Nazi Economic Policies (SQA National 5 History): Revision Note
Exam code: X837 75
Summary
The Nazis aimed to make Germany self-sufficient through a policy called autarky, so the country needed fewer imports. They launched large-scale public works, building and fixing roads, railways, and houses, which cut unemployment.
At the same time, the Nazis rearmed Germany, creating many jobs in iron, steel, aviation, and shipbuilding. Workers were tightly controlled: the German Labour Front replaced trade unions and strikes were banned.
From 1935, the German Labour Service made young men do six months of work on public projects. The 'Strength Through Joy' scheme offered cheap holidays and leisure to reward loyal workers.
Economic policies of the Nazis
The Nazis built and repaired roads, railways, and houses
For example, the construction of the autobahns
From 1935, the German Labour Service made young men work for six months on these projects
This created many jobs and cut unemployment
Germany rebuilt the army, navy, and air force
This meant more work in industries including:
Iron
Steel
Coal mining
Engineering
Shipyards
Aircraft factories
The Nazis also introduced conscription from 1935
This also created employment
The German Labour Front replaced trade unions and banned strikes
This was important in industries such as coal to keep the coal flowing to steelworks to feed arms production
'Strength Through Joy' offered cheap holidays to loyal workers
The organisation ran cheap cruises for workers on ships like the Wilhelm Gustloff
This allowed factory staff to take week-long Baltic trips at a fraction of the normal cost
At the same time, the regime pushed autarky (being self-sufficient), which boosted farming and created jobs
Germany tried to make its own fuel and rubber
The country spent heavily on weapons
This used up money and raw materials
Fewer everyday goods were made
For example, factories made synthetic rubber and tanks instead of nylons and good shoes, and imported items like coffee were replaced with cheap substitutes
Worked Example
Describe the main economic policies of the Nazis in Germany between 1933 and 1939.
[4 marks]
The regime launched large public works like building autobahns and repairing roads and railways, creating jobs. [1] Germany rearmed on a massive scale and brought in conscription from 1935, boosting work in steel, coal, shipyards, and aircraft factories. [1] The Nazis pushed autarky, making substitutes such as synthetic rubber and fuel and increasing farm output to cut imports. [1] Trade unions were replaced by the German Labour Front, and strikes were banned; the German Labour Service made young men do six months’ work on public projects. [1]
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