The extension of Germany's economic Lebensraum

In this file passages are taken from the detailed survey of the German economic expansion in occupied areas of Europe by Peter Lohe. As the author argues, the expansion of German financial power began immediately after the occupation of Austria. After that a similar process began in the Sudenten District. The banks were eather connected or taken oven by German banks or 'aryanised". In many cases also the Hermann-Goering Werke became somehow the new owner of holdings. Furthermore since the Protectorate was occupied in March 1940, the large undertakings in the Protectorate have also became the victims of German expansion. Previously substantial English and French investments had been made there. Other examples for takeovers in occupied countries have been given. As the author explains, the opportunities obtained in Vienna and Prague of establishing economic influence in the Balkans had not been neglected by German capital. As it was partly persecution of the Jews, partly attempted at nationalization by the countries concerned, and partly direct political influence that favoured expansion also in Yugoslavia, Rumania, Poland and Western Europe.