History - Nazi Control
'The use of education was more effective than the use of mass media in controlling the German people.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (10 marks)
Agree - All schools controlled by the Nazi Ministry of Education. As a result the Nazis could control what was being taught to the children and ensure that they were being taught Nazi ideas and the sheer importance of Hitler. Additionally, teachers could be controlled as they were forced to swear an oath to Hitler. If the teachers tried to give anti-Nazi views they would be sacked, and could be sent to concentration camps, thus forcing them to conform to Nazi ideas. Agree - Indoctrinated children. Curriculum changed to flect Nazi ideas, and taught young people of Nazi beliefs and racial purity. History lessons enforced the Nazi views of the ToV. Biology lessons emphasised the superiority of Aryan race, and Jews were dehumanised and seen as filth. Disagree - Goebbel's control of newspapers. Anti-Nazi newspapers weren't allowed to be published and Jewish editors & journalists were sacked. Since Goebbel's controlled most publishers, almost all newspapers included Nazi propaganda. Additionally, Nazi newspapers were always put on display and people who canceclled subscriptions were threatened, thus exposing large amounts of pro-Nazi material to German citizens. Disagree - Goebbel's control of radios. Formed the Reich Radio Company which controlled all local radio stations, and made millions radios called 'The People's Receiver' which could not pick up foreign broadcasts, and many households owned these radios as it was cheap. Additionally, 6000 loudspeakers which played radio broadcasts were placed in public squares. This meant most German citizens were only listening to pro-Nazi media everywhere within their lives; within their households or in public.
'The existence of the Hitler Youth ensured that the Nazis were successful in winning the support of young people.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (10 marks)
Agree - Being in Hitler Youth ensured boys were prepared for adulthood, thus increasing their chances of getting a good job in the future. For boys, it was a training ground for the army as they learned the importance of physical fitness & military training; this prepared them to be soldiers. Agree - Indoctrinated children at an impressionable age. Taught young people of Nazi beliefs and racial purity. Nazi beliefs included their views on the ToV being unfair, while racial purity included the superiority of the Aryan race, while the Jews were to be hated and seen as filth. It also presented an image to young people of Nazism being dynamic and exciting and it took over the social life of many. Additionally, war was glorified, thus creating a generation of young people willing to fight and 'die' for Germany. Disagree - Youth opposition groups such as Edelweiss Pirates appeared. These were groups of young people who didn't like the indoctrination and sexual segragation. As a result, they beat up Hitler Youth patrols. They also helped prisoners escape during the war, hid army deserters, and even assassinated a Gestapo leader. Additionally, they gathered to sing anti-Nazi songs and painted graffiti on walls and public buildings. Although, the Nazis ended up harshly punishing them, and executing some, these groups showed that not all young people were in support of the Nazis. Disagree - Non-violent opposition groups like White Rose were formed. It was founded by students at the University of Munich. They started to spread their beliefs thorugh leaflets in 1942. Within these booklets they advocated for passive resistance against the Nazi war effort and criticised the Nazi's treatment of the Jews. Although the members ended up being caught and beheaded in 1943, it showed that some young people didn't support the Nazis and were willing to take a stand against the Nazi war efforts
'Nazi youth policies were unsuccessful.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (10 marks)
Agree - Edelweiss Pirates Agree - Swing Youth Disagree - Successful because of indoctrination. ToV unfair. Aryans superior, Jews hated and seen as filth. Nazism presented as exciting & dynamic. War glorified, creating vengeful Germans. Disagree - Millions voluntarily joined Hitler Youth. By 1939 there were 7 million members with a vast majority being young Germans. Joined as other associations were banned and it contributed majorly to their social lives through activities such as camping & sports. Also gave boys higher chance of jobs in the future as it prepared them for the armed forces.
'Nazi Germany was a totalitarian state.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer.
