Women in Nazi Germany 1933 — 1939

Women in Nazi Germany 1933 - 1939

Changes for women in the 1920 s Politically Women over 20 years could vote 20 femals members in Reichstag Work life More likely to work Often paid equally to men 100, 000 female teachers in Germany by 1933 Socially More activities outside family Could dress more freely

Nazi beliefs in a woman’s role The Nazis believed women should become mothers. They should stay home. Learn how to cook and do needlework. Have many children, and bring them up to be good Germans. Get married and allow their husbands to be good workers. Stay at home and not get involved in politics or work. They should not wear make-up, trousers or dye their hair.

Nazi policies towards women New Policy Reasons for Policy German Women’s Enterprise To arrange classes and radio broadcasts teaching good motherhood Kinder, Kirche, To allow women to focus on the Küche Nazis main goals forced professional women To free up jobs for men to leave jobs as doctors, lawyers and teachers

Nazi policies about marriage and childbirth Law for Encouragement of Marriage Encouraged large families 1933 Loan of 1000 marks (9 months wage) to newly married couple if woman quit job For each of the first four children, they could keep one quarter of the loan

Nazi policies about marriage and childbirth The Mother’s Cross Encouraged large families 4 – 5 children – bronze medal 6 – 7 children – silver medal 8 or more children – gold medal Medals awarded on 12 th April (Hitler’s mothers’ birthday)

Nazi policies about marriage and childbirth Lebensborn 1935 by Himmler At first Nurseries and financial aid for women who had babies with SS men Later ‘single women available for fertilisation by SS men’ Aim – to create ‘genetically pure’ children to be adopted by worthy German families In one Lebensborn house – 540 mothers gave birth from 1938 to 1941

How did Nazi policies towards women change in the late 1930 s and why? German industry expanding Needed women in the workplace However, still fewer women working in late 1930 s than early 1920 s

Did women like these policies Yes Some enjoyed return to traditional ideals Hitler said ‘both sexes have rights and tasks. These tasks are equal in dignity and value’. No Some said the Nazis viewed women as inferior to men