Germany, 1871–1991 – Empire to democracy, 1914–1929: Social developments:…

The idea

The First World War profoundly impacted German society, exacerbating class divides, causing severe food shortages (the 'Turnip Winter'), and leaving millions of widows and disabled veterans reliant on state welfare. This trauma catalysed significant social developments during the Weimar Republic. Social changes included the expansion of the welfare state, the introduction of women's suffrage, and the emergence of the 'New Woman' who enjoyed greater employment opportunities and sexual freedom, although traditional patriarchal attitudes persisted. Culturally, Weimar Germany experienced a vibrant, experimental 'Golden Age'. Movements like Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity) in art, Bauhaus in architecture, and provocative cabaret challenged traditional norms, reflecting both the liberation and the deep anxieties of the era.

What earns the marks

• Assess the demographic and psychological impact of the First World War, including the burden of war pensions on the Weimar economy.
• Evaluate the extent of social mobility and the changing role of women, contrasting the urban 'New Woman' with rural conservatism.
• Analyse the expansion of the Weimar welfare state, including the 1927 Unemployment Insurance Act, and its strain on government resources.
• Examine cultural experimentation in art (Grosz, Dix), architecture (Bauhaus), and cinema (Expressionism), noting how these polarised German society.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Claiming that the 'New Woman' represented the experience of all German women.

  Put it right: Specify that this was primarily an urban, middle-class phenomenon, while many women remained in traditional domestic roles.

• Stating that Weimar culture was universally celebrated across Germany.

  Put it right: Explain that avant-garde culture was largely confined to Berlin and other major cities, often provoking intense backlash from conservative and rural populations.

• Ignoring the social impact of the First World War when discussing Weimar society.

  Put it right: Explicitly link the trauma of war, such as the presence of disabled veterans and war widows, to the social policies and cultural anxieties of the 1920s.

Exam tips

• Use specific cultural examples, such as the artwork of Otto Dix or the architecture of Walter Gropius, to substantiate claims about Weimar cultural shifts.
• When evaluating social changes, always contrast the progressive urban developments with the enduring conservatism of rural areas to demonstrate nuance.
• Link the expansion of the welfare state directly to the social legacy of the First World War to show continuity and cause-and-effect.