Agree - Gestapo - Helped to make Germans obey the Nazis. It created a fear factor as Germans would not know if they're phones were being tapped or if their conversations were being listened to by informers. As a result, Germans could not express anti-Nazi views due to the risk of being found out. Additionally, they had the power to arrest citizens on suspicion and send them to concentration camps without trial or explanation. Agree - Concentration camps - Removed any political opponents, or those who were a potential threat, from the rest of society. Conditions within these camps were harsh and many who were sent there died, either through executions, disease, or malnutrition. Additionally, there was a lot of secrecy surrounding these camps at the time, thus creating a sense of fear as Germans had no idea what to expect in these camps, further helping to keep control. Disagree - Church opposition - Protestant church called the Confessing Church was set up in 1934 by Martin Niemoller & Bonhoeffer to oppose the Reich Church that was set up by the Nazis to try and control all protestant churches. Around 6,000 pastors joined in the opposition against the Nazis. Although more than 800 were sent to concentration camps, this showed that there was still opposition to Nazi control. Disagree - Swing Youth - This consisted of teenagers from wealthy families who admired American culture over Nazi culture, and felt the Nazis didn't appreciate their style. They went against many of the Nazis beliefs, for example they listened to jazz and swing illegally, danced the jitterbug, and also smoked and drunk alcohol in groups and parties of upto 6000. Thus, showing that Nazi Germany was not fully totalitarian as there was still youth opposition.
'The most important role of women in Nazi Germany was to have lots of children.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (10 marks)
Agree - Increase birth rate for war. Agree - Need more Aryans. Hitler believed they were the most superior race, and needed more to occupy conquered territories to show the race's superiority. Disagree - Later on, women needed in labour forces during war to sustain war effort. Disagree - Be wives and mothers, and take care of families at home. Nazi believed in traditional values, and felt this brought back stability to society. Also reduced unemployment as more jobs for men.
'There was no effective opposition to the Nazi regime.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer (10 marks)
Agree - July Bomb Plot of 1944 failed. Agree - SS & Gestapo were able to find opponents to the Nazi regime and send them to concentration camps. Disagree - Edelweiss Pirates effective during the war. Carried out acts of sabotage, helped prisoners escape during the war, hid army deserters, and even assassinated a Gestapo leader. Such a threat, Nazis executed their leaders in 1944. Disagree - Opposition led by churchmen over euthanasia. In 1941, Bishop von Galen gave sermons against Hitler's euthanasia project which was introduced to get rid of sick, elderly, mentally retarded, and disabled people from Germany. Hitler didn't want the publicity, as a result he gave in to the public protests and ordered the suspension the euthanasia programme in Germany. Even though the programme was later revived in Poland, it showed that the opposition to euthanasia programme was effective as they had to suspend it in Germany.
'The most important opposition to the Nazi regime came from young people.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer (10 marks)
Agree - Non-violent opposition groups like White Rose were important. It was founded by students at the University of Munich. They started to spread their beliefs thorugh leaflets in 1942. Within these booklets they advocated for passive resistance against the Nazi war effort and criticised the Nazi's treatment of the Jews. Although the members ended up being caught and beheaded in 1943, this shows that they were a regarded as a threat by the Nazis. Agree - Youth opposition groups such as Edelweiss Pirates was important. These were groups of young people who didn't like the indoctrination and sexual segragation. As a result, they beat up Hitler Youth patrols. They also helped prisoners escape during the war, hid army deserters, and even assassinated a Gestapo leader. Additionally, they gathered to sing anti-Nazi songs and painted graffiti on walls and public buildings. Threat as they were a violent gang who actively sabotaged the Nazis, such a threat that they were hanged. Disagree - July Bomb Plot of 1944. Senior army officers plotted to kill Hitler and end the war. A bomb was set off in a briefcase that was close to where Hitler was working but someone moved the breifcase at the last moment, and the blast from the bomb missed Hitler. If this plan had worked and Hitler was killed, it would've been devastating for Germany as there would've been a significant drop in public morale and a major lack of direction, and the war would've likely ended earlier. Disagree - Church opposition was more important. Protestant church called the Confessing Church was set up in 1934 by Martin Niemoller & Bonhoeffer to oppose the Reich Church that was set up by the Nazis to try and control all protestant churches. Around 6,000 pastors joined in the opposition against the Nazis. Although more than 800 were sent to concentration camps, this shows how much of a threat the Churches were to the Nazis as they knew there were many within Germany who, albeit in secret, loved their religion more than the Nazis.
