Hitler Myth vs Hitler Reality

Myth- Tough, uncompromising and ruthless in fighting and defeating both internal and external national enemies- Hard working, toiling unstintingly for his people while others slept- Political Genius, mastered Germany's problems in 1933, responsible for 'national awakening' revived the economy and thrown of the shackles off the humiliation of the Treaty of Versailles- Dynamic, energetic and forceful in contrast with the weak politicians of the Weimar Republic- Lived a simple life, sacrificed personal happiness to devote himself to his people. invariably shown as being alone and removed form the Nazi Party- Guardian of the traditional morality and popular justice- A man of peace and a statesman of true genius

Reality- Surrounded by officials who competed for his attention.- He supplied vision whilst his ministers and officials made this int detailed policies- Far from hard working - stayed up late watching films and not up until mid-day and even then he would spend his day walking around aimlessly eating- He disliked reading official document and rarely got involved in detailed discussions on policy- Delayed in making any decisions when it came to conflict within his own party and it often led to purges as a solution

Reduction of unemployment- Economic recovery had actually started before the Nazis had taken power, job creation schemes to reduce unemployment had been based on policies introduced by Bruning in the early 30's- Reductiton of unemployment was partly due to the encouraging (forcing) of women to give up their job for men and granting them marital loans- Reintroduction of conscription in 1935 for men aged 18-26 took a large proportion of men out of labour market- Those who had occasional employment were classed as permanently employed, also those unpaid who worked in agriculture were classed as employedWhere 1.6 million people were counted out of work it should actually be increased to 3 million

- Sacrifice on behalf of the 'people's community'- work harder for longer hours and accept a squeeze on pay- Propaganda showed the improvements of working conditions, better social and welfare provision, and access to goods and service which had previously only been available to the privileged few

Officials tried to hold down wages but income for workers did increase 33-39- Employers offered bonuses and benefits to workers to cover the freeze on wage levels which attracted more skilled workers- Pay increased due to longer hours were subject to increased deduction because of the compulsory contribution they had to pay to the German Labour Front and to welfare organisations- Workers in armament where definitely better off than previously while those producing consumer goods were not

- Prices rose in the 30's and there were shortages of commodities.- German consumers were able to buy enough food to feed their families but could afford few luxuries- Consumption of meat, fruit and eggs decrease whilst potato and rye bread increased

Strength Through Joy- access to holidaysBeauty of Labour- improved working conditions and facilities

The four Year Plan was aimed to achieve self-sufficiency in food production and vital raw materials in order to prepare Germany for war.                                                      'free Germany from the chains of international capital'

Propaganda- buy only German goods, eat only German food and use only German raw materials in all work- save more, help to fund investment in new production facilities.- Collect scrap metal from people's homes, gardens and public space to make up for shortage of raw materials - garden fences, park railings, iron lampposts were removed to be melted

Outcome;- Despite massive investment the Four Year Plan did not meet its targetand by 1939 Germany still import 1/3 of its raw materials,- From time-to-time there were shortages of egg, meat, flour and rye so price controls and rationing on some commodities were introduced- Drive for rearmament and target placed strain on workers making them work longer hours-Despite this there were few signs of unrest or dissent, Nazi propaganda had succeeded.

Perception of Hitler

Economic Miracle

Living Standards

Autarky