WWII Mobilization: Germany

WWII Mobilization

Germany

Germany

In August 1914, Germans had enthusiastically cheered their soldiers
marching off to war. In September 1939, the streets were quiet. Even
worse for the Nazi regime, many feared disaster.

Hitler was well aware of the importance of the home front. He believed
that the collapse of the home front in World War I had caused Germany’s
defeat. To avoid a repetition of that experience, he adopted economic
policies that may have cost Germany the war.

Multiple Choice

How did German citizens feel about the start of WWII?

• Many feared disaster and were concerned

• They were excited for the new opportunities it would bring.

• They were indifferent and unconcerned.

• They were hopeful that it would bring peace and prosperity.

Multiple Choice

Hitler believed that one reason that caused Germany's defeat in WWI was

• Poor military strategy

• Lack of resources

• The collapse of the home front

• Allied forces' superior technology

Economic Home Front

To maintain the morale of the home front during the first two years of the
war, Hitler refused to cut consumer goods production or to increase the
production of armaments. Blitzkrieg gave Germans quick victories and
enabled them to plunder the food and raw materials of conquered
countries. In this way, they could avoid taking away resources from the
civilian economy. After German defeats on the Russian front and the
American entry into the war, however, the economic situation in Germany
changed.

Albert Speer

Early in 1942, Hitler finally ordered a
massive increase in armaments
production and in the size of the
army. Hitler’s architect, Albert Speer,
was made minister for armaments and
munitions in 1942. Speer was able to
triple the production of armaments
between 1942 and 1943, in spite of
Allied air raids.

Total Mobilization

A total mobilization of the economy
was put into effect in July 1944.
Schools, theaters, and cafes were
closed. By that time, though, total
war mobilization was too late to
save Germany from defeat.

Women in Nazi Germany

Nazi attitudes toward women changed over the
course of the war. Before the war, the Nazis had
worked to keep women out of the job market. As the
war progressed and more and more men were called
up for military service, this position no longer made
sense. In spite of this change, the number of women
working in industry, agriculture, commerce, and
domestic service increased only slightly. The total
number of employed women in September 1944
was 14.9 million, compared with 14.6 million in
May 1939. Many women, especially those who
belonged to the middle class, did not want jobs,
particularly in factories.

Multiple Choice

Before the war, the Nazis felt that women

• Should be given the same rights and opportunities as men

• Were accepted in factories the same as men

• Should be educated in the same way as men

• Were meant to be wives and mothers, and did not belong in the workplace

Multiple Choice

What changed in Germany that allowed openings for women to start working?

• The introduction of the minimum wage

• Men were called up for military service

• The passage of the Equal Rights Amendment

• The abolishment of the Glass Ceiling Act

Propaganda

Open Ended

After viewing the propaganda posters, what feelings/emotions/opinions did you have?

Open Ended

Was it easy to see the difference between the "good guys" and the "bad guys" in the propaganda? What groups or people did you recognize?

Open Ended

Why do you think those in power would want to make posters like this?