War economy and Total War Flashcards
1
Q
What effect did war have on the economy at its offset?
A
- 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
2
Q
What was the Rationalisation Decree?
A
-In December 1941, Hitler issued the ‘Rationalisation Decree’ which was an order to ensure that all existing resources were used efficiently
3
Q
What was the role of Albert Speer?
A
- 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
4
Q
What policies did Speer enforce?
A
- 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
5
Q
How was Speer’s policy a success?
A
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
6
Q
What factors inhibited Speer’s policies’ success?
A
- 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
7
Q
What was the overall impact of Speer and Total War?
A
- The Nazi economy was unable to meet the demands of a total war
- Production levels peaked in August 1944, but were below their potential