Provincialisation in the German Empire

Efforts to industrialize and First World War Losses

Thurnau's transition into the 20th century was marked by efforts to establish industry. In the economically prosperous Franconia, Thurnau was somewhat lagging. The business location Thurnau was dependent on income from passenger traffic, which were bound to the tax office and the district court and kept the 16 inns (as of 1904) alive.

The loss of young men killed in the war First World War, further added to the economic and socio-political difficulties.

1929: Loss of the tax office and the district court

The loss of the tax office on 1 January 1929 and the district court six months later represents an important break in Thurnau's history. After the industrialisation efforts in the preceding decades remained largely unsuccessful, the visitors that went there because of the institutions were one of the most important sources of income. Additionally shaken by the inflation years 1922/23 and a flood disaster (9 July 1927), Thurnau found itself in an increasing economic decline after World War I and the "Golden Twenties" were known to the Thurnau population only through stories.