AboutMichael FitzGerald Expertise I am an expert in German history between 1918 and 1945, particularly with regard to the Nazi era. I am also very knowledgeable about most areas of philosophy (I have an honours degree in the subject) and am able to answer questions on that subject too. In addition, I am very knowledgeable about poetry. One of my hobbies is also politics, mainly British and European though I follow the US political scene as well. Another one is the history of crime and punishment and British social history (the two often overlap!) I am willing to answer questions on all the above issues.
Experience Author of two published works, 'Storm Troopers of Satan,' an account of the lunatic fringes of Nazi ideology, and 'Adolf Hitler: A Portrait,' a biography of the German dictator. 'Adolf Hitler' was published in July 2006 by the top history publisher Spellmount and was named historical biography of the month by the Good Book Guide. I correspond with Ian Kershaw, Peter Stachura, Jeremy Noakes, Roger Moorhouse and Stan Lauryssens. I have undertaken research for radio, television, newspapers and magazines
Organizations Society of Authors
Education/Credentials I have an Honours degree in philosophy.
Awards and Honors LT prize for poetry
Historical Biography of the month, Good Book Guide
Expert: Michael FitzGerald Date: 11/5/2006 Subject: Women in Nazi Germany
Question What was the position of women in Nazi Germany? How did it compare with their status under the Weimar Republic? What about education, work, family, that sort of thing?
Answer Dear Linda,
Thank you for your fascinating questions. I will try to answer them as fully as possible, in the form of comparing one set of circumstances with another.
Under the Wilma Republic, women were able to vote; under the Nazis, nobody was able to vote.
Under Weimar, women's education was very poor; under the Nazis, it was very good.
From 1929 to 1933, following the Great Depression, women were forced to become the main breadwinners; from 1933, it was possible for the man to support his wife on his own wage alone.
Under Weimar, abortion was legal; under the Nazis, it was outlawed. Under Weimar, birth control was encouraged; under the Nazis, a drive for motherhood was introduced.
Women played a full role in the Nazi Party from an early period. As early as 1928, the leader of the largest feminist organisation in Germany asked Hitler for permission to be incorporated into the Nazi Party.
Guida Diehl, Lydia Gottschewski and Gertrud Scholtz-Klink were the three most important women Nazi leaders. They controlled the destinies of millions of German women.
Hanna Reitsch was one of the top German test pilots and many women scientists worked on vital projects for the Nazi regime. Sadly, many women were also among the cruellest of the concentration camp guards.
Overall, the position of women improved under the Nazis, however much it sticks in the throat to admit it. This was particularly true in the field of education.
