Weimar and Nazi Germany (1918-1939): League of German Maidens

Where the Hitler Youth was for boys, the League of German Maiden’s or BDM was for girls. The experience of both boys and girls would be similar in some ways to prepare them for life in Nazi Germany. For example, girls would be subject to same lessons about German History and the ideas of the Nazis. This would be complemented by rallies and the swearing of oaths to Hitler and the Party.

The differences reflected the differing roles which the Nazi expected boys and girls to fulfil when they reached adulthood. Girls instead of military training were taught to be good wives and housewives. They focused on all aspects of housework including ironing, cooking, and sewing.

The Nazis also used the League of German Maidens to instruct girls about what to look for in a husband and what to avoid. This was known as racial hygiene.