearmament programmes, this was at the expense of their rights
Working class grew by 10% from 1929-1938 as the Nazis prepared the country for war
Mutterkreuz introduced for women to have children, 8 for gold, 6 for silver and 4 for bronze
Women’s wages did increase at an ever faster rate than men’s during 1935-38
In 1938, the Nazis introduced a compulsory ‘duty year’ for unmarried women under 25 to work in clothing, textiles and tobacco industries
In 1943, 3 million women aged 17-45 conscripted to work
Despite this, only 900,000 women actually entered the workforce, due to Nazi disorganisation
-West Germany:
From 1945-1990 the working population in rural communities from from 23.1% to 8.3% by 1970 due to rapid urbanisation
West Germany’s population grew to 61.7 million from 1950-1980, of which 74% lived in urban areas, compared to East Germany the figure was just 57%
Female membership of political parties was just 4.4%
Women’s roles were still quite traditional despite the Basic Law of 1949 guaranteeing them legal equality
Women made up 30% of students by 1960, this grew to 37.9% by 1980
By the early 1980s, female admissions to universities matched the number of men applying for the first time and 41% of university students were women by 1989
The rapid industrial growth of the 1950s drove a massive expansion of white-collar workers
By 1980 white collar workers made up 35% of the workforce
There was a huge demand for skilled labour which encouraged education and social mobility
From 1950-64 real wages doubled
To what extent did the landowning elite enjoy social dominance and economic power in Germany in the years 1871-1990?
-Bismarck:
Prussian Junkers held most of the political power in Bismarck’s Germany
The constitution meant that Junkers in the Bundesrat could veto legistlation from the Reichstag, as well, the Chancellor was often a Junker himself
Their wealth was based on the vast swathes of land they owned and the subsequent agricultural production
The decline of the peasantry in 1871 affected the relationship between the two classes, this was due to rapid industrialisation
As a result, the Junkers began to allow upper middle classes and the industrial elite into positions of power to secure this alliance to preserve their own positions
By the turn of the 20th century, there was anger amongst the growing working classes who saw the Junkers and middle classes as restricting their political and social rights
It was the shock of the failure of the war which finally introduced change and seemed to sweep away the old system in favour of the new working classes
-Weimar:
Prince Max’s reformed ensured that the Prussian elite could no longer dominate the military or government and the unfair Prussian voting system was abolished
A revolution swept through the country and the first civilian government was formed under the SPD meaning the end of the Junker led government
Ebert, the new leader, did support the Junkers’ influence slightly by the Ebert-Groenen pact, securing the army’s support in fear of a communist uprising
Some Junkers still held positions of power e.g. Hans Von Seeckt and Von Papen
They undermined Weimar in a number of ways, Seeckt refused to fire upon the Freikorps during the Kapp Putsch in 1920
-Nazi:
Junkers were manipulated by Hitler for example, owing to concerns raised by the army about the power and recklessness of the SA, Hitler carried out the night of the long knives which won him the support of the military leadership
After Hindenburg’s death in august Hitler assumed the role as Fuhrer, and the powers of the Junkers considerably declined
Powerful Junkers in Hitler’s cabinet were removed - Von Papen, Blomberg and Fritsch because they were unconvinced about his foreign policy plans
Hitler endeavored to kill off Junkers who he distrusted in an attempt to wipe out links to Imperial Germany
Majority of the Junkers remained loyal to the Nazis
-West Germany:
The end of Junkers was secured due to the fact that most Junker lands were in Prussia and these lay in East Germany and Poland following the end of the war
Most Junkers were therefore forced to give up their land
In the communist controlled East, Junkers’ lands were divided up into smaller plots and turned into state-run farms
The large aristocratic houses that had existed for hundreds of years were destroyed
By 1952, the power of the Prussian land owning elite had come to an end
‘Between 1871 and 1990, government economic policies were the main factor in the success of the German economy.’ How far do you agree?