'The use by the Nazis of mass media and culture was more effective than the secret police in controlling the German people.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (10 marks)
Agree - People could easily indoctrinated with culture. Goebbels introduced the Reich Chamber of Culture which controlled, Art, Theatre, Music, Architecture, and Literature. All of it had to follow the Nazi message, thus allowing Goebbels to use a wide-range of mediums as propaganda to promote the Nazi ideology. As a result, many more people with different interests were exposed to Nazi ideology, and propaganda, and could start to believe in it. Agree - Goebbel's control of radios. Formed the Reich Radio Company which controlled all local radio stations, and made millions radios called 'The People's Receiver' which could not pick up foreign broadcasts, and many households owned these radios as it was cheap. Additionally, 6000 loudspeakers which played radio broadcasts were placed in public squares. This meant most German citizens were only listening to pro-Nazi media everywhere within their lives; within their households or in public. Disagree - Gestapo found people who opposed the Nazi regime. Provided information by spying on German citizens by tapping phones, intercepting mails, and accessing information through a network of German informers. Thus, the Nazis were able to target these individuals and take action against them. Disagree - Gestapo helped to make Germans obey the Nazis. It created a fear factor as Germans would not know if their phones were being tapped or if their conversations were being listened to by informers. As a result, Germans could not express anti-Nazi views due to the risk of being found out. Additionally, they could arrest citizens on suspicion and send them to concentration camps without trial or explanation; Germans didn't know what exactly happened at these concentration camps either, creating more fear.
'The use of informers was a more effective way than terror for the Nazis to control people.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (10 marks)
Agree - People didn't know who to trust. Anyone could've been an informer so people were less likely to take the risk of expressing anti-Nazi views to anyone. Agree - Everyone encouraged to report anti-Nazi behaviour. This helped the Nazis to create a bigger network of informers, thus allowing them to gain more information on people who were opposing the regime. It also made sure that no one was anti-Nazi as there would've been peer pressure from the amount of other people willing to report anti-Nazi behaviour. Disagree - Gestapo Disagree - Concentration Camps
'The standard of living in Germany improved under the Nazis.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (10 marks)
Agree - People were happy to have jobs. The over 6 million unemployed as a result of the Great Depression had decreased to only a few hundred thousand. For example, industrial workers were to put work on the government's public works schemes. This provided them with wages to help feed and clothe their families. Additionally, local councils took action to provide more cheaper flats, thus allowing these workers to afford housing. Agree - Farmers enjoyed food price increases and the writing off of some farm debts. The policy of Autarky meant that Germany wanted to be more economically self-sufficient, as a result Germany was going to be less-reliant on food imports. Thus, helping the farmers as there was a guarantee that their products would be bought. Disagree - Lost of trade unions. Indsutrial workers forced to join the German Labour Front which was run by the Nazis. As a result, there was no possibility to organise strikes for better pay and conditions, so they would never improve as long as the Nazis were in rule. Disagree - Standard of living for industrial workers were low. Immediately put on government programmes, and were forced to accept it as there was no longer any unemployment benefit. The wages on the government's work were sometimes lower than the unemployment benefit. As a result, many workers' wages were comparitively low and thus heavily affected their standard of living as they could barely afford to get by, especiallly if they had families.
'Economic improvements were more successful than the use of terror in enabling the Nazis to control the German people.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer. (10 marks)
Agree - People were happy to have jobs. The over 6 million unemployed as a result of the Great Depression had decreased to only a few hundred thousand. Industrial workers were to put work on the government's public works schemes. This provided them with wages to help feed and clothe their families. Additionally, local councils took action to provide more cheaper flats, thus allowing these workers to afford housing. Agree - Large businesses benefitted from the rearmaments programme as they received orders for military equipment such as guns, bullets, bombs, tanks, aeroplanes, and ships. Additionally, they also benefitted from the banning of trade unions as strikings were banned, thus making labour cheaper. Overall, big profits were made and the value of the German industry increased, as a result, the average salary of managers increased by almost 70% between 1934-38. Disagree - Gestapo - Helped to make Germans obey the Nazis. It created a fear factor as Germans would not know if they're phones were being tapped or if their conversations were being listened to by informers. As a result, Germans could not express anti-Nazi views due to the risk of being found out. Additionally, they had the power to arrest citizens on suspicion and send them to concentration camps without trial or explanation. Disagree - Concentration camps - Removed any political opponents, or those who were a potential threat, from the rest of society. Conditions within these camps were harsh and many who were sent there died, either through executions, disease, or malnutrition. Additionally, there was a lot of secrecy surrounding these camps at the time, thus creating a sense of fear as Germans had no idea what to expect in these camps, further helping to keep control.
Describe Nazi use of censorship. (4 marks)
All newspapers under Nazi control, and newspapers that were anti-Nazi were closed down. Radio stations controlled by the Nazis, and played pro-Nazi material. Books were censored and libraries weren't allowed to have Jewish or Communists books. There were public boor burnings where un-German books were burned. Art galleries had to remove art that was popular during the Weimar Republic.
