War In Germany Flashcards
What did Germany use conquered countries for?
They took their resources and used the population for cheap labour.
When was rationing introduced in Germany and what was its effect on the German people early on?
Rationing was introduced as soon as the war started. It initially lead to higher standards of health.
What was eventually rationed in Germany?
- Clothes
- Warm water
- Soap
- Toilet paper was banned altogether
How were women treated once war began?
The Nazis wanted them to work again but still support huge families. The Nazis tried to force 3 million women into work but only 1 million turned up.
What effect did WW2 have on the health of German women?
It got significantly worse due to food shortages, bombings and anxiety.
What was the role of propaganda in Germany in WW2?
It kept peoples’ morale high by playing on the fear of communism.
What is generally considered the turning point in Germany’s war campaign?
Their loss at Stalingrad in 1942.
Why did the loss at Stalingrad come as such a big shock to the German people?
Because propaganda had told them they were winning.
What was Total War?
The total streamlining of the German economy to compensate for the loss at Stalingrad. Everything was centred around winning the war.
What did Total War mean for Germany?
- Professional sport was discontinued.
- Magazines were banned
- Shops that didn’t contribute to the war effort were closed down.
- Working hours lengthened
- Food rationing increased.
When did the Allies launch their bombing campaign against Germany?
1943
Where was targeted during the Allied bombings?
Major cities like Berlin, Hamburg and Dresden.
What were the effects of the Allied bombings?
- 800,000+ killed
- People fled cities so villages became overcrowded
- Those with homes had to share
- Morale was destroyed
What was the Volkssturm?
The German equivalent of the Home Guard for those unable to join the army.
What was the purpose of the Volkssturm?
To make those unable to join the army feel as though they were contributing to the effort.
What jobs could boys in the Volkssturm do?
- Firemen
- Postmen
- Metal collecting
What jobs could girls in the Volkssturm do?
- Help at nurseries
- Tend to OAPs at old peoples’ homes
- Singing
What were ghettoes?
Decrepit areas where Jews were deposited. They were guarded 24/7 and were lined with barbed wire.
How many people died in ghettoes?
500,000
What was the Einsatzgruppen?
They were a special operation squad tasked with exterminating as many Jews as possible.
How did the Einsatzgruppen kill Jews?
They rounded them up and got them to dig trenches. They were then shot into the trenches which were used as graves.
How many Jews did the Einsatzgruppen kill?
750,000
What was the Final Solution?
An order made by Goering in July 1941. It ordered Heydrich to prepare concentration camps to kill the Jews en mass.
How many Jews were killed as part of the Final Solution?
6,000,000
