Gain an understanding of the different social statuses in historical Germany. Learn about the living conditions of the different classes in Germany. Until the foundation of the German Empire in 1871, there were a total of 22 monarchies and three free cities in what is now Germany. And there were almost as many different regulations concerning the rights and duties of the residents. Citizenship was usually not acquired by birth, but only after an application and the strict examination of the fulfillment of several requirements. This presentation will give information on acquisition and loss of citizenship and the respective reasons for it.
In this captivating webinar, Andrea Bentschneider—an esteemed German genealogist—unpacks the intricate layers of Germany’s historical social structure and its profound impact on genealogical research. Titled “Subjects, Citizens and Serfs: Unpacking Germany’s Historical Social Order,” the session offers invaluable insight into the rigid class distinctions that shaped the lives and records of German ancestors before the country’s unification in 1871. With over two decades of experience, Bentschneider masterfully connects legal and societal norms to the practicalities of genealogical documentation, helping researchers understand the “why” behind the records they encounter.
Key Takeaways:
To fully appreciate the complexity and relevance of these distinctions, genealogists are encouraged to watch the complete webinar. Viewers will gain actionable strategies for locating and interpreting class-based records, from citizenship applications to manorial records of serfs. This rich context not only explains your ancestors’ life decisions but also unlocks new research possibilities.
For those hungry for even more insight, the accompanying syllabus offers supplemental resources and references to deepen your exploration. Whether you’re tracing a city burgher or a rural farmhand, this webinar provides the critical historical framework to make sense of the lives they led—and the records they left behind.
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Excellent webinar with lots of interesting information to assist in Family Researches.
Loved learning this type of information has it helps me to understand my ancestor’s everyday life even more!
I was fascinated by the presentation and, although I have German Heritage through the Schultze family who immigrated to Australia, I was totally unaware of the various classes of people and the manner in which their class could affect the documentation available. Thanks for the clarity of your presentation Andrea.
Must watch webinar about early German social order
It is interesting to learn about the history of an area. It helps to make more sense of the records available. It was also interesting to see some similarities between German and English systems of peasants, guilds etc.
Clear speaker, explained topics in depth. Helped me to understand why there has been some confusion among our family records or lack there of. Thanks so much.
Learned so much in such a short time! Learned about my ancestor’s probable status. Didn’t know there were so many differences between classes and states in pre-unification Germany! Very good class! Thank you, Andrea!
As a German with decades of research, I just learnt a few new things! Very comprehensive, very well presented!