Why did life in Germany change during the war years? (6 marks)
Bombing of Dresden - In 1942 the Allies introduced a new policy of bombing Germany to cripple German industry, lower morale of civillians, and terrorise them into submission. Over the next 3 years, the bombing escalated, culminating into the bombing of Dresden in February 1945. Around 35,000 to 150,000 people were killed and homes of millions were destroyed thus making many homeless. This shows how much the bombing of Dresden changed life in Germany. War economy - Albert Speer began directing Germany's war economy from 1942. He focused all effort on the armament industries. This led to all places of entertainment being closed - except for cinemas as Goebbels needed them to show propaganda films. Also, since lots of German men had been conscripted, women were drafted into labour in increasing numbers to increase output.
Describe actions taken by the Nazis against Jewish businesses in 1933. (4 marks)
Boycott of Jewish businesses was organised. Took place in April 1933. SA men surround Jewish shops. Adverts in newspapers told people not to shop in Jewish stores. Posters on Jewish shop windows telling people to stay away. Star of David was painted on windows to indentify Jewish businesses.
How consistent were Nazi attitudes towards women in the period 1934-45? Explain your answer. (10 marks)
Consistent - Women not allowed to joined armed forces. Nazis believed that women should only focus on being wives and mothers, and should stay at home to take care of their family. This, generally, didn't change during the war as women could not join armed forces. Even though women ended up working in armament factories and farms in an effort to replace the men who were fighting in the army, Hitler never changed his beliefs and still didn't like the idea of women working in them. Consistent - Nazis wanted women to have lots of children during the war. The Nazis wanted women to get married and have lots of children to increase the birth rate and produce men for the army. This policy never changed when the war started as Nazis still wanted to increase the birth rate, especially to replace the casualties that come with war. Inconsistent - Women drafted into labour force in increasing numbers as result of war. Men had to fight, and Nazi's policy of rearmament meant women had to work in the armament factories to sustain the war effort. Also, a compulsory year of Labour Service was introduced, so most women went to work on farms as well. Inconsistent - Nazis cancelled the marriage loan. The marriage loan meant that married couples were given 1,000 marks in loans and for every child they had, they could keep 250 marks. However, this policy was changed in anticipation of the war as Germany had to focus all their efforts on industries such as armaments and couldn't afford to be wasting money.
Why was the Hitler Youth movement an important part of life in Nazi Germany? (6 marks)
Ensured young people were prepared for adulthood. Trained girls to become good wives & mothers through the learning of Domestic science, this included skills necessary to take care of a family such as cooking. For boys, it was a training ground for the army as they learned the importance of physical fitness & military training; this prepared them to be soldiers. Indoctrinated children at an impressionable age. Taught young people of Nazi beliefs and racial purity. Nazi beliefs included their views on the ToV being unfair, while racial purity included the superiority of the Aryan race, while the Jews were to be hated and seen as filth. It also presented an image to young people of Nazism being dynamic and exciting and it took over the social life of many. Additionally, war was glorified, thus creating a generation of young people willing to fight and 'die' for Germany.
Why were some women unhappy with life under the Nazi regime? (6 marks)
Expected to be married and fulfill the role as wives & mothers at home. This would've create sense of restriction for many women who no longer could choose their direction in life. Additionally, there was massive peer pressure for women as women who had a certain amount of children were given bronze, silver, or gold medals, and women who had no husband or children were looked down upon. As a result, many women were resentful of their loss of social freedom. Nazi established a male dominated society. As a result, women had to give up their jobs for men. Many married professional women who had careers pre-Nazi rule were resentful of this loss of economic freedom and waste of time training for these careers.
Why was the Gestapo important to the Nazis? (6 marks)
Found people who opposed the Nazi regime. Provided information by spying on German citizens by tapping phones, intercepting mails, and accessing information through a network of German informers. Thus, the Nazis were able to target these individuals and take action against them. Helped to make Germans obey the Nazis. It created a fear factor as Germans would not know if their phones were being tapped or if their conversations were being listened to by informers. As a result, Germans could not express anti-Nazi views due to the risk of being found out. Additionally, they could arrest citizens on suspicion and send them to concentration camps without trial or explanation; Germans didn't know what exactly happened at these concentration camps either, creating more fear.
