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Countess Sophie Schaffgotsch

25 May 1916 – 6 Sep 2005

6 facts1 source

Facts and their sources

  • Born25 May 1916not verified1 source
  • MarriedPrince Carl von Wredenot verified1 source
  • Died6 Sep 2005not verified1 source

A life in time

  1. 25 May 1916

    Born

  2. 1940–1942

    2 children are born

  3. 6 Sep 2005

    Dies, aged 89

Family

See the tree

Partner

Children · 2

During her lifetime

She lived through 10 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like.

General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.

The 1910s · Countess is born

In the news1910

Life expectancy rose to 47 years by 1910

By 1910, advancements in medicine, hygiene, and infrastructure, such as improved water and sewage systems, increased the average life expectancy to 47 years, compared to 37 years in 1871.

What people wore

The Decline of the Restrictive Corset

Women often wore tight corsets to shape their bodies, despite the discomfort and breathing difficulties this caused, until usage declined after the First World War. These elaborate, multi-layered outfits could weigh several kilograms and significantly restricted movement, making daily tasks like working in factories or offices very difficult.

Getting around

Example travel times and costs in 1902

In 1902, a journey of 157 kilometers from Bremen to Norden took 4 1/4 hours by express train at a cost of 12.70 Marks for first class, while a slower passenger train took 5 1/4 hours. These scheduled services offered passengers predictable and relatively affordable options for traveling between regional towns.

The First World War. From 1914 to 1918 the great powers fought in trenches across Europe and beyond; some 20 million people died. Brazil joined the Allies in 1917.Around the world · 1914–1918

The First World War. From 1914 to 1918 the great powers fought in trenches across Europe and beyond; some 20 million people died. Brazil joined the Allies in 1917.

Collection DocAnciens/docpix.fr · public domain

In the news1918

Women gained suffrage in 1918 Weimar reforms

Following the 1918 proclamation of the Weimar Republic, a new democratic system was established that enfranchised women and mandated an eight-hour workday for laborers.

Music

Itinerant German street bands

Itinerant German bands, often consisting of brass and woodwind players, traveled globally and performed in streets or at kur (spa) resorts for a weekly wage.

Daily life

Schooling experiences for children

Students often sat four to a bench, and in under-resourced schools, a candle might be used for light on dark mornings. Children carried their books and lunch in long tin satchels, and many were noted for wearing spectacles.