who founded the german empire in 1871

What was the first German Empire?

the first german empire was founded on 18 january 1871 when the south german states, except for austria, joined the north german confederation and the new constitution came into force on april 16, changing the name of the federal state to the german empire and introducing the title of german emperor for wilhelm i, king of prussia from the house …

Why was the German Empire not a democracy?

The title Emperor of the Germans, as had proposed at the Frankfurt Parliament in 1848, was ruled out as he considered himself chosen "By the Grace of God", not by the people as in a democracy. By this ceremony, the North German Confederation was transformed into the German Empire.

Was the German Empire good or evil?

So the German Empire was clearly better than most of the other European Empires. The other Empires suppressed more People groups for many more years than the German Empire. So if it was good or evil is not clear but it was better than other Empires at it's time. 2.4K views.

Was the German Empire a democracy?

The German Empire was a quasi-democracy. Legislation had to be passed by the Reichstag, which was elected by universal adult male suffrage (with the minimum age for voting at 25). However, the Reichstag only got to vote once every ten (!) years on the military budget.

See more

Who founded the German Empire?

Chancellor BismarckChancellor Bismarck proclaimed the German Empire in the Hall of Mirrors.

Who was the empire of Germany in 1871?

William I was both German emperor (1871–88) and king of Prussia (1861–88). Apart from two brief instances the imperial chancellor was simultaneously prime minister of Prussia.

Who headed the empire of Germany after 1871?

German EmpireGerman Empire Deutsches Reich• 1888–1918Wilhelm IIChancellor• 1871–1890Otto von Bismarck• 1890-1894Leo von Caprivi48 more rows

Who was the first emperor of the united German Empire in 1871?

William I, German in full Wilhelm Friedrich Ludwig, (born March 22, 1797, Berlin—died March 9, 1888, Berlin), German emperor from 1871, as well as king of Prussia from 1861, a sovereign whose conscientiousness and self-restraint fitted him for collaboration with stronger statesmen in raising his monarchy and the house ...

Who was the leader of the German Empire?

Leaders of GermanyKaisers of the German EmpireAdolf Hitler**1933–45Chancellors of the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany)Konrad Adenauer1949–63Ludwig Erhard1963–6624 more rows

Who was the first German king?

Wilhelm of PrussiaWilhelm of Prussia proclaimed the first German emperor – archive, 1871 | Germany | The Guardian.

What country is Prussia now?

Republic of GermanyPrussia is considered the legal predecessor of the unified German Reich (1871–1945) and as such a direct ancestor of today's Federal Republic of Germany.

What was the German Empire called?

Second ReichGerman Empire, also called Second Reich, historical empire founded on January 18, 1871, in the wake of three short, successful wars by the North German state of Prussia.

What was Germany called before Germany?

GermaniaBefore it was called Germany, it was called Germania. In the years A.D. 900 – 1806, Germany was part of the Holy Roman Empire. From 1949 to 1990, Germany was made up of two countries called the Federal Republic of Germany (inf. West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (inf.

Was Kaiser Wilhelm a good person?

Wilhelm was an intelligent man, but emotionally unstable and a poor leader. After two years as Kaiser, he dismissed the current chancellor and famous German leader Otto von Bismarck and replaced him with his own man. He blundered many times in his diplomacy with foreign nations.

Who ruled Germany after Bismarck?

List of chancellors of Germany by time in office# in officeChancellorTime in office1Otto von Bismarck22 years, 262 days32Helmut Kohl16 years, 26 days34Angela Merkel16 years, 16 days27Konrad Adenauer14 years, 31 days32 more rows

What was Kaiser Wilhelm known for?

Contents. Wilhelm II (1859-1941), the German kaiser (emperor) and king of Prussia from 1888 to 1918, was one of the most recognizable public figures of World War I (1914-18). He gained a reputation as a swaggering militarist through his speeches and ill-advised newspaper interviews.

Who was in the German Empire?

German Empire, also called Second Reich, historical empire founded on January 18, 1871, in the wake of three short, successful wars by the North German state of Prussia. Within a seven-year span, Denmark, the Habsburg monarchy, and France had been vanquished.

What countries were part of the German Empire?

