Women of the Third Reich: Agency, Complicity, and Ideology in Times of Political Extremism

Class Description

In 1929, Joseph Goebbels infamously stated that the mission of German women was to be “beautiful and bear children,” a sentiment that came to define the role of women in Nazi Germany. This seminar explores the lived realities of that expectation by examining the biographies and actions of prominent women associated with the Nazi regime—Magda Goebbels, Emmi Goering, Leni Riefenstahl, and Eva Braun. Far from being passive bystanders, these women held complex and sometimes influential positions within the racially motivated, totalitarian framework of the Third Reich. By studying their lives, the session will prompt a broader reflection on female agency, complicity, and ideology in times of political extremism.

German-born historian Anette Isaacs, MA, has presented hundreds of programs on German history, politics, and culture across the US. She holds Master’s degrees in American Studies, Political Science, and History, and directs the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami.

All virtual classes are recorded and made available to participants registered in the class. These recordings are password-protected and available for up to two weeks after the class ends.

What to Expect

Format: Virtual

Class Capacity: 30 (New spots added!)

Class Style: Lecture or presentation; option for questions

Materials List

No Required Materials

Cost and Registration

1 Session, $50 ($45 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.

We offer our classes at three different price options: Regular ($50), Community Supported ($45), and Sponsor ($55). Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. You may choose the price that best fits your situation when registering through Learning Stream.

To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.

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