Louis Ferdinand, Prince of Prussia

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.

At the table

Daily Diet and Food Adulteration

Working-class families often spent 50% to 80% of their income on food, relying heavily on cheap staples like potatoes, bread, and cabbage while meat remained a rare luxury. To make expensive items last longer, food was sometimes adulterated; for example, flour was mixed with gypsum and milk was diluted with water.

Music

Itinerant German street bands

Itinerant German bands, often consisting of brass and woodwind players, traveled globally and performed in streets or at kur (spa) resorts for a weekly wage.

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.

What it cost

Household costs and coffee prices

At the turn of the century, a simple wooden chair cost around 3.75 Mark, which was less than the price of one kilogram of coffee at 4.15 Mark.