Social and Cultural developments in Germany, 1924-28 Flashcards
In 1926 how many people were the government supporting financially?
800,000 disabled war veterans, 360,000 war widows and over 900,000 war orphans. In addition to old age pensions and, after 1927, the costs of unemployment benefits.
Means test meaning:
A check on the financial circumstances of a benefit claimant in order to confirm his or her eligibility for support.
How did the government keep expenditure down?
Means tests were tightened up, snoopers were used to check that claimants were not cheating the systems and there were increasing delays in paying benefits.
How did those who needed support feel the welfare system was treating them?
Felt they were being humiliated and insulted, undermining their support for the weimar republic.
How did living standards for those in work improve?
Those in work, particularly those represented by powerful trade unions, were able to maintain their living standards by negotiating wage increases.
How did living standards for those on welfare benefits improve?
They were less well of, and undoubtedly suffered some hardships, but they were prevented from falling into abject poverty by the welfare system.
How did living standards for business owners and their salaried employees improve?
Benefited from the improved trading position for German companies at this time.
Who did living standards decline for in 1924-28?
Those who had lost their savings during the hyperinflation of 1923 were unable to regain the comfortable lifestyles they has once enjoyed.
Farmers suffered from poor trading conditions and low prices, and their incomes were falling.
What did the ‘new woman’ symbolise in Weimar Germany (1929)?
The way women’s lives had changed since the end of the war. She was portrayed as free, independent, sexually liberated and increasingly visible in public life.
What changes were made to women[’s rights ? (1920s)
Equality with men in voting rights and access to education. Also equal opportunities in civil service appointments and the right to equal pay.
Why did women suddenly gain more rights (1920s)?
Change in gender balance of the population as a result of the war. Over 2 million Germans, mostly young males, had been killed in the war, so there were fewer conventional opportunities for young women to follow the path of marriage and children.
What were the limits to the changes in women’s rights (1920s)?
Civil code of 1896 remained in force. This code laid down that in a marriage, the husband had the right to decide on all matters concerning family life, including whether his wife should undertake paid employment.
What was the League of German Women (BDF)?
Most popular women’s group in the 1920s. Had 90,000 members. Far from supporting the ‘new woman’, the BDF promoted traditional family values and maternal responsibilities.
What were happening to the youth in Weimar Germany?
Breaking free of the constraints of family, school and religion, and turning increasingly to a life of crime and anti-social behaviour.
What were children supposed to do at the age of 14?
Those who did not attend highly selective Gymnasium schools, were supposed to eave school at 14 and begin an apprenticeship or employment.
Percentage of 14-21 year olds in unemployment:
In 1925-26, 17% of the unemployed were in the 14-21 age group.
Why were there high rates of unemployment in 14-21 year olds in 1925/26?
Partly because there was a baby boom between 1900 and 1910 so many young people were seeking work when employers were reducing workforces.
What help did the unemployed youth get?
Benefits system provided some help and day centres were established to help youths acquire the skills needed to find work, but neither could compensate for lack of employment.
How were German schools divided?
-Gymnasiums, for those who wish for uni.
-Realschule, provides 6 years of schooling for children who want to go on to apprenticeships.
-State education was divided along class lines.
-Also divides along religious lines.
What did education reforms aim to do? And what did they actually achieve?
Aimed to break down these divides and provide a comprehensive, non-sectarian education that would be free to all pupils. The main reform of the Weimar period was the introduction of elementary schools.
How did the elementary school system work?
All children would attend for the first four years of education. Those who did not pass the entrance exam for a Gymnasium would be able to continue at elementary school for a further 4 years.
Youth groups- Wandervogel:
First Wandervogel or ‘wandering birds’ group was set up in 1896. The movement quickly spread. Groups consisted of mainly middle-class boys. Highly nationalistic, romanticised view of Germany’s past. Hated Industrialisation and big cities. Rejected middle-class social conventions. Sought freedom of wild spaces.
Youth groups- Church youth groups:
Catholics had many groups aimed at different sections of young people, e.g New Germany aimed at middle-class youths. Protestants didn’t prioritise youth groups. Youth groups’ roles were to promote religious observance and instil respect for church, family and school.
Youth groups- Four Main Political youth groups:
-Social Democratic Youth movement (SPD), had the most members.
-Young Communist League for children of KPD members.
-Bismarck Youth, linked to DNVP, membership of 42,000. Appeal to middle and upper class in protestant areas but strong working class following in Berlin.
-Hitler Youth, slow growth; 13,000 in 1929.
