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Princess Mechtilde of Urach

Stuttgart, 4 May 1912 – Stuttgart, 11 Mar 2001

7 facts1 source

Facts and their sources

A life in time

  1. 4 May 1912

    Born in Stuttgart

  2. 11 Mar 2001

    Dies in Stuttgart, aged 88

Family

See the tree

Parents

During her lifetime

She lived through 10 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Stuttgart.

General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.

The 1910s · Princess is born in Stuttgart

In the news1910

Life expectancy rose to 47 years by 1910

By 1910, advancements in medicine, hygiene, and infrastructure, such as improved water and sewage systems, increased the average life expectancy to 47 years, compared to 37 years in 1871.

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.

The First World War. From 1914 to 1918 the great powers fought in trenches across Europe and beyond; some 20 million people died. Brazil joined the Allies in 1917.Around the world · 1914–1918

The First World War. From 1914 to 1918 the great powers fought in trenches across Europe and beyond; some 20 million people died. Brazil joined the Allies in 1917.

Collection DocAnciens/docpix.fr · public domain

In the news1918

Women gained suffrage in 1918 Weimar reforms

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.