Nazi economic policies were intrinsically linked to the militarisation of German society. The regime’s focus on rearmament and preparation for war meant that a significant portion of economic resources was directed towards military industries. This included the production of arms and military vehicles, as well as the development of infrastructure to support military operations. The public works programmes, while addressing unemployment, also involved constructing facilities with military applications, like autobahns, which could be used for rapid troop movement. Moreover, the emphasis on military spending and production permeated society, with propaganda glorifying military service and the armaments industry. This militarisation of the economy was a key factor in preparing Germany for its aggressive expansionist policies during World War II.

Implementing the Four-Year Plans presented several challenges for the Nazi regime. One of the primary difficulties was balancing the needs of a peacetime economy with preparations for war. While the plans were successful in redirecting the economy towards military production and autarky, this shift came at the cost of consumer goods and non-military sectors, leading to shortages and economic imbalances. Another challenge was the logistical and organisational demands of rapidly expanding industrial production, particularly in sectors like synthetic fuels and rubber, where Germany lacked experience. Additionally, the plans relied heavily on forced and slave labour, especially during the Second Four-Year Plan, raising ethical issues and contributing to international condemnation.

Nazi economic policies had a mixed impact on the standard of living for the average German citizen. Initially, the reduction in unemployment and the sense of economic stability improved living conditions for many. However, as the focus shifted towards rearmament and autarky, the standard of living began to decline. The redirection of resources towards military production led to shortages of consumer goods and a decrease in their quality. Additionally, wage controls and price freezes, while stabilising the economy, also limited purchasing power and economic mobility for many citizens. As World War II progressed, these issues were exacerbated, with rationing and shortages becoming commonplace, significantly impacting the daily lives of Germans.

Foreign trade played a complex role in Nazi Germany's pursuit of autarky. While the ultimate goal was self-sufficiency, the regime recognised the need for certain imports, especially raw materials crucial for rearmament. To manage this, Germany engaged in trade agreements that were strategically designed to secure these materials. These agreements often involved trading finished goods, like machinery and armaments, for raw materials. However, as the regime intensified its push for autarky, import restrictions were imposed, and foreign trade was reduced. This approach had significant repercussions, as it limited access to essential imports and strained relationships with trading partners, contributing to international tensions leading up to World War II.

The Nazi regime's economic policies had a profound impact on women and minority groups. While the regime's push to reduce unemployment figures was successful on paper, this was partly achieved by excluding women and Jews from official employment statistics. Women were encouraged to leave their jobs to become homemakers, reinforcing traditional gender roles. This policy was in line with the Nazi ideology of women focusing on childbearing and supporting the family. For Jews and other minorities, the impact was even more severe. They faced increasing discrimination and exclusion from the economy, culminating in outright dispossession and expulsion from their professions. This exclusion was a step towards the more extreme racial policies that followed, demonstrating how economic policies were intertwined with Nazi racial ideology.