Science and technology in Nazi Germany

The abundance of world class technical institutions in Germany combined with generous funding from the Nazi Party resulted in cutting edge innovations and inventions still used today, including the field of rocketry, more pretective helmets for soldiers, gasoline cannisters, radio communication, and even Fanta soda. On May 1, 1934, Bernhard Rust was appointed Reichs- und preußischen Minister für Wissenschaft, Erziehung und Volksbildung (Reich Minister of Science, Education and Culture). He was charged with the responsibility of leading science in the spirit of party ideology and preparing for war.

The regime encouraged, mainly, only science that gives an obvious result. The significance of fundamental science was not understood by the leaders of Nazi Germany. After the spectacular victory over France in 1940, Hitler considered his immediate political tasks (see Mein Kampf) completed, and decreed that technical projects for military needs that could not be completed by 1942 should be cancelled.

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