Truemmerfrauen Test with Answers

1. What was a Truemmerfrau? 
   (Truemmerfrauen were adult women in Germany who, after the end of World War II, were called upon to clear the rubble from the streets of the ruined cities.)
   
   
2. Why was there a need for Truemmerfrauen in the first place (ie, why was it women and not men who did this task)? 
   (A large portion of Germany's adult male population was dead or missing in the war.)
   
   
3. What were two of the four cities discussed in class you'd be most likely to find Truemmerfrauen working in? 
   (Dresden, Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne.)
   
   
4. What was the physical purpose for the work the Truemmerfrauen did? 
   (To clear the streets of rubble.) 
   
   
5. How were Truemmerfrauen "paid" for their work? 
   (Their food ration coupons were upgraded to "hard physical labor", which meant they received more calories daily.)
   
   
6. How does the story of the Truemmerfrauen relate to what you know about the terms Common Good and Philanthropy? 
   (Answers will vary.  Possible answers include:  Truemmerfrauen worked for the Common Good by doing what was needed for society as a whole.  Truemmerfrauen showed Philanthropy when they gave of themselves, their time, and their talents to help out when they were needed.) 
   
   
7. Might it still be considered philanthropy if the person or persons involved in performing an act for the common good were "paid" for what they did ? Why? or Why Not? 
   (Answers will vary and this could lead to a very exciting and interesting debate. One example of contemporary thought is expressed by Dan Millman in his book entitled "Living on Purpose" when he states. "Actions matter more than motives.... charity still benefits."