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Germany under the Nazis: Who benefited, who suffered

When Adolf Hitler and the Nazis came to power in 1933, he promised to solve Germany's problems unemployment and farming, as well as restoring Germany's pride, which included rearmament. In return for the solutions of these problems, most Germans gave up their political freedom and other things. Changes were made to the lives of all the rich, the poor, the young and the old.

Some people's lives were changed significantly for the worse, others for the better. For most these changes in quality of life were slight for others, it had changed immensely. Life had certainly changed for everyone, but who had it the best off during the Nazis rule and who had it the worst off? Was it worth it?

There were certainly many winners during the Nazi rule. Once Hitler came to power the problem of unemployment was soon solved with most of the unemployed either joining the army, or being conscripted to work in the factories, producing munitions and other war materials, such as tanks, guns and rifles. The economist Dr Hjalmar Schact organised Germany's finances to provide huge work programs for many people to work for. Germany's economy recovered under the Nazis, which was a huge relief to many Germans, as they were concerned that there wouldn't be another repetition of hyperinflation. The National Labour Service sent men (mostly unemployed) on public work projects and conservation programs, including the construction of the network of autobahns. Unemployed people were clearly gaining from Nazi rule, finding jobs and security.

Workers, many of which were previously unemployed, prospered from schemes such as Strength through Joy,' which gave many workers cheap theatre and cinema tickets and organised courses and trips and sporting events, which many workers enjoyed. This made the workers happy, drawing the attention away from the fact that they all had simple, boring jobs. If you were an unskilled worker, life under the Nazis was surely great. If you were a skilled worker, then you probably weren't very happy, doing a job which you were much more qualified for.

The fact that Hitler had clearly lowered unemployment itself made the industrial workers support Hitler. Workers were essential to the Nazis, as they would be the backbone of the new German empire, as they were to be the people who would build up the main industries, needed for war and to support the empire. Hitler therefore needed the workers to feel happy, so that they would work efficiently. As well as the Strength


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Germany under the Nazis: Who benefited, who suffered

  • 1 of 4

    by Jamie Renton

    In the first seven and a half years of Nazi rule in Germany, Hitler partook in no Jewish killing, though Jews were ta... read more

  • 2 of 4

    by Adam White

    When Adolf Hitler and the Nazis came to power in 1933, he promised to solve Germany's problems unemployment and far... read more

  • 3 of 4

    by Naomi Garton

    Hitler had a desire for a "volksgemeinshaft" (A people's community/unity) and within this women had a specific role. ... read more

  • 4 of 4

    by David Brown

    Such a title and subject is enough to fill volumes. Germany under the Nazis in my opinion was a mixed bag. Many did... read more

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