Frauenbewegung und Nation: Patriotische Frauenvereine in Deutschland im frühen 19. Jahrhundert (1813-1830)

Dirk Reder comprehensively examines the 'patriotic women's associations' that were founded throughout Germany by committed women from the middle classes and nobility during the wars of liberation against Napoleon in 1813-1815. With these associations, women wanted to make their own contribution 'to the liberation of the fatherland', since they were not allowed to fight themselves. Around 600 mostly democratically organized women's associations equipped volunteer soldiers with weapons and clothing, produced bandages, supported or ran military hospitals, and cared for invalids, widows and orphans. These associations offered women completely new freedom and opportunities for action, which they did not want to lose again after the war. Therefore, they sought new tasks in the still underdeveloped public areas of care for the poor and education. This commitment was often fiercely opposed by the public and the authorities, as it violated the 'natural' female role ideal of 'wife, mother and housewife', which was to be rigorously enforced again after the war.