Why was the use of the radio a successful method of controlling the German people? (6 marks)
Germans indoctrinated - Goebbels formed the Reich Radio Company which controlled all local radio stations. This meant that he could control what was being broadcasted on radios, thus only allowing pro-Nazi messages to be played, especially speeches from Hitler. By listening to these broadcasts over and over again, eventually many Germans would start to believe Hitler's ideas. Nazi message easily brought to Germans - Cheap radio, called the 'The People's Receiver', was made available. This made the radio easily accessible and affordable for the German people. Thus, making the radio more prominent in households and by 1939, 70% of households had a radio. Additionally, these radios weren't able to pick up foreign broadcasts forcing these households to only listen to Nazi ideas.
What part did the secret police play in the running of Nazi Germany? (4 marks)
Gestapo could spy on people. Tapped telephones. Intercepted mail. Could send people to concentration camps without trial. Could arrest citizens without trial. Used information from a network of informers.
Why were the Nazis able to reduce unemployment? (6 marks)
Hitler encoraged women to give up their jobs and careers. Also, Jews & students didn't count as unemployed. Breaking ToV with rearmament programme. Created jobs in industries such as engineering and armament as large businesses received orders for military equipment such as guns, bullets, bombs, tanks, aeroplanes, and ships. Also size of army increased, so more people could have jobs such as being soldiers. Over a million and a half jobs were created in the armed forces and weapons production by 1936
Why did the Nazis see women as important? (6 marks)
Hitler needed to stop falling birth rate. Birth rates had been falling since 1900 because of women having careers that they had to focus on. This needed to be halted as Hitler wanted a higher birth rate if war was to start. More men would be needed to replace the losses on the battlefront and in industries such as armaments. As a result, women were encouraged to get married and have children. Later on, women needed to be drafted into labour force. Women drafted into labour force in increasing numbers as result of war. Men had to fight, and Nazi's policy of rearmament meant that Nazis needed women to work in the armament factories to sustain the war effort. Also, a compulsory year of Labour Service was introduced, so many women went to work on farms as well.
In what ways did the Nazis discriminate against Jews within German society? (4 marks)
Hitler ordered a boycott against Jewish shops & businesses. Jews sent to concentration camps. Nazis passed Nuremberg Laws in 1935. Jews banned from public services such as teaching. Jews lost their German citizenship. Jews not allowed to marry pure-blooded Germans. Nazis carried out Kristallnacht, where Jewiish shops were destroyed.
Why was Hitler popular with many Germans? (6 marks)
Hitler was a charismatic person and a powerful orator. Goebbels help to organise for Hitler to travel all over Germany through plane to give speeches at many rallies. These rallies focused on his personality and skills, it didn't matter what he said, just how he said it. This, coupled with powerful posters, helped to create this image of Hitler being a sort of 'superman', a strong leader with new ideas that would make Germany 'great again'. He seemed to understand the problems of many, and was thus seen as the man of the people. Hitler kept his promises. As a result of Great Depression, many saw their businesses closing down, and 6.6 million became unemployed. Therefore Hitler made promises such as more jobs, increased profits for employers, and higher prices for farmers. Hitler successfully carried out these promises, for example his economic policy of public works schemes provided many jobs for industrial workers and unemployment dropped to only a few hundred throusand. As a result, these workers could now afford to feed and clothe their families, contributing massively to Hitler being trusted and becoming popular.
Describe Nazi measures to reduce unemployment. (4 marks)
Introduced public works scheme like the building of autobahn. Rearmament meant more people were employed in industries like armaments & engineering. Jews removed from Civil Service. Women encouraged to leave employment. All 18-25 year olds had to join National Labour Service for 6 months.
What was the 'Final Solution'? (4 marks)
It was a Nazi plan. It was the plan to exterminate all Jews during WWII. It was a policy of systematic genocide of all Jews across German-occupied Europe. It was decided by Nazi leadership in 1942 at the Wansee Conference. Extermination camps such as Auschwitz were fitted with permanent gas chambers. Extermination carried out by SS Nearly 6 million Jews were exterminated.
Describe the Nazi policy of autarky. (4 marks)
It was the policy of making Germany economically self-sufficient. Hitler wanted to import less food & raw materials. Hitler didn't want to be dependent on imports if war began. Farmers subsidised to produce more foods and reduce imported food. Nazis worked to find substitutes for coffee, rubber, petrol & cotton. Goerring given task to make Germany self-sufficient within 4 years.
