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'The lives of women and girls became worse as a result of Nazi policies.' How far do you agree with this view of Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1939? - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 3
'The lives of women and girls became worse as a result of Nazi policies.' How far do you agree with this view of Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1939?
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'The lives of women and girls became worse as a result of Nazi policies.' How far do you agree with this view of Nazi Germany between 1933 and 1939? - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 3 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Balanced Argument Supporting Evidence
Answer
Start by acknowledging that Nazi policies indeed made the lives of women and girls worse in several aspects. The regime emphasized traditional gender roles, portraying women primarily as homemakers and mothers. Women were encouraged to leave the workforce, which severely limited their economic independence. For instance, the Law for the Reduction of Unemployment in 1933 led to a decline in female employment as men were prioritized for jobs.
On the other hand, some argue that women were provided with various benefits, such as financial incentives for having children. The regime promoted the idea of motherhood through the Mother’s Cross award, which highlighted their role in increasing the Aryan population. As a result, some women enjoyed a sense of pride and duty in their roles, which could be perceived as an improvement in their societal standing.
Step 2
Living Conditions and Education
Answer
In terms of education, girls faced curriculum changes that emphasized domestic skills over academic achievement. The Nazi ideology limited opportunities for higher education for women, contrary to previous years where women had greater access to various educational fields. This restriction arguably worsened their lives by denying them equal career opportunities.
However, it is essential to note that some women did participate more actively in the workforce during the latter half of the 1930s, as the regime sought to meet labor demands in preparation for war, although these roles remained largely subservient.
Step 3
Resistance and Societal Pressure
Answer
Moreover, the pressure to conform to Nazi ideals led to significant mental and social strain for women. Those who did not comply with the standards set by the regime could face social ostracism or worse. Additionally, younger girls faced indoctrination through organizations like the Bund Deutscher Mädel (League of German Girls), which limited their personal freedoms.
In conclusion, while some women might have found a sense of purpose within the Nazi framework, the overall impact of Nazi policies was detrimental to the lives of women and girls. There was a clear shift towards limiting their roles in society and advocating for traditional gender norms, which, when evaluated collectively, supports the argument that their lives worsened during this period.