Today we call the 1920s “golden.” When we think of the “Golden Twenties,” we think of economic growth and lavish parties. But what was life really like at that time, shortly after the war? As the defeated power, Germany had a great deal to cope with, including a new form of government. Democracy brought opposing factions, assassination attempts, and far-right attacks. While politicians desperately searched for greater stability, people in rural areas noticed little of the changes. City dwellers, on the other hand, tried to forget their problems through dancing, at least for
a short time. At Kostümpalast, you will find more than just 1920s costumes and a wide range of costume accessories.
Join us for a journey through part of the fascinating history of the 1920s and discover what moved people at the time. With this background knowledge, your 1920s party will be even more authentic and become an unforgettable event.
From the Empire to Democracy – Politics in the Weimar Republic
The lost war led to an unstable Germany. The right-wing military’s Kapp Putsch of 1920 was intended to overthrow the Social Democratic Reich government. It succeeded only temporarily. Assassinations and right-wing extremism were the order of the day. The targets were democratic politicians such as Matthias Erzberger and Foreign Minister Walther Rathenau.
Only after the hyperinflation did the young Weimar Republic appear more stable. The “Dawes Plan” was intended to make the reparation payments from the First World War easier to manage. But the democracy was not resilient to crises. The opposing political camps fought each other, and there were no strong majorities in the Reichstag.
Meanwhile, rising unemployment led to growing distrust of state institutions. The Great Depression of 1929 made clear that Germany’s first attempt at democracy had failed.
Important politicians of the 1920s
We would like to briefly introduce you to some of the important politicians of this exciting decade:
Everyday social life: village versus big city
The divide between the rich and the poor grew wider. In the countryside, families in old farmhouses still lived under the same roof as their livestock, while in the cities, cinemas, theaters, and nightclubs lured people out of their homes. Cars increasingly took over the streets of the cities. In rural areas, horses and oxen still pulled carts. The rural exodus began, and the cities grew.
At the same time, inflation in 1923 fueled uncertainty and poverty. Many men had remained on the battlefield. Children grew up without fathers. Mothers had to provide for their families, and violence in child-rearing was widespread. In this period, it is probably no wonder that emancipation began. Women, too, wanted to pursue careers. Nevertheless, this remained rare. Many women continued to be responsible for the household and family.
The “Roaring Twenties” we talk about today were actually only a small part—a golden part—of this difficult period. The wonderful hours on the dance floor and at lavish celebrations left a lasting impression and represent the happy moments of the 1920s.