A-Level AQA History - Germany: the Impact of War (1939-45)

The Impact of War on Society

Elites

There were diverse views regarding the Nazi regime and various reasons for opposing it within the elite. Some felt that the regime was evil, while others, although patriotic, believed that Hitler was leading Germany to destruction. Many of those who opposed Nazism did so because they believed in personal freedom and individual responsibility.

Workers

When war broke out, Hitler imposed wage reductions and a ban on the payment of bonuses for overtime. This caused widespread discontent among the labor force, which was reflected in an increased level of absenteeism. The regime eventually backed down and restored wage levels to their prewar levels. Total war measures impacted workers as there was a ban on holidays and an increase in the hours worked in the working week. Although some workers did become absent from work, employers were able to remove their reserve status, meaning they would be conscripted into the army. The increase in working hours and the pressure to produce more had an impact on workers’ health and welfare, leading to an increase in accidents at work and a deterioration of their health.

Women

Women bore the brunt of the hardships endured on the home front. They were obliged to spend time queuing for supplies of vital food when shortages occurred and had to shoulder all of the childcare when their husbands were away in the armed forces. As workers, women played an increasingly vital role in the German war economy. In June 1941, Goering issued a decree that if women were in receipt of family allowance and had given up paid employment but had not produced children, they should be forced to register for work or lose their benefit. When Germany was defeated at Stalingrad in 1943, the mobilization of labor was essential. It made Hitler abandon his ideological objection to the employment of married women.

Youth

Membership of the Hitler Youth and BDM had become compulsory in 1939, and young people were expected to contribute to the war effort. The young people were increasingly militarized in the final stages of the war in 1945, and the age at which youths could be conscripted was reduced to 16.

Why did the Elite oppose Hitler’s regime?
Your answer should include: Personal Freedom / Individual Responsibility
Explanation: They believed in personal freedom and individual responsibility.
How did life change for women during the war?
Your answer should include: Housewife / Childcare / Conscripted to Work / Lost Benefits / Children
Explanation: Women had to do all of the housewife and childcare duties and were conscripted to work. They also lost benefits if they did not have children.
How were workers affected by the war?
Your answer should include: Conditions / Wages / Hours / Punishments
Explanation: Conditions were worse, wages were lower, hours were increased, and punishments were harsher.
Adapt