How did war change life for women in Nazi Germany? (4 marks)
Life harder as foods & clothes rationing introduced. Women went to work due to labour shortage. Women had to take care of home & families without support as men fought in army. Allied bombing destroyed over 3 million houses, so women and children made homeless.
What opposition to the Nazi regime existed in its early years in power? (4 marks)
Opposed by Communists. Before Enabling Act, Social Democrats openly criticised Nazis. For a short time, many trade unions opposed Nazi policies. Until NOTLK, many senior Army leaders were unsure of Hitler. Many churchmen spoke out against the Nazis. Swing Movement opposed the Nazis. (*German teenagers who loved jazz and American culture)
Why did the Nazis want to control culture and the arts? (6 marks)
People could be indoctrinated with culture. Goebbels introduced the Reich Chamber of Culture which controlled, Art, Theatre, Music, Architecture, and Literature. All of it had to follow the Nazi message, thus allowing Goebbels to use a wide-range of mediums as propaganda to promote the Nazi ideology. As a result, many more people with different interests were exposed to Nazi ideology, and propaganda, and could start to believe in it. The arts was an easy way to bring the Nazi message to all Germans. For example, films had audiences of over 250 million in 1933, so by making films it would be easy to convey the Nazi message to many. As a result, film 'masterpieces' such as 'Eternal Jew' and 'Triumph of the Will' showed German trumphs and attacked the Jews and Communists, thus conveying the Nazi's message.
Why were mass rallies important to the Nazis? (6 marks)
Propaganda opportunity to show the power and strength of the regime thus encouraging loyalty and support. People watched military bands, marches, flying displays and listened to speeches by leading Nazis. This emphasises the order and dedication of the Nazis and how they were so good for Germany. Additionally, many soldiers were present at these rallies as well showing the military strength of the regime. Presented Hitler as a figure above all. As Hitler was a powerful orator, it gave him the opportunity to speak to thousands of Germans and convey his ideas to them. Thus, convincing many Germans to trust in him and believe in the Nazi regime. Additionally, Hitler was placed on an elevated stage, further emphasising this image of him being a sort of 'superman' for Germany - he was the one that was going to save Germany and make it 'great again'.
What actions did the Nazis take against religious opponents? (4 marks)
Sent to concentration camps Niemoller sent to concentration camp Tried to gain control of Protestants by setting up a single 'Reich Church' under a Nazi bishop Bonhoeffer hanged No action taken against Cardinal Galen
How successful was Germany's conversion to a war economy? Explain your answer. (10 marks)
Successful - Production of armaments rose rapidly, especially after 1942 when Albert Speer was put in charge of the war economy as he focused the effort on the armament industries. Between 1941 and 1944, ammunition, tank, and arms production all rose to unprecedented levels. Thus, allowing Germany to keep up with the war against the Allies. Successful - Captured lots of land in the early months of war, this allowed Germany to have access to raw materials & forced labour. Raw materials helped with the lack of supplies within Germany, thus allowing Germany to keep up with output in the armaments industries. While forced labour helped with the shortage of labour force as a result of men being conscripted into the armed forces. Unsuccessful - Ineffective. Women not conscripted until 1943 as Hitler refused to conscipt women in 1939. As a result, Germany didn't make the full use of the labour force that they already had, thus didn't reach maximum output in the armament industries. Unsuccessful - German economy was not well organised at the start of the war. Food rationing was introduced soon after the beginning of the war, making life much harder for families who were no longer supported by men as they were fighting in the army, thus putting a heavy burden on women to take care of thier homes & families. Additionally, clothes rationing followed in November 1939 to counteract the shortage of raw materials. All this shows that Germany's economy wasn't fully prepared for a war economy as the quality of life for women and children left behind were significantly reduced.
Why was Kristallnacht important? (6 marks)
Turning point in the extent of the Nazi's persecution of Jews. There was a change from social and economic persecution to physical persectutions as Jews were beaten and hundreds of them were murdered. Thus, it can be seen as an important step to the Holocaust and the Final Solution, as the Nazis were no longer just trying to eject Jews from German society, but were trying to destroy and kill them. Attempt by Goebbels to improve his standing with Hitler. After the murder of a Nazi diplomat in Paris by young Jews, Goebbels wanted to use this opportunity for the most violent anti-Jewish action to date. As a result, the Nazis destroyed 7,500 businesses, burnt 400 synanogues, sent 20,000 Jews to concentration camps, and forced the Jews to pay 1 billion pounds for the damage done. This event completely dehumanised Jews in German society, alligning with Hitler's belief that the Jews were the least superior race and were the filths of society.
