Under Hitler Highways were constructed. Image credit imgur.com

ZIMSEC O Level History Notes: Dictatorship in Europe: Dictatorship in Germany: Economic Policies

  • Hitler came into power when the unemployment rate was very high and about six million people where not employed
  • He introduced various schemes and programmes to ensure that people get employment and managed to employ all those who wanted employment to a point that Germany was in short of labour
  • Resources were poured into public works schemes such as the construction of the 7000km motorway
  • Airfield and frontiers were also built through public works schemes
  • Thousands of men and women were conscripted into the Germany army
  • The industries were expanded to support rearmament such as industries manufacturing steel and chemicals
  • Grants and loans were given to farmer in the farming and food processing sector to improve self sufficiency
  • Germany began to revive industries producing synthetic products such as petrol from coal and reduced their imports
  • Most workers were however exploited and they lost their rights especially those to form trade unions
  • Germany workers worked for many hours and were highly taxed
  • Workers enjoyed benefits such as cruises, the Strength through joy, evening classes, cultural and sporting activities

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