In what ways were the German people affected by the Second World War? Explain your answer. - AQA - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2020 - Paper 1

The German people experienced various significant changes due to the Second World War, starting with the direct impact of bombings on major cities. For instance, many civilians were killed or injured due to air raids, which resulted in widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. As a result, the government had to implement anti-aircraft measures, which increased the involvement of civilians in the war efforts to safeguard themselves and others.

Moreover, the war led to severe shortages of essential supplies like food and clothing. By November 1939, rationing was introduced, limiting what civilians could purchase and causing significant hardships. The growing scarcity was mainly because resources were redirected to support the German military, affecting the quality of life for ordinary people.

Additionally, the war changed the demographics of the German workforce. As men were drafted into the military, women began to fill roles in factories and other sectors essential for the war effort. By 1944, millions of foreign workers were also brought to Germany as forced laborers, which increased social tensions and altered community structures. These adjustments reflect how deeply the German civilian population was affected by the conflict.