Al di là del mito del potere tedesco: un'analisi originale delle debolezze strutturali dell'economia nazista in 'The Wages of Destruction'

The perceived economic strength of Nazi Germany is often cited as a key factor in its early successes during World War II. However, Adam Tooze, in his influential book "The Wages of Destruction," challenges this view by revealing the deep structural weaknesses within the Nazi economy. This thesis delves into Tooze's arguments, presenting a detailed analysis of the inefficiencies, mismanagement, and inherent weaknesses that plagued the Nazi economic system. By contrasting Tooze’s perspective with those of other historians, this study aims to demonstrate why Tooze’s interpretation offers the most compelling and accurate representation of Nazi Germany's economic realities. This thesis is structured into four main chapters, each focusing on a distinct aspect of the Nazi economy. The first chapter examines the overall economic strategy of the Nazi regime, highlighting the flaws in the Four-Year Plan and the pursuit of autarky. The second chapter explores industrial output and war production, revealing discrepancies between perceived efficiency and actual performance, particularly in the production of advanced weaponry. The third chapter discusses resource allocation and economic planning, emphasizing the impact of Allied bombing and the misallocation of resources within the Nazi bureaucracy. The final chapter addresses the role of forced labor and the exploitation of occupied territories, discussing both the ethical implications and practical inefficiencies of these practices. By providing a comprehensive comparison of Tooze's analysis with alternative viewpoints, this thesis aims to offer a nuanced understanding of the structural weaknesses of the Nazi economy, ultimately affirming the superiority of Tooze's arguments. This study contributes to a more refined historiographical understanding of the economic factors that influenced the course of World War II and the eventual collapse of Nazi Germany.