The German Colonial Empire encompassed parts of several African countries, including parts of present-day Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Namibia, Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Central African Republic, Chad, Nigeria, Togo, Ghana, as well as northeastern New Guinea, Samoa and numerous Micronesian islands.

What countries were Prussia?

PrussiaPrussia Preußen (German) Prūsa (Prussian)• 193941,915,040CurrencyReichsthaler (until 1750) Prussian thaler (1750–1857) Vereinsthaler (1857–1873) German gold mark (1873–1914) German Papiermark (1914–1923) Reichsmark (1924–1947)Today part ofGermany Poland Lithuania Russia Denmark Czech Republic Belgium41 more rows

When did Germany become a country 1871?

18 January 1871The unification of Germany (German: Deutsche Einigung, pronounced [ˈdɔɪ̯t͡ʃə ˈaɪ̯nɪɡʊŋ] ( listen)) into the German Empire, a Prussian-dominated nation state with federal features, officially occurred on 18 January 1871 at the Palace of Versailles in France.

Which country occupied more than three fifths of Germany?

Prussia, occupying more than three-fifths of the area of Germany and having approximately three-fifths of the population, remained the dominant force in the empire until its demise at the end of World War I. The German Empire, 1871–1918.

What was the second Reich?

Alternative Title: Second Reich. German Empire, also called Second Reich, historical empire founded on January 18, 1871, in the wake of three short, successful wars by the North German state of Prussia. Within a seven-year span, Denmark, the Habsburg monarchy, and France had been vanquished. The empire had its origin not in an upwelling ...

What was the Schleswig Holstein question?

The Schleswig-Holstein question, which had threatened the balance of power in northern Europe for more than a decade, took on a new dimension with the cession of Schleswig and Holstein to Prussia. The Prussian parliament had been dissolved at the beginning of the war, and new elections were held on the day of the Battle of Königgrätz (July 3, 1866).

What was the Treaty of Prague?

The Treaty of Prague concluded the Seven Weeks’ War with Austria and other German states on August 23, 1866, and cleared the way for a settlement both in Prussia and in the wider affairs of Germany. The Schleswig-Holstein question, which had threatened the balance of power in northern Europe for more than a decade, took on a new dimension with the cession of Schleswig and Holstein to Prussia. The Prussian parliament had been dissolved at the beginning of the war, and new elections were held on the day of the Battle of Königgrätz (July 3, 1866). The liberals in the parliament had a reduced majority, and they were now split in their attitude to Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck; his success had shaken their liberal principles. The moderates broke away from the Progressives (Deutsche Fortschrittspartei) to form the National Liberal Party, a party in which liberalism was subordinated to nationalism. Bismarck, on his side, made a conciliatory gesture by asking for an act of indemnity for the unconstitutional collection of taxes since the beginning of the parliamentary struggle with Prussian King William I in 1862. This act was passed on September 3, 1866, by a vote of 230 to 75.

What did Bismarck ask for?

Bismarck, on his side, made a conciliatory gesture by asking for an act of indemnity for the unconstitutional collection of taxes since the beginning of the parliamentary struggle with Prussian King William I in 1862. This act was passed on September 3, 1866, by a vote of 230 to 75.

Why did the Prussian liberals drop their insistence on parliamentary sovereignty?

The Prussian liberals, hitherto genuine opponents of Bismarck, dropped their insistence on parliamentary sovereignty in exchange for the prospect of German unity and for an assurance that united Germany would be administered in a “liberal” spirit. Instead of a struggle for power, there was henceforth compromise.

Did Germany become a constitutional monarchy?

However, the decision of September 3, 1866, was not undone, and Germany did not become a constitutional monarchy. Otto von Bismarck.

What was the German Empire?

The German Empire was founded on January 18, 1871, in the aftermath of three successful wars by the North German state of Prussia. Within a seven-year period Denmark, the Habsburg monarchy, and France were vanquished in short, decisive conflicts. The empire was forged not as the result of the outpouring of nationalist feeling from the masses but through traditional cabinet diplomacy and agreement by the leaders of the states in the North German Confederation, led by Prussia, with the hereditary rulers of Bavaria, Baden, Hesse-Darmstadt, and Württemberg. Prussia, occupying more than three-fifths of the area of Germany and having approximately three-fifths of the population, remained the dominant force in the nation until the empire’s demise at the end of another war in 1918.

