changes under weimar republic

• what improved during the 'golden years'

  • unemployment: unemployed were more protected- 1927= introduced unemployment insurance, could pay into scheme and would receive cash benefits if they became unemployed.
  • wages: working classes became more preposterous- wages for industrial workers rose quickly in late 1920's
  • housing: government launched mass housing projects- more than 2 million new homes between 1924-31, provided extra employment.
• problems still in 'golden years'

  • higher living standards can only be maintained with strong economy
  • changes mainly helped the working classes- middle classes could not access welfare benefits.
• women gained more freedoms:

  • women were given more representations
  • between 1912-32, 112 women were elected to the reichstag
  • women showed they were capable workers during the war so the number of young women working increased.
  • traditional roles of women began to change - new female sport clubs and societies sprung up - had more opportunities.
  • divorce became easier and the number of divorce rose.