War Economy (1939-1945)

Question 1

What was Hitler’s initial aim?

Answer 1

To not go to war in 1939.

He planned a localized war against Poland, in which he required limited resources

Question 2

What were 3 things Hitler did to expand the Nazi economy moving from 1939?

Answer 2

1. A series of war economy decrees were issued by Hitler in December 1939 outlining programmes for war production
2. Germany military expenditure doubled between 1939 and 1941 - YET BRITAIN’S TREBLED WITHIN THIS TIME PERIOD
3. 55% of the workforce was involved in war-related jobs

Question 3

What are the 2 main reasons for Germany failing to produce weapons in sufficient quantities?

Answer 3

1. There was no central agency whose job was to ensure that there was coherent planning
2. Armed forces oversaw the production process

Question 4

Compare Germany’s Air Force and Britain’s Air Force

Answer 4

Germany’s Airforce had only increased from 8290 aircraft in 1939 to 10,780 in 1941
WHEREAS in Britain, over the same period, the number of British aircraft trebled to 20,000

Question 5

Who is Speer?

Answer 5

He was the Minister of Armaments

Question 6

When was Speer appointed Minister of Armaments?

Answer 6

In February 1942

Question 7

Why was Speer a turning point?

Answer 7

He was a technocrat, he simply coordinated and rationalized the process of war production

Question 8

What were Speer’s personal initiatives?

Answer 8

• Employ more women in arms factories

- Make concentration camp prisoners workers

Question 9

What happened as a result of Speer’s first 6 months in power?

Answer 9

• Ammunition production increased by 97%

- Total arms production increased by 57%

Question 10

Despite Speer’s economic success, what was the unfortunate truth for Germany?

Answer 10

Germany’s economy was never gearing towards a large scale war