In the news1914
Ten percent of households accessed electricity by 1914
By 1914, approximately ten percent of German households had access to electricity, transforming daily life through new lighting and urban infrastructure.
8 Jan 1915 – 29 Dec 1941
6 facts1 source
8 Jan 1915
Born
10 Aug 1940
A son is born
29 Dec 1941
Dies, aged 26
He lived through 4 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.
In the news1914
By 1914, approximately ten percent of German households had access to electricity, transforming daily life through new lighting and urban infrastructure.
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.
In Europe · 1919The Treaty of Versailles. The peace after the war broke up empires, drew new countries from Poland to Yugoslavia and made Germany pay.
In the news1918
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
Patriotic singing in schools
Patriotic songs were a central part of school life, with children learning martial songs and hymns like Heil dir im Siegerkranz to promote loyalty to the Kaiser and the nation.
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.