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‘THE NAZI WAR ECONOMY IN PICTURES’ INTERESTING, BEAUTIFULLY COLOR ILLUSTRATED THIRD REICH BOOK, CIRCA 1942

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Der Wirtschafts-Krieg in Bildern (The War Economy in Pictures) is a very interesting, heavily color illustrated publication outlining the economic progress of Nazi Germany compared to Great Britain, the United States, Italy and other European Countries.

The 110-page book is undated but published circa 1942 as statistics from the year 1941 are quoted by author Werner A. Fischer.

The book starts with an explanation of the disastrous effects of the post-World War I Allied economic blockade (referred to as the Hungerblockade) and the Treaties of Versailles and St. Germain on the German economy and on German civilians.

Heavily illustrated chapters explain in very plain language the enormous economic progress made in Hitler’s Germany since 1933.

Statistics on domestic production, import and export of food, fertilizer and agricultural products are described, shown and compared with other countries. The impressive increase in production in the German textile and chemical industries are described and shown as well as the use of coal in Nazi Germany and German occupied countries (Poland, Holland, Belgium. Luxembourg and France) compared to Great Britain. Greater German iron and steel imports are compared to Norway, Canada, Sweden, Spain and other European countries.

By 1939 the economic situation had completely changed. No more European trade barriers and goods were flowing into Germany from all over Europe, trading relations with the Soviet Union had been established, and the economic Four Year Plan had resulted in a very high industrial output within the borders of Nazi Germany. There were agricultural reserves and industrial stockpiles, so the country was prepared when England declared war on Germany in 1939.

There are inflation and unemployment comparisons, and another chapter deals with the increasing birthrate in Germany, social and welfare programs for families and members of the military.

Der Wirtschafts-Krieg in Bildern measures 7-7/8 x 7-7/8 inches and was published by Erich Zander Druck- und Verlagshaus of Berlin during World War II.

This heavily color illustrated Nazi book is in very good, little used condition with a tight spine and no odor.

Der Wirtschafts-Krieg in Bildern is very anti-British in tone. Following the chapters about the great state of the German economy there are statistics about England’s economy, agriculture, import and export and national reserves at the start of the war.

The supply chain problems caused by Luftwaffe raids and the German economic blockade of England are highlighted, as well as the loss of value of the British Pound and the dwindling gold reserves of the Bank of England.