The impact of war (AQA GCSE History): Revision Notes

The impact of war

The Second World War fundamentally transformed the daily lives of ordinary Germans from the moment it began in September 1939. What started as manageable wartime adjustments gradually evolved into devastating hardships that touched every aspect of civilian life. As the conflict prolonged and intensified, the German home front experienced increasingly severe economic disruption, social upheaval, and physical destruction.

Early war adjustments (1939-1942)

Introduction of rationing and shortages

The Nazi government anticipated wartime difficulties and introduced food rationing in August 1939, even before the war officially began. This system allocated fixed amounts of essential goods including food, soap, clothing, and fuel to each citizen. Initially, these restrictions were relatively manageable, and many Germans could still access basic necessities without severe hardship.

However, as military operations expanded and resources became stretched, shortages began to emerge more prominently. The situation was partially alleviated by goods flowing back from territories occupied by the German army, which helped supplement domestic supplies. A thriving illegal trade network, known as the black market, also developed to provide luxury items and scarce goods to those who could afford the inflated prices.

Foreign labour system

To address growing labour shortages caused by military conscription, the Nazi regime increasingly relied on workers from occupied countries. Foreign workers were transported to Germany to fill essential roles in agriculture and industry. Additionally, prisoners of war and inmates from concentration camps were forced to work, providing the regime with a substantial source of unpaid labour to maintain production levels.

Total war transformation (1941-1943)

Speer's economic restructuring

The failures of the Four-Year Plan became increasingly apparent by 1941, particularly as the German army faced equipment and weapon shortages. In response, Albert Speer was appointed as Armaments Minister in 1942, implementing significant changes that dramatically increased war production. His reforms marked a crucial turning point in Germany's approach to the conflict.

From 1943 onwards, Germany adopted a 'Total War' strategy, meaning the entire economy was reorganised to support the military effort. This transformation involved closing businesses that were not directly involved in war production or food manufacturing. Entertainment venues were shut down, except for cinemas, which the regime used for propaganda purposes. Essential services like postal delivery were suspended, and workers from these closed industries were redirected into war-related production.

Economic militarization

This period saw the complete militarization of German economic life. The distinction between civilian and military production largely disappeared as every aspect of industry was evaluated based on its contribution to the war effort. This restructuring did succeed in improving supplies to the army, but it came at the cost of civilian comfort and normal economic activity.

Late war hardships (1943-1945)

Refugee crisis and territorial losses

By July 1944, German military fortunes had turned decisively. The Soviet Union's Red Army was advancing westward, forcing millions of refugees to flee from Poland, East Prussia, and Czechoslovakia into Germany. The influx continued into early 1945 as Russian forces entered German territory, causing additional millions to abandon their homes and seek safety in western regions. This massive population displacement created enormous strain on cities already suffering from bombing and resource shortages.

Strategic bombing campaign

From March 1942 to May 1945, German cities endured relentless bombing by British and American air forces. The human cost was staggering, with approximately 500,000 people killed and 750,000 wounded in these raids. The physical destruction was equally devastating, with over one million homes destroyed, leaving more than seven million Germans homeless.

Many urban residents fled to rural areas seeking comparative safety from the bombing. The destruction of supply lines and factories severely disrupted industrial production, particularly affecting armaments manufacturing. Thousands of businesses suffered serious damage as their property and inventory were destroyed in the raids.

Rationing system collapse

The rationing system, which had initially helped manage shortages, became increasingly inadequate from 1943 onwards. Food and other essential goods became severely limited, forcing rations to be reduced significantly. Citizens had to rely more heavily on the black market or resort to scavenging for basic necessities.

Desperate labour measures

After January 1943, the regime implemented comprehensive labour conscription, requiring all men aged 16 to 65 and women aged 17 to 45 to register for work assignments. Women who were pregnant, had multiple young children, or were farmers' wives received exemptions from this requirement.

Young people from Nazi organisations, including the Hitler Youth and League of German Maidens, were mobilised to assist with agricultural work as regular farm workers were conscripted for military service. The regime also dramatically increased its use of forced labour, incorporating Russian prisoners of war and people from labour and concentration camps into the workforce to address the growing shortage of available workers.

Timeline of major events

• August 1939: Rationing system introduced
• September 1939: War begins, initial shortages appear
• 1941: Four-Year Plan failures become evident
• 1942: Albert Speer appointed Armaments Minister
• March 1942: Strategic bombing campaign begins
• 1943: Total War policy implemented, comprehensive labour conscription starts
• July 1944: Refugee crisis intensifies as German armies retreat
• January 1945: Russian troops enter German territory
• May 1945: War ends, rationing system completely collapsed