What was the population of Germany in 1914?

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. At its birth Germany occupied an area of 208,825 square miles (540,854 square km) and had a population of more than 41 million, which was to grow to 67 million by 1914. The religious makeup was 63 percent Protestant, 36 percent Roman Catholic, and 1 percent Jewish. The nation was ethnically homogeneous apart ...

What did Bismarck do to keep the socialists alive?

During the 1880s Bismarck also sought to win the workers away from socialism by introducing legislation granting them modest pensions, accident insurance, and a national system of medical coverage.

What was the problem that plagued the empire throughout its existence?

A problem that was to plague the empire throughout its existence was the disparity between the Prussian and imperial political systems.

Which country occupied more than three fifths of Germany?

Prussia, occupying more than three-fifths of the area of Germany and having approximately three-fifths of the population, remained the dominant force in the nation until the empire’s demise at the end of another war in 1918. The German Empire, 1871–1918. At its birth Germany occupied an area of 208,825 square miles (540,854 square km) ...

Who was William I?

William I was both German emperor (1871–88) and king of Prussia (1861–88). Apart from two brief instances the imperial chancellor was simultaneously prime minister of Prussia. Thus, the executives had to seek majorities from two separate legislatures elected by radically different franchises. A further problem was that government ministers were ...

Who was the minister of ecclesiastical affairs and education in Prussia?

In Prussia the minister of ecclesiastical affairs and education, Adalbert Falk, introduced a series of bills establishing civil marriage, limiting the movement of the clergy, and dissolving religious orders. All church appointments were to be approved by the state.

Who was the German leader who declared the German Empire?

Otto von Bismarck. William I of Germany. And some others. The proclamation of the German Empire, also known as the Deutsche Reichsgründung, took place in January 1871 after the joint victory of the German states in the Franco-Prussian War.

When did Bismarck form the North German Confederation?

After the Prussian victory at the Battle of Hradec Kralove, and against the wishes of the Habsburgs, Bismarck succeeded in forming the North German Confederation as a military alliance in August 1866 without Austria. A year later, the North German Confederation made a constitution and became a state .

What was the result of the Austro-Prussian War of 1866?

The Austro-Prussian War of 1866 led to the dissolution of the German Confederation, founded in 1815 after the Prague Treaty. The result was a system of German alliance under the hegemonic domination of Prussia. After the Prussian victory at the Battle of Hradec Kralove, and against the wishes of the Habsburgs, Bismarck succeeded in forming ...

What year did Frederick I of Prussia become a monarch?

As a day for the imperial proclamation to take place, 18 January was chosen to coincide with the royal coronation of Frederick III von Brandenburg's coronation of Frederick I in 1701, which led to the founding of the Kingdom of Prussia.

What happened in 1870?

Victories in August and September 1870, over the French armies led to the willingness of the Southern German princes to join the North German Confederation. On 9 and 10 December 1870, the Reichstag voted to offer the Emperor's title to the Prussian king. In addition, the country was to be renamed "German Reich".

Where did the events of 1871 take place?

The 1871 event took place in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, the ceiling on which was celebrated by Louis XIV, the Sun King, as a conqueror of German cities and states. At the time of the imperial proclamation, the French capital Paris was besieged by coalition troops.

When did the French declare war on Prussia?

The French National Assembly granted funds for war, and on 19 July 1870, the French Empire declared war on the Kingdom of Prussia. The southern German states took the side of Prussia in accordance with their defensive alliances. Victories in August and September 1870, over the French armies led to the willingness of the Southern German princes ...

What was the first confederation of German states?

The Holy Roman Empire (which was neither holy, nor Roman, nor Imperial) was one of the first inceptions of this type of Confederation of German States. This confederation began in 962 (some consider the Carolingian Empire to be its first inception, but for Confederated purposes it doesn’t fall under this same sort of description.)

When did Germany become a confederation?

