In the news1770–1771
Migration during the 1770-71 famine
During the great famines of 1770–71, peasants from other parts of Germany migrated to Prussia where food supplies were more accessible.
Regensburg, 11 Apr 1772 – Stuttgart, 7 Dec 1805
7 facts1 source
11 Apr 1772
Born in Regensburg
7 Dec 1805
Dies in Stuttgart, aged 33
He lived through 4 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Regensburg.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1770–1771
During the great famines of 1770–71, peasants from other parts of Germany migrated to Prussia where food supplies were more accessible.
Getting around
Slow speeds on poor road networks
Stagecoaches traveled at a walking pace of only 4 to 5 km/h, stopping every 15 to 30 kilometers at relay stations to change horses and passengers. Due to the poor conditions of the roads, these journeys were often exhausting and prone to accidents.
In Europe1772–1795
Russia, Prussia and Austria divided Poland among themselves in three steps until, in 1795, it vanished from the map for 123 years.
Daily life
Open Hearth Cooking and Pump Well Water
Cooking took place in the living room over an open fireplace or a masonry hearth with a recessed grate, using wood or brown coal for fuel. Drinking water was typically sourced from communal pump wells located in the village center.
What people wore
Noble Men Preferred Wigs Over Beards
In the 18th century, noble men famously wore wigs and makeup, while facial hair was strictly shunned for most men, marking a major departure from later masculine standards.
Music
Festival courtship and entertainment
During town fairs, young men purchased sweets and confections for their sweethearts, with the lover placing the first piece into the girl's mouth. Young people also frequented local inns to enjoy dancing, singing, and string music.
At the table
Beer and coffee substitutes as staples
Ordinary people drank low-alcohol thin beer daily, which was considered nutritious and sometimes served as a soup to children. Coffee was expensive, leading many to drink substitutes like chicory or roasted cereals, a mixture often referred to as Bauernkaffee or Muckefuck.