Government in wartime, 1939-45 - New ministries and a new council for Defence

Question 1

Did the Nazis introduce new ministries?

Answer 1

Yes, structure of gov grew w new (sometimes short-lived) bodies being set up at all levels

Question 2

What new ministries were added to the armed forces?

Answer 2

each of the armed forces given its own ministry to co-ordinate supplies, troops etc.

Question 3

Who coordinated the different armed forces ministries + why difficult?

Answer 3

new high commander of the armed forces = Wilhelm Keitel
- difficult bc each one competing for the biggest budget

Question 4

When was the Ministerial Council for the Defence of the Reich set up + what was it?

Answer 4

30 August 1939
supposed to co-ordinate domestic affairs to support the war effort

Question 5

Who was the chair/members/reported to of the Ministerial Council for the Defence of the Reich ?

Answer 5

chair = Hermann Goering

members = v important Nazi officials: Frick (interior), Funk (economy), Keitel (high commander of armed forces), Rudolf Hess (deputy Fuehrer), Hans Lammers (secretary)

reported to = Hitler but he wasnt on the council

Question 6

Why did the Ministerial Council for the Defence of the Reich not last long?

Answer 6

Hitler didn’t like group meetings even tho most trusted officials (bc opposition could be formed)

Question 7

When did the Ministerial Council for the Defence of the Reich disband + but what still happened?

Answer 7

November 1939
BUT
Frick, Funk, Keitel met infrequently as the ‘Group of Three
(interior, economy, armed forces)