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
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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

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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