Germany Economy Change Flashcards
From 1845-1870 the Germany railway network grew by 6 times from what to what?
3280km to 19575km
New industries grew rapidly, and electrical output increased how much between 1890-1913?
By 18%
What did AEG stand for and what was it?
Deutsche Edison Gesellschaft formed in 1883, was one of the first major industrial companies focused on electricity
What were the main rivals to AEG?
Siemens and Halske
What was the population in Germany in 1890 and 1910 and the reasons why there was a large labour force and larger markets for Germany’s products and consumer goods?
In 1890 was 50 million
In 1910 was 60 million
The large population ensured Germany enjoyed a boom right up to the outbreak of war
Which Chancellor signed commercial treaties with countries from 1890-1894?
Caprivi
What did the commercial treaties signed by Chancellor Caprivi do?
Lower the tariffs on imports and guarantee German markets for 12 years
Germany was the biggest industrial nation by 1900. How much did their export value increase by between 1872-1914?
£365 million
Name some of Germany’s main products in 1914
- synthetic ammonia (crucial in producing explosives)
- two thirds of Europe’s steel
- half of Europe’s coal
- 20% more electricity than Britain, France and Italy combined
During the period 1918-1933 in Germany how much war debt did the Weimar Government inherit and what impact did this have on the economy?
140,000 million marks
Currency was devalued, trade destroyed, foreign investment was non-existent and inflation increased the cost of most goods
In 1923 how much would a loaf of bread cost and why was this?
DM 9 million due to hyperinflation
In 1924 what did chancellor Stresemann introduce and what was the impact?
Introduced a new currency called Rentenmark which stabilised the economy
In 1924 why was Dawes plan good?
Because it provided massive investment from the US
By what year had industrial production reached pre-World War one levels?
1927
During which period did the GNP grow significantly?
1925-1929
Why did the Korean War (1950-1953) boost the German economy?
Because the US army involved required goods that Germany excelled at producing
Why did West Germany’s GNP treble during the 1950s?
It was as a result of the economy adapting to the changing environment in Europe, rather than the focus on heavy industry and mining. West Germany turned to advance machinery, electronics, cars and services eg banking and education
Who was the Director of AEG during the First World War (1914-1918)?
Rathenau
What did Rathenau establish during the First World War?
War Raw Materials Department in 1914
What did the War Raw Materials Department do in 1914?
Reorganised industry to ensure the country had enough materials to fight in the war
In 1915, what was Rathenau’s considerable achievement which helped the war effort?
His ability to manufacture nitrates from the air - which ensured the country had explosives to fight the modern war
Before Rathernau developed his nitrates from air in 1915 to ensure the country had explosives to fight the modern war, where did explosives come from?
Chile
In 1915 who did Rathenau work with and what did he develop?
He worked with scientists to create synthetic materials of those they could not import
What year was the Central Purchasing Company formed during the First World War?
1916
What did the Central Purchasing Company created in 1916 do?
Organise imports from neutral countries to try and maintain some elements of trade during war
What did the Auxiliary Service Act do and what year did it start?
Direct the work of all men aged 17-60 from 1916
Who was the Auxiliary Service Act formed under?
Hindenburg and Ludendorff
In Nazi Germany 1933-1945, the Nazi’s invested heavily in work creation schemes. Give an example.
RAD
From 1936 what did the four year plan focus on in Nazi Germany?
German industry and armaments production
By 1938, 44% of government expenditure focused on rearmament
During WW2, what were occupied countries used for?
To further the economy millions of slave labourers made munitions and helped with farmers
Who reorganised the Central Planning Board from 1942 and what was their function?
Albert Speer - it sorted the hampering of production of war materials
