Fighting for God, the Volk, and the Fatherland. Guida Diehl's Political Programme for Women in National Socialism

AbstractAbstract

The essay examines the cultural and religious journey that led Guida Diehl to view Hitler's regime as the sole political solution capable of revitalising Germany, and of providing an appropriate response to women's issues. Through her books, pamphlets, and speeches, she appealed to well-educated Protestant women, as well as officials and members of the NS-Frauenschaft (National Socialist Women's League), to support her educational programme. Diehl was actively involved in evangelical women's organisations throughout her life, served in the Nationaler Frauendienst (National Women's Service) during the First World War, and founded the Neulandbewegung (New Land Movement) in 1916. In January 1932, she began her role as an expert adviser for cultural and educational tasks within the headquarters of the NS-Frauenschaft. However, due to opposition from Elsbeth Zander's supporters, she resigned from the post in October 1932. Nevertheless, her views on the role of women in serving the national community contributed to the ideological justification for National Socialist women's policies.