Life as a 'worker' in Nazi Germany Flashcards
The key here is to use the information to draw your own conclusions about whether 'ordinary German workers' were 'better off' under Nazi rule (than under the Weimar Republic for example)
1
Q
What employment schemes did the Nazis introduce?
A
- Major programme of public works,
- Building and repairing roads, (Autobahns)
- Railways and housing.
- Large scale military rearmament.
- With Germany building up its armed forces, thousands of jobs in iron, steel, aviation and shipbuilding were created.
- After 1935, conscription of men into the army also helped reduce the unemployment figures.
2
Q
What was the KDF?
A
- Kraft durch Freude (Strength through Joy)
- An organisation set up to improve the lives of the workers.
- Loyal workers received benefits
- Subsidised theatre visits, sports facilities as well as cheap cruises and holidays.
3
Q
What was Beauty of Labour?
(Schönheit der Arbeit)
A
- Worked in conjunction with KDF
- Focused on improving facilities and conditions in the work place.
- e.g Provision of better canteen facilities Sporting facilities
4
Q
What was the RAD?
A
- Reich Labour Service
- National service
- All young men (19-25) spent six months in the RAD
- To ‘eeducate’ the German youth in the spirit of National Socialism through work-pride and employment.
- Then conscripted into the army. (After 1935)
5
Q
Why did Hitler ban Trade Unions?
A
- Trade Unions campaign on behalf of the worker for better working conditions and wages
- Hitler associated them with socialism and communism.
- Unions could organise ‘opposition’ against the State and its policies - this would not be tolerated in a ‘totalitarian state’.
6
Q
What did Hitler do to replace Unions?
A
- Replaced them with the DAF (German Labour Front)
- Strikes banned
- Goverment controlled wages, workers conditions and discipline.
7
Q
What was the KdF’s ‘biggest’ propaganda exercise?
A
The introduction of the KdF car Volkswagen Beetle Workers cold pay in installments Most did not receive one - 1939 all production went to armaments - production of the car suspended.
