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'Nazi policies made the lives of German people worse between 1933 and 1939:' How far do you agree with this view? - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 9 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 9
'Nazi policies made the lives of German people worse between 1933 and 1939:' How far do you agree with this view?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'Nazi policies made the lives of German people worse between 1933 and 1939:' How far do you agree with this view? - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 9 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Evaluate the impact of Nazi economic policies on German citizens
Answer
The Nazi regime implemented a series of economic policies aimed at reducing unemployment and boosting the economy. While these policies led to a significant drop in unemployment, many jobs created were in military and state-controlled sectors. This could be viewed as making life worse for individuals, as there was a lack of job security and freedom.
The Four-Year Plan initiated in 1936 focused on rearmament and autarky, diverting resources from consumer goods, which affected the quality of life. Additionally, the emphasis on military production could cause distress for families fearing conscription or loss of loved ones.
Step 2
Assess the social and cultural impacts of Nazi policies
Answer
The Nazi regime enforced strict social policies aimed at promoting Aryan values, which marginalized various groups, including Jews, homosexuals, and political dissidents. This oppression created a climate of fear and limited personal freedoms, undoubtedly making life worse for those targeted.
For example, the Nuremberg Laws of 1935 stripped Jews of their citizenship and rights, leading to widespread societal discrimination and economic hardship for Jewish families, thus significantly affecting their quality of life. Furthermore, the regime's censorship and control over arts and culture stifled creativity and freedom of expression.
Step 3
Analyze the impact of propaganda on public perception
Answer
Nazi propaganda portrayed the regime positively and often downplayed the adverse effects of its policies. Through control of the media and education, the regime fostered a narrative that emphasized unity and strength. This might have created an illusion of improvement for some citizens, even when the reality was quite different.
Step 4
Conclusion: Weigh the arguments for and against the view
Answer
In conclusion, while Nazi policies did lead to short-term economic recovery and some societal order, they came at a high cost to personal freedoms and the quality of life for many, particularly marginalized groups. The evidence suggests that, overall, the lives of many German citizens worsened due to oppression, fear, and long-term societal impacts. Therefore, I would argue that there is substantial agreement with the view that Nazi policies made the lives of the German people worse between 1933 and 1939.