concordat was signed with the Pope (the Catholic Church could continue if it did
not ‘interfere’ in politics) and Himmler (1900–45), head of the SS, told the SS that
they must believe in God. The religion of the Jews is godless.
Goebbels spoke of ‘forging the German nation into a single people’. Gottfried
Benn, who was a National Socialist but ceased to support the Nazis after the purges
of 1934, had declared that Nazi rule manifested itself in the ‘total state’ – an
institution that asserts the complete identity of power and spirit, individuality and
the collective: ‘It is monist, anti-dialectic, enduring, and authoritarian.’ The strong292 Part 2 Classical ideologies
Women were seen as inferior beings who must procreate for the good of the nation. They were to
give up work in order to fulfil this biological purpose. During the election campaign of 1932, Hitler
promised to take 800,000 women out of employment within four years. In August 1933 a law was
passed that enabled married couples to obtain loans to set up homes and start families which
meant that single men and childless couples were taxed more heavily. Married women doctors and
civil servants were dismissed in 1934 and from June 1936 women could no longer act as judges or
public prosecutors. Women were ineligible for jury service since Hitler believed that they were
unable to ‘think logically or reason objectively, since they are ruled only by emotion’.
However, during the Second World War, it proved necessary to allow women to work in artillery
factories and on farms. Medals were provided for women who had large families. The number of
women in universities fell significantly. Girls were educated into becoming mothers – women were
not to smoke or diet in case this affected their health as mothers.
In 1934 the Ten Commandmentsfor the choice of a spouse were propagated:- Remember that you are a German.
- If you are genetically healthy you should not remain unmarried.
- Keep your body pure.
- You should keep your mind and spirit pure.
- As a German choose only a spouse of the same or Nordic blood.
- In choosing a spouse ask about his ancestors.
- Health is also a precondition for physical beauty.
- Marry only for love.
- Don’t look for a playmate but for a companion for marriage.
- You should want to have as many children as possible.
A common rhyme for women was:
Take hold of kettle, broom and pan,
Then you’ll surely get a man!
Shop and office leave alone,
Your true life work lies at home.
Sources: Information from: http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/Women_Nazi_Germany.htm
http:// http://www.germanculture.com.ua/library/weekly/aa080601b.htm
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/GERwomen.htmWomen in Nazi Germany