Baroness Gösta von dem Bussche-Haddenhausen

What people wore

Popular Boys' Clothing Styles

The sailor suit was the single most popular outfit for boys during this period, reflecting the Imperial German Navy's expansion. Younger boys also typically wore knickerbockers, which are trousers gathered just below the knee, often paired with short jackets.

Getting around

Railways dominated long-distance travel by 1914

By 1914, Germany had one of the world's densest railway networks, which by then far outperformed road transport in both speed and cost for long-distance travel. Express trains reached speeds of 90 to 100 kilometers per hour, allowing travel from Berlin to Munich in a significantly reduced time compared to previous eras.

At the table

Alcohol Consumption Among Children

In many households, children drank beer as part of their daily diet, with some reports noting that even 12-year-olds consumed a glass of beer. In rural areas, children were sometimes given diluted wine, which was believed to help them grow and develop facial hair.

Music

Wandervögel and campfire folk music

Young people known as Wandervögel often gathered around campfires singing folk songs from their songbook, The Zupfgeigenhansl, while playing the guitar-lute, also called a Zupfgeige.

Daily life

Crowded urban living conditions

Many urban families lived in crowded tenements called Mietskasernen, where up to six people often shared a single room that served as a kitchen, living area, and bedroom. Toilet facilities were typically located in the courtyard or on an intermediate floor.

What it cost

Household costs and coffee prices

At the turn of the century, a simple wooden chair cost around 3.75 Mark, which was less than the price of one kilogram of coffee at 4.15 Mark.