Hunger Plan

Definition

The Hunger Plan was a Nazi policy implemented during World War II aimed at the systematic starvation of millions of people in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe to support the German war effort. This plan involved the confiscation of food supplies from occupied territories, leading to widespread famine and the intentional deprivation of resources for local populations, primarily targeting Soviet civilians and prisoners of war.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Hunger Plan was part of a broader strategy by the Nazis to exploit the agricultural resources of the Soviet Union while depriving local populations of food.
2. It is estimated that the implementation of the Hunger Plan contributed to the deaths of around 20 million people due to starvation and related diseases.
3. The plan was deeply rooted in Nazi ideology, viewing Slavic peoples as inferior and justifying their suffering as part of the war effort.
4. The Hunger Plan was closely linked with Operation Barbarossa, which aimed not only at military conquest but also at ensuring German access to food resources.
5. The consequences of the Hunger Plan had a lasting impact on post-war Eastern Europe, contributing to significant demographic changes and a legacy of trauma in affected regions.

Review Questions

• How did the Hunger Plan relate to Nazi military strategies during Operation Barbarossa?
  • The Hunger Plan was intricately connected to Operation Barbarossa, as it aimed to both conquer the Soviet Union and secure its agricultural resources for Germany. As Nazi forces advanced into Soviet territory, they implemented this plan to systematically confiscate food supplies from local populations, ensuring that German troops were well-fed while leaving millions of Soviets to suffer from starvation. This strategy showcased the Nazis' brutal approach to warfare, where military objectives were intertwined with genocidal policies.
• Discuss the ideological underpinnings of the Hunger Plan and how they reflected broader Nazi beliefs about Slavic peoples.
  • The Hunger Plan was underpinned by Nazi ideology that viewed Slavic peoples as racially inferior and unworthy of sustenance. This perspective justified extreme measures like mass starvation, reflecting a broader belief in racial hierarchy that characterized Nazi thought. The implementation of such a brutal policy demonstrated how deeply ingrained these beliefs were in Nazi governance, as they sought not only territorial expansion but also the eradication of those deemed undesirable within their vision for a Greater Germany.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Hunger Plan on Eastern Europe and its significance in understanding post-war recovery efforts.
  • The long-term effects of the Hunger Plan on Eastern Europe were profound, contributing to demographic shifts and widespread trauma in countries heavily impacted by Nazi occupation. The mass starvation led to severe population loss and disrupted social structures, complicating post-war recovery efforts. Understanding these consequences is crucial for recognizing how such policies shaped not only immediate wartime experiences but also the future political, economic, and social landscapes of Eastern European nations struggling to rebuild after World War II.

Related terms

Operation Barbarossa:

The code name for the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union in June 1941, marking a significant turning point in World War II and leading to large-scale military and humanitarian crises.

Generalplan Ost: A Nazi German plan for the colonization of Eastern Europe, which included the extermination, enslavement, and displacement of millions of people to create living space for ethnic Germans.

Holodomor:

A man-made famine that occurred in Soviet Ukraine from 1932 to 1933, resulting in millions of deaths and often compared to the policies enacted by the Nazis during their occupation.