Summary 11 - The changing impact of war on women Flashcards
In May 1939, women accounted for what percentage of the industrial workforce?
37%
Why was Hitler reluctant to conscript more women to the industrial workforce even though they were needed?
The need for more female workers conflicted with Volksgemeinschaft, women were supposed to stay in the home and raise their children.
In June 1940, how many women had been conscripted to the workforce?
Only 250,000
Why did the number of women working in industry decline between 1939 and 1941?
- Hours for war workers increased
- Families with conscripted soldiers were given generous benefits
This meant that fewer women were keen to work.
The German defeat at which battle meant that the total mobilisation of labour became essential?
The Battle of Stalingrad
Describe the changes made regarding Nazi policy towards women after the defeat at Stalingrad?
All women aged 17-45 were required to register for work.
Although a full mobilisation of the workforce took place after the defeat at Stalingrad, why were many exemptions made regarding the requirement for all women to register for work?
Many exemptions were made in order to keep Hitlers ideological views alive (Volksgemineschaft).
The requirement of all women to register for work led to how many extra women in the workforce?
500,000
As defeat loomed, Hitler agreed to increase the number of women in the workforce. What was the upper age limit of women who were required to register for work raised to?
50
In 1945, women accounted for what percentage of the workforce?
60%
How many women worked in the armed forces in auxiliary roles in January 1945?
470,000
At the very end of the war, women were being trained for which roles?
Combat roles
