Impact of war 1939 - 1949 Flashcards
What was the impact of war on children?
1940 Hitler made arrangements to evacuate Children in Berlin that were in areas of repeated night air raids but not very successful as many decided to stay. Eventually nearly 2 million evacuated at start of WW2. Disrupted education, forced some to grow up faster, taking care of siblings and all ages able to be involved in war effort. Spent evenings in dark and had to endure gas masks, rationing and malnutrition
What was the impact of war on women?
Prior to 1939 Nazi encouraged women increase birth rate and be stay at home mothers, most didn’t like women working. From 1943 Nazis tried forcing 3 million women aged 17-24 into work but women now wanted to stay home = only 1 million. Pay 53% of the mens that they replaced. Many had to eventually help out, learned practical and hands on skills transferable back home. Many who were involved ended up returning to housewife role during 1950s.
What was the impact of war on workers?
When WW2 broke out - encouraged to join army, specifically strong young men (eventually conscripted) 1942 morale fell, standard of living fell, food shortages, cut back on heating work longer hours. Hitler employed foreign workers in factories in order to put his strong German men to ‘better uses’
What was the People’s Home Guard?
Volksstrum (People’s home guard) propaganda and its aim to raise Germans spirits. Members untrained, too old and too ill to join Army. 8000,000 civilians killed by Allied bombing raids, aroud 12% bombs fell on factories and war industries.
