War economy and Total War

Question 1

What effect did war have on the economy at its offset?

Answer 1

• German military expenditure more than doubled between 1939-41
• Food rationing was introduced at the start of the war for some goods
• Clothes rationing was introduced in November 1939
• The labour force was mobilised for war
• Civilian consumption declined
• Despite all this, armaments production was low
  e. g- the number of tanks used for the invasion of Russia in June 1941 was only 800 more than for the invasion of the west

Question 2

What was the Rationalisation Decree?

Answer 2

-In December 1941, Hitler issued the ‘Rationalisation Decree’ which was an order to ensure that all existing resources were used efficiently

Question 3

What was the role of Albert Speer?

Answer 3

• Albert Speer was appointed minister of armaments in February 1942
• He introduced a policy of ‘individual self-responsibility’ to ensure mass production
• In April, the Central Planning Board was set up which was supported by a range of committees which represented different parts of the economy
• Speer co-ordinated the production process and ensured that resources were exploited

Question 4

What policies did Speer enforce?

Answer 4

• Prisoners in concentration camps were used as workers
• Women were employed in arms factories
• Skilled workers were no longer conscripted
• Anything that did not contribute to the war effort was eliminated: professional sport was ended in March 1943, magazines not essential to the war were closed, non-essential businesses were closed

Question 5

How was Speer’s policy a success?

Answer 5

In the first six months:
-Tank production rose by 25%
-Ammunition production rose by 97%
-Total arms production rose by 59%
By 1944, there  had been a threefold increase in war materials since 1942

Question 6

What factors inhibited Speer’s policies’ success?

Answer 6

• Party Gauleiters had influence at a local level and could prevent Speer’s policies from being carried out
• The SS did as they wanted and exploited lands for personal gain
• Conquered territories were not exploited economically
• The impact of Allied bombing

Question 7

What was the overall impact of Speer and Total War?

Answer 7

• The Nazi economy was unable to meet the demands of a total war
• Production levels peaked in August 1944, but were below their potential