Militarism in Nazi Germany (SQA National 5 History): Revision Note
Exam code: X837 75
Summary
Militarism is the belief that a country should build powerful armed forces and give the military a leading role.
In Nazi Germany, it meant rapid rearmament from 1933, conscription in 1935, and significant spending on tanks, planes, and ships. Schools and the Hitler Youth taught discipline, drill, and loyalty to prepare boys to become soldiers. Propaganda praised soldiers and war, while factories focused on weapons instead of consumer goods. Militarism created jobs and prepared Germany for conflict, but it also made war more likely.
Rearmament in Germany
From 1933, Germany spent much of its moneyon weapons
In 1935, conscription began
By 1939, the army had increased from 100,000 men to about 1,400,000 men
Factories produced weapons in large numbers, including:
Panzer tanks
Messerschmitt fighter planes
U-boats
Artillery
In 1935, the Luftwaffe was created
New airfields were opened
Pilot training expanded
Air-raid drills began
This demonstrated a clear focus on air power
Steel, coal, engineering, shipyards, and aircraft works got priority for raw materials
Civil goods were often delayed because weapons were regarded as more important
For example, Krupp made tank parts, Blohm & Voss built warships, and Junkers plants built bombers like the Ju 87
Training the German youth
The Hitler Youth built fitness with camping, marching, and drill
To train them for future roles in the military, boys learned:
Map reading
Shooting
Signals
Schools added lessons on discipline and obedience
PE hours increased to toughen pupils
Uniforms, camps, and propaganda built obedience
Older boys helped with anti-aircraft guns
Girls aided nursing and air-raid work
After 1936, joining the military was promoted and glorified to encourage people to join up
By 1939, conscription made joining up compulsory
Propaganda and militarism
Propaganda, rallies, and schools glorified soldiers and war
This meant people accepted constant preparation for conflict
The Nuremberg rallies, war films and newsreels, uniforms and salutes at school, and boys’ war-themed games and badges all praised discipline, obedience, and fighting
Worked Example
Describe how the Nazis promoted militarism in Germany between 1933 and 1939. [4 marks]
From 1933, the regime poured money into weapons; factories made tanks, planes, ships, guns, and munitions to build a war-ready economy.[1] In 1935, conscription began; most young men had to serve and the army grew from about 100,000 to roughly 1,400,000 by 1939.[1] The Hitler Youth and schools trained boys with fitness, drill, map reading, and shooting to prepare them for the army. [1] In 1935, the Luftwaffe was created; new airfields opened, pilot training expanded, and air-raid drills began, showing a clear focus on air power. [1]
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