Ilse Margot von Friedeburg

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

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

Rising cost of living inflation

Between 1900 and 1912, the cost of living in Germany increased by about 30 percent, with dairy and meat prices rising particularly sharply.