The War Economy

Question 1

What did Hitler intend to do between 1939-41?

Answer 1

Dramatically expand the German war economy

Question 2

What is evidence of Hitler devoting most of his attention towards War?

Answer 2

. Between 1939 and 1941, German military expenditure
doubled
. By 1941 55% of the workforce was involved in projects related to the war

Question 3

What is evidence of Britain and the USSR superseding German productivity?

Answer 3

. Britain produced twice as many aircrafts as Germany in 1941
. USSR produced 2,600 more tanks in 1941

Question 4

Why was Germany not able to keep up with the productivity other countries?

Answer 4

Due to a chaotic organisation of the Nazi state - various bodies responsible did not co-ordinate effectively

Question 5

Who was appointed as Minister for Armaments and Production?

Answer 5

Albert Speer

Question 6

How did Speer attempt to improve production?

Answer 6

. Employed women in factories
. Preventing the conscription of skilled workers

Question 7

What is evidence of Albert Speer’s success?

Answer 7

. Ammunition production rose by 97%
. Tank production rose by 25% and total arms production by 59%
. Between 1942 and 1944 German war production trebled

Question 8

Although German production levels increased significantly…

Answer 8

Germany was still out-produced by the USA and, crucially, by the Soviet Union - war economy contributed to Germany’s defeat

Question 9

What were some of the reasons for Germany’s poor war economy?

Answer 9

. Heavy reliance on foreign workers (6.4 million by 1942) - treated very badly - productivity was 60-80% lower than average German worker

. Allied bombing reduced the capacity of the economy to expand further - industry was targeted - Germans had to divert crucial resources towards defensive measures