-Bismarck:
Introduction of protection:
Bismarck was determined to pursue a policy on import tariffs to protect German domestic industry
A long term slump in agricultural prices could threaten the wealth of Junkers and undermine their powerful role in Germany
Tariffs could protect agriculture by maintaining the wealth of farms and raise revenue for the struggling German economy
In 1879 the Reichstag passed the protective tariff law
Those in heavy industry wee disappointed the tariffs on iron were lower than on agriculture but they were grateful for the support of the government, therefore they became more closely allied to the Junkers
Building of a large navy:
The desire for a large navy to rival Britain’s was driven by the whims of Kaiser Wilhelm II
Germany’s navy was only the 7th most powerful in the world in 1897
The Kaiser was keen to build a large navy to unite the middle classes to him and the Junkers who supported him
In 1897 Tirpitz was appointed as secretary of state for the navy, and in 1898, Tirpitz passed a bill to create 17 ships over 7 years
The Kaiser was not content with just 17 ships so in 1900 another bill was passed to increase Germany’s navy to 36 ships
More naval bills were passed in 1906, 1908 and 1912
Dreadnought developed in 1905
By 1914 Germany had doubled the size of its navy and was the second largest in the world
-Nazi:
From 1933-35 RM5,000 million was invested into public works programmes and as a result, unemployment fell from 2.7 million to 1.7 million by 1935
MEFO bills were also introduced in which government contracts to large companies were not paid in Reichsmarks but in credit notes that would be paid in 4 years’ time
The Reichsbank issued RM12,000 Million worth of MEFO bills and they financed 50% of arms expenditure from 1934-36
From 1933-3 the aim of the German economy was to overcome the problems of the Great Depression and increase employment
By 1939 economic policies had become unsustainable because consumer spending was restricted by freezing wages and increasing taxation
From 1940 Fritz Todt was appointed as minister of Armaments and Munitions to streamline the economy
Todt died in a plane crash in 1942 and was replaced by Albert Speer
By 1942, arms production per head was 32% higher than in 1939
Tanks and engine production increase by 200%
Munitions per worker increased by 60%
Weapons per worker increased by 130% despite the number of workers only increasing by 11%
By the end of 1944, the German economy was barely functioning, not helped by the fact that 20% of the workforce was foreign and didn’t want to help Germany
-West Germany:
Impact of Marshall Aid:
Marshall Aid promised $17 billion to western European countries, $2.7 billion of which West Germany received
The Marshall Plan paid for 37% of West Germany’s imports and much of the money improved railways, steel and electrical industries
By 1946 the German economy had achieved 40$ of its pre-war output and appeared to be recovering well on its own
The political impact of the Marshall Plan was huge because it lead to greater cooperation between Western European nations with all aid being coordinated by the OEEC
Impact of the EEC and CAP:
April 1951 the ECSC was founded with West Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg combining their heavy sectors into one common market
The ESCS was so successful that the EEC was founded in 1955, creating a common market between the nations, abolishing tariffs between member states and this helped the West German economy considerably
45% of German exports went to EEC member and 47% of German imports came from EEC members by 1981
The CAP was introduced to ensure free circulation of goods between member states and introduce common prices on agricultural goods and maintain stable exchange rates
From 1962-70 common prices were established on goods such as wheat, rice, oils, milk, fruit, vegetables, sugar and wine
The immediate effect was a drop in German food prices
At time West Germany was spending 30% of its total expenditure on the CAP
West German farmers benefitted hugely due to the CAP despite a reduction in the agriculture sector
‘Government economic policies had a mainly positive effect on the German economy in the period 1871-1990.’ How far do you agree?
-Bismarck:
Introduction of protection:
Bismarck was determined to pursue a policy on import tariffs to protect German domestic industry
A long term slump in agricultural prices could threaten the wealth of Junkers and undermine their powerful role in Germany
Tariffs could protect agriculture by maintaining the wealth of farms and raise revenue for the struggling German economy
In 1879 the Reichstag passed the protective tariff law
Those in heavy industry wee disappointed the tariffs on iron were lower than on agriculture but they were grateful for the support of the government, therefore they became more closely allied to the Junkers
Building of a large navy:
The desire for a large navy to rival Britain’s was driven by the whims of Kaiser Wilhelm II
Germany’s navy was only the 7th most powerful in the world in 1897
The Kaiser was keen to build a large navy to unite the middle classes to him and the Junkers who supported him
In 1897 Tirpitz was appointed as secretary of state for the navy, and in 1898, Tirpitz passed a bill to create 17 ships over 7 years
The Kaiser was not content with just 17 ships so in 1900 another bill was passed to increase Germany’s navy to 36 ships
More naval bills were passed in 1906, 1908 and 1912
Dreadnought developed in 1905
By 1914 Germany had doubled the size of its navy and was the second largest in the world
-Nazi:
From 1933-35 RM5,000 million was invested into public works programmes and as a result, unemployment fell from 2.7 million to 1.7 million by 1935
MEFO bills were also introduced in which government contracts to large companies were not paid in Reichsmarks but in credit notes that would be paid in 4 years’ time
The Reichsbank issued RM12,000 Million worth of MEFO bills and they financed 50% of arms expenditure from 1934-36
From 1933-3 the aim of the German economy was to overcome the problems of the Great Depression and increase employment
By 1939 economic policies had become unsustainable because consumer spending was restricted by freezing wages and increasing taxation
From 1940 Fritz Todt was appointed as minister of Armaments and Munitions to streamline the economy
Todt died in a plane crash in 1942 and was replaced by Albert Speer
By 1942, arms production per head was 32% higher than in 1939
Tanks and engine production increase by 200%
Munitions per worker increased by 60%
Weapons per worker increased by 130% despite the number of workers only increasing by 11%
By the end of 1944, the German economy was barely functioning, not helped by the fact that 20% of the workforce was foreign and didn’t want to help Germany
-West Germany:
Impact of Marshall Aid:
Marshall Aid promised $17 billion to western European countries, $2.7 billion of which West Germany received
The Marshall Plan paid for 37% of West Germany’s imports and much of the money improved railways, steel and electrical industries
By 1946 the German economy had achieved 40$ of its pre-war output and appeared to be recovering well on its own
The political impact of the Marshall Plan was huge because it lead to greater cooperation between Western European nations with all aid being coordinated by the OEEC
Impact of the EEC and CAP:
April 1951 the ECSC was founded with West Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg combining their heavy sectors into one common market
The ESCS was so successful that the EEC was founded in 1955, creating a common market between the nations, abolishing tariffs between member states and this helped the West German economy considerably
45% of German exports went to EEC member and 47% of German imports came from EEC members by 1981
The CAP was introduced to ensure free circulation of goods between member states and introduce common prices on agricultural goods and maintain stable exchange rates
From 1962-70 common prices were established on goods such as wheat, rice, oils, milk, fruit, vegetables, sugar and wine
The immediate effect was a drop in German food prices
At time West Germany was spending 30% of its total expenditure on the CAP
West German farmers benefitted hugely due to the CAP despite a reduction in the agriculture sector
To what extent did Germany and West Germany both enjoy economic success in the years 1871-1990?
-Bismarck:
From 1845-1870 the German railway network grew by 6 times, from 3280km of track to 19,575km of track
German exports increased at a rapid rate
From the 1890s to the outbreak of WW1 there was an industrial boom
Electrical output increased by 18% every year from 1890-1913
Workers in the construction industry increased by 1 million and Germany’s industrial growth outstripped other European nations
By 1900 Germany was exporting £365 million worth of goods
Germany produced 2/3 of European Steel and 1/2 of its coal
Produced 20% more electricity than Britain
-Weimar:
The new Weimar government inherited 140,000 million marks of war debt
The currency was seriously devalued, trade had been destroyed and foreign investment was non-existent
Germany also lost important regions of the Sarrland and Upper Silesia due to the Versailles treaty
In 1921, the imposing of reparations demanded DM2 million per year
French and Belgian occupation of the Ruhr slowed Germany’s production from 1923-25
Dawes plan in 1924 helped economic matters considerably
Due to hyperinflation, $1 was DM4.2 trillion
In 1924 the Rentenmark was introduced, a new currency
By 1927, industrial production had reached pre-WW1 levels and the GNP grew significantly by 1929
Rationalisation led to the workforce declining by 33% but production increased by 18% per working hour
Wall street crash of October 1929 hit German industry hard
-Nazi:
By 1934, unemployment had halved due to the actions of the Nazi government which focused on public works schemes and self-sufficiency
By 1939 there was actually a labour shortage in German industry because the building and metal industries had expanded
The Nazis invested heavily in work creation schemes
By 1938 44% of government expenditure focused on rearmament
During WW2, the occupied countries were used to further the economy with millions of slave labourers making munitions and helping with farming
Albert Speer introduced better techniques of mass production and reorganised industry so that productivity actually peaked in 1944
-West Germany:
By 1963, West Germany was the biggest economy in Europe and the third biggest in the world
This was facilitated by the fact that West Germany had benefited greatly from the Marshall Aid and had a large population of skilled workers
From the Marshall Aid, $99 million was used to develop the Coal-mining, railway, electrical, steel and iron industries
Thanks to Ludwig Erhard, West Germany’s GDP trebled during the 1950s
The Korean war boosted production for the US army and enhanced the demand for West German products
West Germany’s GDP grew by 12% in 5 years
By 1958 West Germany had nearly full employment
There was a slowdown in the 1960s as it turned from heavy industry to a service industry based economy
To what extent did government intervention affect the development of the German economy in the years 1871-1990?
