Autobahn - GCSE History Definition

The term 'Autobahn' refers to the network of high-speed motorways in Germany that were first conceived during the Weimar Republic and significantly expanded under Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime in the 1930s. These roads were designed to improve transportation efficiency and facilitate rapid military movement, while also providing employment during the Great Depression of the 1930s. The Autobahn became a symbol of modern engineering and technological advancement, aligning with Nazi propaganda that emphasised Germany's industrial prowess. For GCSE History students, understanding the Autobahn provides insights into how infrastructure projects were used for economic recovery and political purposes in pre-World War II Germany.