Describe the education policies of the Nazis in German schools. (4 marks)
Used education to indoctrinate young people. Nazi ideas and racial beliefs included in any subject's lessons. Textbooks re-written to conform to Nazi beliefs and racial purity Girls expected to learn domestic science & other subjects to fulfill their roles as wives & mothers Boys expected to do more sport to prepare for the Army. Biology lessons emphasised the superiority of Aryan race. History lessons enforced the Nazi views of the ToV.
In what ways were the Berlin Olympics a success for Goebbels? (4 marks)
Visitors impressed with technology. Visitors impressed with modern electric lighting. Visitors amazed at the use of television cameras. Visitors amazed at the scale of the stadium and its design. Germany came top of medals table. It was a triumph for Aryans. Discrimation fo Jews not apparent due to the addition of a Jewish token athlete.
Why did the Nazis introduce a war economy? (6 marks)
War economy brought forced labour. This was needed as workers in factories were conscripted for military service, so this shortage of workers meant that the production of goods and equipment for the war weren't at adequate levels. Since Hitler was reluctant to conscript women and factories weren't producing as much as they could, the Nazis sent foreign workers in occupied countries to labour camps and used them as forced labour to increase production levels for the war. Germany was facing countries with greater material and industrial resources. This meant that Germany had to prioritise the production of goods and equipments to continue fighting against the allied nation. As a result, anything that did not contribute to the war effort such as non-essential businesses, and manufacture of civilian clothes, was ended and when Albert Speer was put in charge of the war economy in 1942, all effort was focused on the armaments industries.
Why did the war lead to the Final Solution? (6 marks)
War radicalised the Nazi's policies towards Jews so plans for deportation in the East turned to mass murder instead. When USSR invaded, the Einsatzgruppen followed the army into Russia and rounded up and killed any Jews they found. It became clear the war wouldn't be won easily in the East, so a more efficient way of killing Jews were introduced. Death camps were set up in occupied territories, especially Poland, where Nazis thought they could get away with murdering Jews in secret. Wansee Conference. In January 1942, senior Nazi officials met at a building in Wansee. It informed aministrative leaders of departments responsible for policies relating to Jews that Reinhard Heydrich was appointed chief executor of the Final Solution. As a result of the conference, a decision was made to eliminate all the Jews in Europe. War led to the Final Solution because of the Wansee Conference as the policy of systematic genocide of all Jews across German-occupied Europe was decided there.
Who benefited least from Nazi rule: women or industrial workers? Explain your answer. (10 marks
Women - Expected to be married and fulfill the role as wives & mothers at home. This would've create sense of restriction for many women who no longer could choose their direction in life. Additionally, there was massive peer pressure for women as women who had a certain amount of children were given bronze, silver, or gold medals, and women who had no husband or children were looked down upon. As a result, many women were resentful of their loss of social freedom. Women - Nazi established a male dominated society. As a result, women had to give up their jobs for men. Many married professional women who had careers pre-Nazi rule were resentful of this loss of economic freedom and waste of time training for these careers. Industrial workers - Lost trade unions. Forced to join the German Labour Front which was run by the Nazis. As a result, there was no possibility to organise strikes for better pay and conditions, so they would never improve as long as the Nazis were in rule. Industrial workers - Standard of living was low. Immediately put on government programmes, and were forced to accept it as there was no longer any unemployment benefit. The wages on the government's work were sometimes lower than the unemployment benefit. As a result, many workers' wages were comparitively low and thus heavily affected their standard of living as they could barely afford to get by, especiallly if they had families.
Describe how women contributed to the German war effort. (4 marks)
Women allowed to join army in administrative jobs such as clerks. Worked as nurses. By 1937, women encouraged to work in factories. Compulsory year of Labour Service was introduced, so most women went to work on farms. In 1943, labour conscription was introduced for women.
What actions were taken by the Nazis to encourage an increase in the birth rate? (4 marks)
Women encouraged to give up work and stay at home. Women encouraged to marry early. Mother's crosses were awarded, bronze: 4 children, silver: 6 children, gold: 8 children. Marriage loan of 1000 marks given to married couples. After 4 children, no loans needed to be paid back as each children meant 250 marks from loan could be kept. Contraception wasn't allowed.