German Industry and the Third Reich

By Joshaniel Tan Yong Yin

The Nazis and the New Plan

It was designed to reduce unemployment and reduce imports to the point of being self-sufficient.

Military spending was approximated at 60 billion RM a year, while only 1 million was spent on civil ones.

The KdF Car Volkswagen was Hitler’s attempt to

benefit ordinary Germans The aim was to build a cheap car that

anyone could afford. However, most Germans did not

receive their cars till after the war

Taking advantage of the system

Some powerful companies took advantage of the times and the environment at the time, using forced labor and “Aryanization” of Jewish property

These companies bankrolled the Nazi Party, helping them rise to power.

Media Attention Many people were not even aware of

what had happened until the film Schindler’s List attracted huge media attention.

It depicted the story of one of the few men who had the moral bravery to do what was right, and to help people in need.

The fact was that too many business men were affected by greed, and simply took advantage of the occupation of Europe and the persecution of Jews.

They saw the times as a chance to enrich themselves and their company.

Bibliography http://www.bytwerk.com/gpa/vw.htm http://archive.adl.org/braun/dim_13_2

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