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Bureau competition and economic policies in Nazi Germany, 1933-39

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  • Volckart, Oliver

Abstract

This article examines the hypothesis that in the “Third Reich”, bureaucratic agencies engaged in economic policies competed with each other. First, a model of competition is constructed whose predictions are then compared with actual political processes in Nazi Germany. This shows that the bureaus indeed competed with each other, supplying Hitler with political support in exchange for politically relevant property rights. However, in contrast to what the model predicts, they did not adapt their policy supply to the dictator’s wishes. In order to explain this outcome, the paper examines how Hitler protected himself against competitors to himself and how his choice of strategy affected bureau competition.

Suggested Citation

  • Volckart, Oliver, 2003. "Bureau competition and economic policies in Nazi Germany, 1933-39," Economic History Working Papers 22349, London School of Economics and Political Science, Department of Economic History.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:wpaper:22349
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    File URL: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/22349/
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Wintrobe,Ronald, 2000. "The Political Economy of Dictatorship," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521794497, January.
    2. Mueller,Dennis C. (ed.), 1997. "Perspectives on Public Choice," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521553773, January.
    3. Wintrobe, Ronald, 1990. "The Tinpot and the Totalitarian: An Economic Theory of Dictatorship," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 84(3), pages 849-872, September.
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • N0 - Economic History - - General
    • F3 - International Economics - - International Finance
    • G3 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance
    • B1 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought through 1925
    • O52 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Europe
    • B2 - Schools of Economic Thought and Methodology - - History of Economic Thought since 1925

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