Germany, since the fall of the Frankish Empire had not been under a unified leadership, unlike the French, or the English, or the Spanish, up until the formation of the German Empire under a single government in January of 1871. Up until its formation Germany had always found itself loosely combined in confederations at best.

What was Bismarck's foreign policy?

Bismarck’s foreign policy was more successful than his domestic policy. After the three major wars that he had led Prussia through before the Imperial Unification he sought to lead the empire into years of peace. He would spend his entire time as Chancellor of the German Empire diplomatically enforcing peace on the European Continent. His mission to promote peace was so the empire could grow, but because of the German’s place in Europe (the direct center) he was forced to pay attention to two problem areas that could involve the Germans in a massive war. First the Balkans were a powder keg. With the recent disintegration of the Ottoman Empire, Russian and Austrian Interests could lead to a massive war. Second is France, who sought to regain the land lost in the Franco-Prussian War. Bismarck’s greatest fear was a coalition between France and Russia or France and Austria, which would put enemies on two fronts of the Empire. So Bismarck was able to negotiate the Three Emperors League in 1873, made up of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and the Russian Empire. Though this league was short lived. Eventually this league failed, due to Russian warmongering in the Balkans and with Turkey, so Germany and Austria formed the Dual alliance that would last until they lost World War 1. The Reassurance Treaty of 1887 was signed so that Russia would not go to war in the Balkans. Italy fearing French aggression decided to join Austria and Germany and they formed the Triple Alliance. France was outmatched by Germany’s allies, and could not lead a war against the young Empire. This would be the state of the German foreign policy until Bismarck’s resignation in 1890.

How many wars did Prussia win?

With Bismarck at its helm, the Prussian state would win three decisive wars, and become the leader of a new confederation. Within seven years Prussia won a war against Denmark, Austria and France. With a victory in Denmark, German interest were protected in the Jutland peninsula, with victory over Austria in the Austro-Prussian War ...

Why did Bismarck institute the Kulturkampf?

Bismarck instituted something called Kulturkampf (German for Culture Struggle), as a result to fear of Pope Pius IX’s political gains throughout the continent, and thus the anti-clerical government action.

What happened in 1814?

In 1814, after the defeat of Napoleon, there was convened the Congress of Vienna, and the German Confederation was formed, with Austria at its head. This German Confederation, was a sort of updated Holy Roman Empire, but it ignored the power of the Prussian State in the north and because of that, tensions were at a constant rise between ...

What did Bismarck do domestically?

The next thing Bismarck worked on Domestically was unification, due to the recent win in wars, certain land had been won that wasn’t fully German, and thus Bismarck sought to “Germinize” these states. Alsace-Lorraine in the west was French and he took sometime to integrate that population into the newly formed Empire.

What is the new age of Germany?

For many Germans, a dream comes true when the empire is founded in 1871. Germany is united - finally. A new age is dawning - the Wilhelmina era. Power in the state is divided between the Emperor, the Reichstag and the local rulers. The man of the hour: Reich Chancellor Bismarck. There are fierce social contrasts. The working class often lives under miserable conditions and this urgent social issue leads to initial reforms. The Catholic Church wrestles for its place in the new empire. Germany’s desire to be recognized as a world power leads to conflict with its European neighbors. In 1918, the empire perishes - in the First World War.

What was the beginning of the First World War?

Sarajevo 1914: The assassination of Franz Ferdinand, the Austro-Hungarian heir to the throne, is the starting shot for the First World War. At the beginning, enthusiasm for war is great, while the ever-present peace movement is too weak. With the certainty of victory, German soldiers go to war against the forces of the Entente. But soon the horrors of the battles on the Eastern and Western fronts become apparent. Trench and gas warfare demoralize the troops. The British sea blockade leads to starvation at home. The USA's entry into the war in 1917 finally decides the war - against Germany. The empire is at an end. The November Revolution leads to the proclamation of the Republic and the Emperor’s abdication.

What happened in 1888?

1888 Wilhelm II ascends the throne. The young emperor hopes to lead his people into "glorious times". A lover of strong words and pompous appearances in parade uniform, he sees himself as a ruler by divine grace. He and his government abandon Bismarck's finely-tuned system of alliances. The empire is to become a world power and its number of colonies must grow. Otherwise, it is feared, it will perish in the European struggle for power. The massive arms build-up of the war fleet brings the empire into conflict with Great Britain. Soon, Germany is virtually isolated. A militaristic spirit pervades society and obscures the dangers of the often blundering "global policy".

