Booklet 6: Social Change Flashcards
How did the role of women change/improve significantly during the Kaiserreich?
Bismarck welfare provisions benefits for women- 1891 guaranteed 6 weeks maternity leave and 11 hour working day. BEGINNING CHANGE- protests from 1885 Society for the protection of women workers’ interests helped pressurise Reichstag to conduct official survey into clothing industry wages. ECONOMIC- WWI allowed women to work in forbidden areas (chemicals,iron) become primary breadwinners.
How did the role of women stay the same/worsen during the Kaissereich?
National civil code legalised lower status of women (denied vote, restricted education/work). Women work considered subsidiary to men- low pay, emphasised role at home.
How did the role of women change/improve significantly during the Weimar years?
Weimar constitution granted equal political rights (nearly 10% of 1st elected parliament were women). ‘Weimar women’ broke traditional ideas- financially independent, single (BUT only urban, still expected to marry). By 1925, 36% industrial workers women.
How did the role of women stay the same/worsen during the Weimar years?
Only few women’s roles changed, and rural women had no change. Expected to stay home when married, Low paid jobs (like Bismarck period). Still traditional for many.
How did the role of women change/improve significantly during West Germany 1945-90 post-war?
Improved education (30% students women 1960. 38% 1980). Feminist movement for marriage equality. Gov created National Officer for Women’s Affairs 1980 (for female equality). Benefits Programme 1950s (Kindergeld) but excluded working/single women.
How did the role of women stay the same/worsen during West Germany post war 1945-90
Men still dominated high positions (women 4% of doctors, but 75% hospital staff).1980 women made 39% of workforce (only 2% more than Weimar). OVERALL SMALL CHANGES LIMITED AND NOT BETTER THAN PREVIOUS YEARS.
How did the role of women stay the same/ get worse during the Nazi years?
From 1933 introduced policies like banning all female working groups, banned from medicine/law. Female secondary school teachers down 15% 1933-35. 10% of uni students female (previously 20%). Abortion banned.
How did the role of women change/improve during the Nazi years?
Mutterkreuz: g8, s6, b4 encouraged women to have children. Deutsches Frauenwerk formed Sept 1933 provide education about domestic life. Slogan “Kinder, Kirche, Kuche). Women made 66% of workforce. Wages increased faster than men’s 1935-38.
How did Junkers (landowning elite) keep their influence during the Kaiserreich?
Led gov, dominated army- huge political influence. Junkets in Bundesrat could veto legislation form Reichstag. Junkets votes worth 3x workers. MOST INFLUENCE OF JUNKERS
How did Junkers (landowning elite) loose their influence during the Kaiserreich?
By 1912 SPD became largest party in Reichstag (110 seats). Peasants mind-set changing due to industrialisation, support elsewhere. Form federal Germany under Bismarck, Junkers lost power they had in Prussia. BEGINNINGS OF CHANGE (INDUSTRIALISATION)
How did Junkers (landowning elite) keep their influence during the Weimar Republic?
Ebert-Gröner pact Nov 1918, junker influence over army stays. Right wing Kapp Putsch 1920 show maintained influence, attempted coup lasted 3 days, no one sentenced. Junkers I’m Judiciary maintained, influence over sentencing- Hitler treason served 9 months of his 5 years 1924, Ludendorff (Junker), let off, WHILE Felix Fedenbach 11 years for press violations + affiliation with KPD.
How did Junkers (landowning elite) loose their influence during the Weimar Republic?
28th Oct Prince Max reforms, Prussian elite no longer dominate military/gov, 3-tier Prussian voting system abolished. Kaiser abdicated 9th Nov, republic established under SPD.
