Unemployment and the Standard of Living Flashcards
Why did Hitler want to reduce unemployment?:
- were dangerous politically - if they were poor and hungry they might turn to other political parties for help
- were believed by the Nazis to be a burden on society and a waste of valuaeble resources.
Job creation schemes were
large projects that the Nazis invested in to benefit the economy and reduce unemployment
Construction Projects
- 7000km of autobahns connecting the country
- Public buildings
- Sports facilities e.g. stadia for the Berlin Olympics
Rearmament
- Even though the Treaty of Versailles had stipulated the limits on this, this provided many jobs -> although some may not consider this as a real job, the Nazis listed those working for the army as employed, to reduce the figures.
National Labour Service (RAD)
- Compulsory for all men aged 18-25 to serve for six months on this scheme.
- They worked on job creation schemes and other public works.
- Many hates the RAD: the pay was low, the hours long, and the work boring.
What was invisible unemployment?
Official government figures showed unemployment was falling but they did not include:
- number of Jews being pushed out of their jobs
- women being dismissed or leaving their jobs
- unmarried men under 25 doing National Labour Service
- opponents of the regime who were sent to concentration camps.
Hitler realised that the German workers had to be satisfied and avoid losing their support so…
he set up different workers’ organisations that were meant to improve the lives and conditions of German people.
German Labour Front (DAF)
replaced trade unions and all workers had to be members - it ran several schemes
Strength Through Joy (KDF)
This aimed to increase productivity by making workers happy. It provided low-cost or free activities for hard workers. This includes free or discounted tickets to the theatre or on holiday.
Beauty of labour
This aimed to improve conditions of work spaces by reducing noise, providing canteens, and even building gyms and swimming pools. Workers had to help construct and maintain these facilities, so it wasn’t as popular.
The Volkswagen
One of the KDF’s schemes was to promote car ownership - Hitler asked Porsche to design a family car and the VW Beetle was the result. Workers paid 5 marks a week towards buying a car but by 1939, the cars had not been produced and no one had paid enough so the money was invested into rearmament instead. This angered the public who has invested money into it.
Had the standard of living improved by 1939? YES
- More jobs with most men in work
- Average wages rose by 20 percent compared to 1933.
- KdF provided leisure activities and holidays and the Beauty of Labour improved working conditions.
- Car ownership increased three-fold.
Had the standard of living improved by 1939? NO
- Invisible unemployment meant many were still unemployed
- the cost of food rose by and equivalent amount so this cancelled out the wage rise.
- With the banning of trade unions, workers had fewer rights and worked long hours.
- Only high earners could really afford cars, which is why the Volkswagen scheme turned out a disaster.
