Hero(ines) in Wilhelmine Germany

Did bourgeois nationalism in Wilhelmine Germany displace women? At least not in the care of the wounded and sick. For this purpose, the Vaterländische Frauenverein and the Frauenvereine vom Roten Kreuz were founded in the German Empire at the end of the 19th century. While the Central Committee, the men’s counterpart to the newly founded women’s associations, initially focused exclusively on helping in times of war, the women’s association immediately included tasks in times of peace, especially in the fields of health and welfare. In this way, women were given tasks that were not unimportant for the existence of the nation-state and gave their actions a state-supporting meaning. In the broadest sense, these associations were the counterparts to the male heroes of the time.

Of course, special recognition was given to the heroic deeds of women – with a badge of honor donated by Grand Duke Carl Alexander of Saxe-Weimar in three divisions. The first, with the imprint of Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna, was awarded for 20 years of membership, the second division for 30 years, and the third for 40 years of patriotism and charity. We are delighted to be able to offer a first division medal in the forthcoming auction.