Population of Germany in 1938: A Historical Insight

The question of Germany's population in 1938 might seem challenging due to the inconsistencies in available data. However, through the lens of the 1939 census, we can glean valuable insights into the demographic landscape of that period. Germany in 1938 was a nation undergoing significant changes, with the Nazi regime having come to power earlier in 1933. The data from the 1939 census provides a snapshot of the population spread and territorial extent under Nazi control.

Population and Territory in 1938

According to the 1939 census, the total German population, including nationals, stood at 79,375,281. This figure includes areas that were annexed during the early part of the 1930s and the year before the census. The census area covered an expansive territory of 583,370 square kilometres, which included:

Austria Saargebiet (the Saar Protectorate) Ostmark, which became known as Austria after the Anschluss Sudetenland, a region of Czechoslovakia Memel (Memelland) on the Baltic coast, which was part of Lithuania before being annexed by Germany

These territories highlight the extent of territorial expansion under the Nazi regime in the lead-up to World War II. The annexation of Austria (Austria 1938) and the Sudetenland (Sudetenland annexation) are particularly noteworthy. The inclusion of the Saar Protectorate and Memelland also showcase the complex geopolitical situation of the time.

Demographic Facts and Considerations

It is important to consider the demographic implications of this population count. The significant increase in territory changed the administrative and political landscape, impacting both governance and resource allocation. The territorial expansion required a considerable logistical and administrative effort to integrate these newly added areas into the German state.

The sudden addition of over 5 million people to the German population due to the annexations and the inclusion of territories like Austria and the Sudetenland had profound effects on the social and economic structures of Germany. The demographic shift was not just a count but also represented a qualitative change in the society under Nazi control.

Data and Historical Context

The source for these figures is the Census in Germany - Wikipedia. While the data for 1938 is harder to find, the 1939 census data provides the most comprehensive and direct reference point for understanding the population and territorial extent of Germany at that time.

It is crucial to note that the census conducted in 1939 was not a neutral exercise—it was influenced by the political and ideological frameworks of the Nazi regime. The figures are reflective of the state ideology and propaganda of the time, and the data may have been manipulated to suit these goals. Therefore, while the figures give us a clear picture, they should be interpreted with an understanding of the historical context.

Conclusion and Further Reading

Understanding the population and demographic landscape of Germany in 1938 provides a critical context for comprehending the country's expansion during that period. The data from the 1939 census, although not for 1938 itself, offers a valuable resource for historians and researchers interested in the pre-war history of Germany and the geopolitical situation leading up to World War II.

For further reading, you may want to explore additional historical sources including memoirs, official records, and secondary literature. This will offer a more complete picture and help in understanding the human side of the demographic changes during this tumultuous period in history.