What was the Autarky policy in Nazi Germany?

The Autarky policy in Nazi Germany was a strategy of economic self-sufficiency aimed at making Germany independent of foreign imports.

The Autarky policy, also known as economic self-sufficiency, was a key part of Nazi Germany's economic plan. It was implemented by Adolf Hitler and his economic minister, Hjalmar Schacht, with the aim of making Germany independent of foreign imports. This was in line with Hitler's broader goal of creating a self-sufficient, militarised state that could support long-term war efforts.

The policy was based on the idea that a nation should be able to produce all the goods it needs without relying on international trade. This was particularly important for Germany, which had been heavily reliant on imports for raw materials and foodstuffs. The Nazis believed that by achieving autarky, they could avoid the economic vulnerabilities that had contributed to Germany's defeat in World War I.

To achieve this, the Nazis implemented a series of measures. They invested heavily in synthetic industries to replace imported goods, such as synthetic rubber and oil. They also encouraged the production of substitute goods, like ersatz coffee made from roasted acorns. Additionally, they implemented a rigorous programme of agricultural reform aimed at increasing food production.

However, the policy of autarky was not entirely successful. Despite significant efforts, Germany was never able to fully achieve self-sufficiency. The country remained dependent on imports for certain key resources, particularly oil. Moreover, the focus on autarky often led to inefficiencies and a lack of innovation in the German economy.

IB History Tutor Summary: The Autarky policy in Nazi Germany was aimed at economic self-sufficiency to make Germany independent of foreign imports. Led by Adolf Hitler and Hjalmar Schacht, it involved investing in synthetic industries and increasing agricultural production. Despite these efforts, Germany couldn't achieve complete self-sufficiency, remaining dependent on certain imports like oil.