the kdf-schiff robert ley, march 1939
the kdf-schiff wilhelm gustloff, 23 sept 1939
hitler , ley aware suppression of trade unions , prevention of wage increases trustees of labour system, when coupled relentless demands increased productivity hasten german rearmament, created real risk of working-class discontent. in november 1933, means of preventing labour disaffection, daf established strength through joy (kraft durch freude, kdf), provide range of benefits , amenities german working class , families. these included subsidised holidays both @ resorts across germany , in safe countries abroad (particularly italy). of world s first purpose built cruise-liners, wilhelm gustloff , robert ley, built take kdf members on mediterranean cruises.
other kdf programs included concerts, opera , other forms of entertainment in factories , other workplaces, free physical education , gymnastics training , coaching in sports such football, tennis , sailing. paid daf, @ cost of 29 million reichsmarks year 1937, , workers through dues, although employers contributed. kdf 1 of nazi regime s popular programs, , played large part in reconciling working class regime, @ least before 1939.
the daf , kdf s ambitious program people s car, volkswagen, project undertaken @ hitler s request car-maker ferdinand porsche. when german car industry unable meet hitler s demand volkswagen sold @ 1,000 reichsmarks or less, project taken on daf. brought ley s old socialist tendencies prominence. party, said, had taken on private industry had failed, because of short-sightedness, malevolence, profiteering , stupidity of business class. working daf, porsche built new volkswagen factory @ fallersleben, @ huge cost partly met raiding daf s accumulated assets , misappropriating dues paid daf members. volkswagen sold german workers on installment plan, , first models appeared in february 1939. outbreak of war, however, meant none of 340,000 workers paid car ever received one. entire project financially unsound, , corruption , lack of accountability of nazi regime made possible.
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