Women: The experiences of Germans under the Nazis: History: GCSE (9:1)

Women under Weimar

In the 1920s German women had many rights and freedoms: they voted, held professions such as teachers, lawyers and doctors and had freedom

Falling birthrate

As women took jobs outside the home they had less children which concerned the Nazis who wanted to increase the population

Patriotic duty

Nazis believed that women owed it to their country to stay at home and have children

The three Ks

The Nazis believed women should confine themselves to Kinder, Kirche and Kuche - Children, Church and Cooking

Sacked

Female doctors, teachers, lawyers and judges were forced to give up their jobs which would be taken by men

Family planning banned

The Nazis made contraception and abortion illegal

Loans

Newly weds could apply for money from the government to help them set up a home although they would have to repay it

Honour Cross medal

Women were recognised with rewards for having lots of children. Women who had 8 children received the Gold Cross

Traditional dress

Wearing trousers or high heels was discouraged in favour of dresses and traditional German outfits

Behaviour

Women were banned from smoking and wearing make-up and slimming was discouraged

Sterilisation

A medical procedure that prevents women from being to have children

Forced sterilisation

The 'Law for the Prevention of Diseased Offspring' allowed women with a history of mental illness, hereditary diseases or antisocial behaviour (such as alcoholism) to be sterilised by force

Impact of war

During the war women were drafted into work because of labour shortages

Increased birth rate

There was some success as 970,000 babies were born a year in 1933 but by 1939 this had increased to 1,413,000