Position of the German shopkeeper

The files contain information on the situation of persons of the German middle class such as shopkeepers. The Nazis promised the creation and preservation of a healthy middle class, planning reforms such as the communalization of big department stores in favor of small businesspersons. Especially owners of small businesses had high expectations of Hitler but were ultimately very disappointed. For example, bakers were confronted with a rise in the prices of grain but were not allowed to change the prices of their own products. Similarly, butchers experienced a rise in prices for cattle and struggled with the maximum allowed price for meat. Supermarkets suffered from a shortage of products, in particular those who were profitable.