-Bismarck:
Introduction of protection:
Bismarck was determined to pursue a policy on import tariffs to protect German domestic industry
A long term slump in agricultural prices could threaten the wealth of Junkers and undermine their powerful role in Germany
Tariffs could protect agriculture by maintaining the wealth of farms and raise revenue for the struggling German economy
In 1879 the Reichstag passed the protective tariff law
Those in heavy industry wee disappointed the tariffs on iron were lower than on agriculture but they were grateful for the support of the government, therefore they became more closely allied to the Junkers
Building of a large navy:
The desire for a large navy to rival Britain’s was driven by the whims of Kaiser Wilhelm II
Germany’s navy was only the 7th most powerful in the world in 1897
The Kaiser was keen to build a large navy to unite the middle classes to him and the Junkers who supported him
In 1897 Tirpitz was appointed as secretary of state for the navy, and in 1898, Tirpitz passed a bill to create 17 ships over 7 years
The Kaiser was not content with just 17 ships so in 1900 another bill was passed to increase Germany’s navy to 36 ships
More naval bills were passed in 1906, 1908 and 1912
Dreadnought developed in 1905
By 1914 Germany had doubled the size of its navy and was the second largest in the world
-Nazi:
From 1933-35 RM5,000 million was invested into public works programmes and as a result, unemployment fell from 2.7 million to 1.7 million by 1935
MEFO bills were also introduced in which government contracts to large companies were not paid in Reichsmarks but in credit notes that would be paid in 4 years’ time
The Reichsbank issued RM12,000 Million worth of MEFO bills and they financed 50% of arms expenditure from 1934-36
From 1933-3 the aim of the German economy was to overcome the problems of the Great Depression and increase employment
By 1939 economic policies had become unsustainable because consumer spending was restricted by freezing wages and increasing taxation
From 1940 Fritz Todt was appointed as minister of Armaments and Munitions to streamline the economy
Todt died in a plane crash in 1942 and was replaced by Albert Speer
By 1942, arms production per head was 32% higher than in 1939
Tanks and engine production increase by 200%
Munitions per worker increased by 60%
Weapons per worker increased by 130% despite the number of workers only increasing by 11%
By the end of 1944, the German economy was barely functioning, not helped by the fact that 20% of the workforce was foreign and didn’t want to help Germany
-West Germany:
Impact of Marshall Aid:
Marshall Aid promised $17 billion to western European countries, $2.7 billion of which West Germany received
The Marshall Plan paid for 37% of West Germany’s imports and much of the money improved railways, steel and electrical industries
By 1946 the German economy had achieved 40$ of its pre-war output and appeared to be recovering well on its own
The political impact of the Marshall Plan was huge because it lead to greater cooperation between Western European nations with all aid being coordinated by the OEEC
Impact of the EEC and CAP:
April 1951 the ECSC was founded with West Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg combining their heavy sectors into one common market
The ESCS was so successful that the EEC was founded in 1955, creating a common market between the nations, abolishing tariffs between member states and this helped the West German economy considerably
45% of German exports went to EEC member and 47% of German imports came from EEC members by 1981
The CAP was introduced to ensure free circulation of goods between member states and introduce common prices on agricultural goods and maintain stable exchange rates
From 1962-70 common prices were established on goods such as wheat, rice, oils, milk, fruit, vegetables, sugar and wine
The immediate effect was a drop in German food prices
At time West Germany was spending 30% of its total expenditure on the CAP
West German farmers benefitted hugely due to the CAP despite a reduction in the agriculture sector
How far do you agree that the post war ‘economic miracle’ was the most important period in the process of economic change in Germany during the years 1871-1990?
