Abstract
In 1896 male politicians stood on the verge of passing a new civil code for the German Empire, due to go into effect on January 1, 1900. The forthcoming law privileged patriarchal authority and curtailed women's rights in marriage, parental rights, and marital property. In response, women gathered in central Berlin, petitioned the parliament, and published critical newsletter articles protesting the forthcoming Civil Code. Meanwhile, the media publicized their protest. This article explores how and why these women challenged the Civil Code and what impact their actions had. I argue that women's opposition had a greater effect than previously recognized. Women's refusal to passively accept the new law pushed male legislators and the media to contend with their demands. While ultimately unsuccessful in overturning the pending law, the small victories by the women's movement set important precedents for future generations of German women.