Prince Philipp Ernst of Thurn and Taxis

What people wore

Everyday and Festive Rural Dress

While festive rural attire often included traditional pieces like buckled shoes, white stockings, and specific vests, ordinary people's everyday clothes were made of durable fabrics meant to be easily washed. Poorer children in particular sometimes had to go without shoes entirely.

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

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.

What it cost

Cost of basic food items

Around 1900, one kilogram of pork cost about 1.50 marks, while horse meat was available for 50 pfennigs. A kilogram of rye bread cost 23 pfennigs, and one kilogram of coffee was a luxury item priced at 4.15 marks.