-Bismarck:
From 1845-1870 the German railway network grew by 6 times, from 3280km of track to 19,575km of track
German exports increased at a rapid rate
From the 1890s to the outbreak of WW1 there was an industrial boom
Electrical output increased by 18% every year from 1890-1913
Workers in the construction industry increased by 1 million and Germany’s industrial growth outstripped other European nations
By 1900 Germany was exporting £365 million worth of goods
Germany produced 2/3 of European Steel and 1/2 of its coal
Produced 20% more electricity than Britain
-Weimar:
The new Weimar government inherited 140,000 million marks of war debt
The currency was seriously devalued, trade had been destroyed and foreign investment was non-existent
Germany also lost important regions of the Sarrland and Upper Silesia due to the Versailles treaty
In 1921, the imposing of reparations demanded DM2 million per year
French and Belgian occupation of the Ruhr slowed Germany’s production from 1923-25
Dawes plan in 1924 helped economic matters considerably
Due to hyperinflation, $1 was DM4.2 trillion
In 1924 the Rentenmark was introduced, a new currency
By 1927, industrial production had reached pre-WW1 levels and the GNP grew significantly by 1929
Rationalisation led to the workforce declining by 33% but production increased by 18% per working hour
Wall street crash of October 1929 hit German industry hard
-Nazi:
By 1934, unemployment had halved due to the actions of the Nazi government which focused on public works schemes and self-sufficiency
By 1939 there was actually a labour shortage in German industry because the building and metal industries had expanded
The Nazis invested heavily in work creation schemes
By 1938 44% of government expenditure focused on rearmament
During WW2, the occupied countries were used to further the economy with millions of slave labourers making munitions and helping with farming
Albert Speer introduced better techniques of mass production and reorganised industry so that productivity actually peaked in 1944
-West Germany:
By 1963, West Germany was the biggest economy in Europe and the third biggest in the world
This was facilitated by the fact that West Germany had benefited greatly from the Marshall Aid and had a large population of skilled workers
From the Marshall Aid, $99 million was used to develop the Coal-mining, railway, electrical, steel and iron industries
Thanks to Ludwig Erhard, West Germany’s GDP trebled during the 1950s
The Korean war boosted production for the US army and enhanced the demand for West German products
West Germany’s GDP grew by 12% in 5 years
By 1958 West Germany had nearly full employment
There was a slowdown in the 1960s as it turned from heavy industry to a service industry based economy
‘Membership of the European Economic Community and the Common Agricultural Policy had the most significant impact on the economy of Germany in the years 1871-1990.’
-Bismarck:
Introduction of protection:
Bismarck was determined to pursue a policy on import tariffs to protect German domestic industry
A long term slump in agricultural prices could threaten the wealth of Junkers and undermine their powerful role in Germany
Tariffs could protect agriculture by maintaining the wealth of farms and raise revenue for the struggling German economy
In 1879 the Reichstag passed the protective tariff law
Those in heavy industry wee disappointed the tariffs on iron were lower than on agriculture but they were grateful for the support of the government, therefore they became more closely allied to the Junkers
Building of a large navy:
The desire for a large navy to rival Britain’s was driven by the whims of Kaiser Wilhelm II
Germany’s navy was only the 7th most powerful in the world in 1897
The Kaiser was keen to build a large navy to unite the middle classes to him and the Junkers who supported him
In 1897 Tirpitz was appointed as secretary of state for the navy, and in 1898, Tirpitz passed a bill to create 17 ships over 7 years
The Kaiser was not content with just 17 ships so in 1900 another bill was passed to increase Germany’s navy to 36 ships
More naval bills were passed in 1906, 1908 and 1912
Dreadnought developed in 1905
By 1914 Germany had doubled the size of its navy and was the second largest in the world
-Nazi:
From 1933-35 RM5,000 million was invested into public works programmes and as a result, unemployment fell from 2.7 million to 1.7 million by 1935
MEFO bills were also introduced in which government contracts to large companies were not paid in Reichsmarks but in credit notes that would be paid in 4 years’ time
The Reichsbank issued RM12,000 Million worth of MEFO bills and they financed 50% of arms expenditure from 1934-36
From 1933-3 the aim of the German economy was to overcome the problems of the Great Depression and increase employment
By 1939 economic policies had become unsustainable because consumer spending was restricted by freezing wages and increasing taxation
From 1940 Fritz Todt was appointed as minister of Armaments and Munitions to streamline the economy
Todt died in a plane crash in 1942 and was replaced by Albert Speer
By 1942, arms production per head was 32% higher than in 1939
Tanks and engine production increase by 200%
Munitions per worker increased by 60%
Weapons per worker increased by 130% despite the number of workers only increasing by 11%
By the end of 1944, the German economy was barely functioning, not helped by the fact that 20% of the workforce was foreign and didn’t want to help Germany
-West Germany:
Impact of the EEC and CAP:
April 1951 the ECSC was founded with West Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Holland and Luxembourg combining their heavy sectors into one common market
The ESCS was so successful that the EEC was founded in 1955, creating a common market between the nations, abolishing tariffs between member states and this helped the West German economy considerably
45% of German exports went to EEC member and 47% of German imports came from EEC members by 1981
The CAP was introduced to ensure free circulation of goods between member states and introduce common prices on agricultural goods and maintain stable exchange rates
From 1962-70 common prices were established on goods such as wheat, rice, oils, milk, fruit, vegetables, sugar and wine
The immediate effect was a drop in German food prices
At time West Germany was spending 30% of its total expenditure on the CAP
West German farmers benefited hugely due to the CAP despite a reduction in the agriculture sector
