empire · 1871–1918
German Empire
The German Empire (1871–1918) was the unified German state forged by Bismarck and Prussian power, which dominated continental Europe until its collapse at the end of World War I.
Key Takeaways
- The German Empire was proclaimed in 1871 after Prussia defeated France.
- It was the dominant land power in Europe for four decades.
- Its defeat in World War I in 1918 ended the empire and the Hohenzollern dynasty.
- Founded
- 1871
- Capital
- Berlin
- Ended
- 1918, after WWI
Proclaimed in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles after France's defeat in 1871, the German Empire united the German kingdoms and principalities under Prussian leadership, becoming the most powerful state on the European continent.
The German Empire was created in a moment of triumph: proclaimed in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles in 1871 after Otto von Bismarck engineered Prussia’s victory over France. It united the German kingdoms, principalities, and city-states under Prussian leadership and became the most powerful state in continental Europe.
Under Kaiser Wilhelm II, its last emperor, Germany pursued an aggressive foreign policy that alarmed its neighbors and contributed to the outbreak of World War I. The empire collapsed with Germany’s defeat in 1918.
Notable Figures of German Empire
Adolf Hitler
90Adolf Hitler was the dictator of Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945, whose ideology of racial supremacy and aggressive expansionism plunged the world into World War II and caused the Holocaust — the genocide of six million Jews and millions of others.
Kaiser Wilhelm II
82Kaiser Wilhelm II was the last German Emperor and King of Prussia, whose erratic and belligerent foreign policy helped plunge Europe into World War I, ending with his abdication in 1918 and the collapse of the German Empire.
Otto von Bismarck
89Otto von Bismarck was the Prussian statesman who unified the German states into the German Empire in 1871, serving as its first chancellor and reshaping the balance of power in Europe through ruthless realpolitik and diplomatic mastery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the German Empire?
The German Empire (1871–1918) was the unified German state created by Otto von Bismarck after Prussia defeated France, which dominated continental Europe until it collapsed at the end of World War I.