Unraveling the Enigmatic Life of Hedda zu Putlitz: A Tale of Aristocracy, Scandal, and Courage.

Hedda zu Putlitz’s life was full of controversies, aristocracy, scandals, and courage. Her story is an inspiring tale of a woman breaking societal norms and standing up for herself in a world dominated by men. In this blog post, we unravel the enigmatic life of Hedda zu Putlitz.

Born on 2nd January 1900, Hedda zu Putlitz was the daughter of Count von Putlitz, a German aristocrat, and Louise von Gruner, a Russian noblewoman. Hedda was raised in a castle in the town of Putlitz, Germany, where she was home-schooled and taught by private tutors. Her education was in line with her family’s status and consisted of language, history, literature, and music lessons.

At the age of 19, Hedda was married to Herbert von Bismarck, the grandson of the famous German statesman, Otto von Bismarck. The marriage was short-lived, and the couple separated just two years later. The reason for their separation was Herbert’s excessive drinking habits, womanizing, and abusive behavior towards Hedda.

The divorce led to a scandal that shook the entire aristocratic society of Germany. Hedda was ostracized by her peers and was labeled as a social outcast. However, she didn’t let the scandal define her and moved on to live life on her own terms.

After her divorce, Hedda moved to Berlin and started a new life. She became active in politics and was known for her support of women’s rights and social causes. In 1927, she co-founded the Women’s Council, an organization that fought for women’s rights in Germany.

Her outspoken nature and non-conformist views on life made her a popular figure among the intellectual and creative circles of Berlin. She was friends with famous artists and writers like Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Ernest Hemingway.

Hedda’s life took a drastic turn when the Nazis came into power in Germany in 1933. As a member of the aristocracy and a woman with liberal views, Hedda was seen as a threat to the Nazi regime. She was arrested and sent to a camp for political prisoners. However, even in the face of adversity, Hedda didn’t give up.

She was known for her courageous acts of resistance against the Nazis. She helped Jews escape from Germany, worked as an underground activist, and used her connections to provide food and shelter to people fleeing the country.

The end of World War II brought an end to Hedda’s struggles. She was released from the camp, and the Allied forces recognized her contribution to the resistance movement. After the war, Hedda continued to be active in public life and was a voice for women’s rights and social justice.

She died on 30th July 1991, at the age of 91, and her legacy lives on.

1. Who was Hedda zu Putlitz?

Hedda zu Putlitz was a German aristocrat and political activist who was known for her contribution to the resistance movement against the Nazis.

2. What led to the scandal surrounding Hedda zu Putlitz?

Hedda’s divorce from her husband Herbert von Bismarck led to a scandal in the aristocratic society of Germany. The reason for their separation was Herbert’s excessive drinking habits, womanizing, and abusive behavior towards Hedda.

3. What was Hedda’s contribution to women’s rights?

Hedda was a strong advocate of women’s rights and co-founded the Women’s Council, an organization that fought for women’s rights in Germany.

4. How did Hedda resist the Nazis?

Hedda helped Jews escape from Germany, worked as an underground activist, and used her connections to provide food and shelter to people fleeing the country.

5. What was Hedda’s legacy?

Hedda’s legacy lives on as an example of courage, strength, and resilience in the face of adversity.

6. Who were some of Hedda’s famous friends?

Hedda was friends with famous artists and writers like Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, and Ernest Hemingway.

7. Where did Hedda die?

Hedda died in Germany on 30th July 1991, at the age of 91.

Hedda zu Putlitz’s life was full of struggles and controversies, but she didn’t let them define her. She was a woman way ahead of her time, who dared to break the societal norms and stand up for herself and others. Her story is an inspiration for all of us to live life on our own terms and fight for what we believe in.