In the news1883
First national health insurance introduced
Germany became the first country to introduce a national social insurance system with the approval of a worker's health insurance plan.
Darmstadt, 13 Jul 1889 – Stockholm, 7 Mar 1965
11 facts3 sources
13 Jul 1889
Born in Darmstadt
1923–1950
Crown princess
1950–1965
Queen Consort of Sweden
7 Mar 1965
Dies in Stockholm, aged 75
She lived through 9 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Darmstadt.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1883
Germany became the first country to introduce a national social insurance system with the approval of a worker's health insurance plan.
What people wore
Distinctive vests signaled marital status in Betzingen
In Betzingen, married men wore black velvet vests, while unmarried men wore red cloth vests with twelve silver buttons. Bachelors also traditionally displayed a red handkerchief from their pocket when searching for a bride.
Getting around
City carriage travel rates
Local carriage travel in cities like Barmen and Elberfeld was common, with a non-stop ride costing 50 Pfennig for up to two people, or 1 Mark for a half-hour ride.
Around the world · 1886The motor car. Carl Benz patented his three-wheeled Motorwagen, the first practical car powered by a petrol engine.
In the news1880
The first telephone network in Stockholm was built in 1880, following earlier demonstrations of the technology in 1877.
Music
Growth of amateur music societies
Community music-making was popular among the rising middle class, leading to the widespread founding of singing societies and amateur orchestras.
Daily life
Access to running water varied by class
Working-class homes often lacked running water, requiring water to be heated in cooking pots, while wealthier, modern homes featured hot-water heaters and running water in the kitchen and bathroom.