Much of Hitler's early popularity stemmed from the fact that the widespread programs of roadbuilding, electrification, and industrial investment greatly reduced the unemployment totals even before conscription did the rest. By 1936, however, the economic recovery was being increasingly affected by the fantastic expenditure upon armaments. In the short term, this spending was yet another quasi-Keynesian government boost to capital investment and industrial growth. In moment let alone the long, term the economic consequences were frightening. Probably only the U.S. economy could, without major difficulty. Have withstood the strain placed upon it by this level of arms spending; the German economy certainly could not