What is Otto von Bismarck's political attitude?

Like no other, Imperial Chancellor Otto von Bismarck shapes politics in the early days of the of the empire. His attitude is conservative, Prussian, Protestant. As a politician of power, he turns against all those he considers "enemies of the Empire". He becomes entangled in a "culture war" with the Catholic Church. He staves off the growing labor movement with the socialist laws. But he also provides pioneering reforms, and thus establishes Germany’s social legislation. In foreign policy, he acts with diplomacy and skill. As an "honest broker" he balances the interests of the various European powers at the Berlin Congress. In 1890, he has to resign. For many Germans, he soon becomes a legend: the "iron chancellor".

What are the monuments of the German Reich?

After the German Reich is founded in 1871, national monuments are erected all over the country. For example, the Hermann monument in the Teutoburg Forest, or the Kyffhäuser monument in Thuringia. Colossi of stone to symbolize the unity of the Reich. Here is where nationally-minded Germans can celebrate their love for the Fatherland. Initially, some of the monuments are also intended as a sign of the liberation of the people from the paternalism of monarchs. For liberalism and patriotism belong together at the beginning of the German national movement. Over time, the monuments are increasingly positioned against so-called "enemies of the Reich". Hermann, for example, extends his sword towards the West - against the "external enemy of the Reich" - France. Many also interpret his threatening stance as a declaration of war against supposed "inner enemies of the Reich", such as the Catholic Church, the working class, or the Jews.

Do Germans live in the Reich?

The Germans are not only among themselves in the Reich. There are national minorities, such as Danes in Schleswig and Poles in the Prussian East. Many new migrant Poles and Masurians are working in the mines and factories of the Ruhr area. They settle in their own districts and mostly stay among themselves. The authority’s eye them with suspicion. After centuries of discrimination, the 500,000 or so Germans of the Jewish faith have finally achieved legal equality. Now they also want to be regarded as equal Germans. Many of their compatriots, however, are anti-Semites and quickly make the Jews into scapegoats, in times of economic crisis, for example.

When did Germany become a nation?

The German Empire (officially Deutsches Reich) was the historical German nation state that existed from the unification of Germany in 1871 to the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II in November 1918, when Germany became a federal republic (the Weimar Republic).

Who was the last German emperor?

Kaiser Wilhelm II. The last German Emperor (Kaiser) and King of Prussia, ruling the German Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia from June 1888 to November 1918. He dismissed the Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, in 1890 and launched Germany on a bellicose “New Course” in foreign affairs that culminated in his support for Austria-Hungary in the crisis ...

What was the influence of Prussia in the 1890s?

As Dwyer (2005) points out, Prussia’s “political and cultural influence had diminished considerably” by the 1890s, after the era of Bismarck’s leadership. After Germany was united by Otto von Bismarck into the “German Reich,” he dominated German politics until 1890 as Chancellor. Bismarck tried to foster alliances in Europe to contain France ...

How did Bismarck secure Germany's position as a great nation?

Following the unification of Germany, Bismarck’s foreign policy as Chancellor of Germany under Emperor William I secured Germany’s position as a great nation by forging alliances, isolating France by diplomatic means, and avoiding war.

What was the effect of Kaiser's approach in Europe?

The Kaiser’s approach in Europe eventually led to the assassination of the Austrian-Hungarian crown prince, sparking World War I.

What was the role of Wilhelm II in the colonization of Africa?

Wilhelm II promoted active colonization of Africa and Asia for those areas that were not already colonies of other European powers; his administration of the colonies was notoriously brutal.

When did the German Constitution become the second?

The new constitution (Constitution of the German Confederation) and the title Emperor came into effect on January 1 , 1871. During the Siege of Paris on January 18, 1871, William accepted to be proclaimed Emperor in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. The second German Constitution was adopted by the Reichstag on April 14, 1871, ...

Overview

Imperial Proclamation in Versailles

Accounts from eyewitnesses

See also

Further reading