In the news1923–1927
Currency restabilization fueled economic recovery by 1927
Following the restabilization of the currency in late 1923, Germany secured 800 million gold marks in foreign loans by 1927, which helped industrial production return to 1913 levels.
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
Survival diets and rural sourcing
During times of severe inflation and food shortages, families often relied on potatoes and legumes, as meat, eggs, and butter became luxury items that disappeared from many tables. Many city dwellers engaged in so-called hamster trips to the countryside to obtain food directly from farmers when supplies in shops were scarce.
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.
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
Schooling and Daily Costs for Children
Children typically attended day schools, carrying their books and lunches in long tin satchels. At schools like the Pestalozzi Fröbel Haus, pupils could purchase milk for 5 pfennigs or dine at school for 10 pfennigs.