WEIMAR WOMEN (1920's) - Had the right to stand for election to the
Reichstag, could vote from the age of 20, given equal rights to men. Encouraged
to enter into professional careers, many became teachers, doctors, lawyers and
judges. Had the freedom to smoke, drink alcohol and were fashionable.
NAZI WOMEN - Long hair, no make up, non smoking, had
lots of children, Aryan features, doesn't work, traditional
dress. (Kinder, Kirche, Kueche - Children, Church Cooking)
NAZI AIMS FOR WOMEN - 1) Child bearing (for
the army) 2) Homemakers 3) Should not work 4)
produce genetically pure Aryan babies
WERE THEY SUCCESSFUL IN THEIR AIMS? Success ->
more births, more marriages, women were trained as mothers
and at first many women gave up their jobs. Failures -> Many
families still remained small (2 children) and from 1936
onwards more women worked eg in ammunitions, factories
(See notes for Education)
THE HITLER YOUTH
The Nazis aimed to control young people
at all times, both in and out of school -
1920's Hitler creates the Hitler Youth,
1933 All young people were encouraged
to join, 1936 Almost impossible not to
join, led by Baldur Von Schirach. Boys
10-14 joined the young German folk,
14-18 joined the Hitler Youth. Girls 10-14
joined the Young girls, 14-18 joined the
League of German Maidens.
Appeal of the Hitler Youth - Smart
Uniforms (black boots, knives), Feeling
important/respect (were saluted),
Sports (javelin throwing, cross country),
Holidays/camps/rallies (flags, drums,
entertainment), Uniform for the poor, A
sense of belonging to Germany, Power
over adults/parents.
Intended to prepare boys for the
army, had tests about German
history and letters could be sent
home but had to be checked first.