a type of war where the entire country is involved; all people, soldiers and civilians, must contribute; the government redirects the whole economy, industry, and society to support the war effort

work, especially physical work done for wages

a system where the government controls how much food, fuel, or goods each person can have during shortages; everyone gets a fixed amount to ensure fair distribution

people forced to flee their homes due to war, danger, or disaster, often with nowhere to go

the emotional and psychological state of a person or group; it reflects levels of confidence, hope, or despair, especially during dangerous or difficult situations

The Nazi economy and WW2

History

Germany before the First World War

Industrialisation, social reform and the growth of socialism

Germany’s naval ambitions before the First World War

The First World War and the German Revolution

The Weimar Republic

Early unrest and the Treaty of Versailles

The putsches of 1919-23

1923, the Ruhr and hyperinflation

Economic recovery under Stresemann

Stresemann's international achievements

Weimar culture 1924-29

The growth of unemployment and rise in support for the Communist Party

The growth in support for the Nazi Party

How Hitler became Chancellor of Germany

The Reichstag Fire and the Enabling Act

Hitler's creation of a dictatorship

The Nazi police state

The Nazi Party and religion

Goebbels and propaganda in Nazi Germany

Opposition and resistance to Hitler and the Nazi Party

Women in Nazi Germany

Young people in Nazi Germany

Employment in Nazi Germany

Work and life in Nazi Germany

Nazi racial ideology and the treatment of minorities

The persecution of Jews

The Final Solution

In this unit pupils undergo a period study that provides an unfolding narrative which tells a story about a period that shaped the world we live in today. They look at the key events, developments, people and stories that defined the chosen period.

Period Studies

Discriminatory behaviour or images, whether on the grounds of race, gender, disability, religion or belief or sexual orientation, or otherwise.

Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Germany invaded the Soviet Union and suffered defeats.

What major event in 1941 weakened Germany’s position in the war?

the feelings or spirit of people during a difficult period

fixed amounts of food or supplies given during shortages

when all parts of the economy are mobilised for the military effort

Match each term to its correct definition:

By 1944, over 7 million workers—many from conquered countries—had been brought to Germany to work as {{}} labour.

Allied air raids made factory work too dangerous.

Nazi ideology promoted traditional roles for women.

Why did the Nazi regime avoid using women more widely in heavy industry?

Which of the following were effects of Allied bombing on Germany?

Most German women were already working in heavy industry before the war.

Nazi ideas promoted traditional roles for women, limiting their use in industry.

The German economy didn’t need extra workers.

Women were widely encouraged to join factories like in Allied countries.

Which statement best explains why Germany did not fully mobilise women into industrial work during the war?

to create a people’s community united in work and sacrifice

to expand trade unions and promote socialism

to improve industrial efficiency for export markets

What was the main aim of Nazi labour policies between 1933 and 1939?

an organisation that protects workers’ rights

work, especially physical or manual work done in return for wages

Which of the following best defines the term “labour”?

The German Labour Front (DAF) was a Nazi organisation that replaced trade {} and removed workers’ right to strike.

to provide workers with cheap holidays and leisure activities

What was the purpose of 'Strength Through Joy' (KdF)?

It increased worker ownership of factories.

It offered structure and stability after the Weimar years.

Why did some workers appreciate the Labour Front despite its limitations?

Germany shifted to war production before cars were made.

Workers demanded refunds and stopped saving.

Why did no workers ever receive a Volkswagen car, despite paying into the savings scheme?

The Nazi economy and WW2

Lesson outcome

Content guidance