German Empire

German Empire (Deutsches Kaiserreich) was the historical German nation state that existed from the Unification of Germany in 1871 until the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1918.

History

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 a unification of all the scattered parts of Germany, excluding Austria, that had previously been part of the Holy Roman Empire.

Government and administration

The empire was a semi-constitutional monarchy; the emperor was head of state and the chancellor (prime minister), who was appointed by the emperor, was the head of government. The two main organs of the central state were the Bundesrat and the Reichstag.

Economy

The economy of the German Empire was heavily industrialized, with a great emphasis on coal and steel. It was the world's second largest economy after the United States by 1913 and the largest in Europe.

Culture

The culture of the German Empire was marked by rapid industrialization and urbanization, and by the emergence of a strong middle class. The empire was also characterized by a vibrant cultural life, with a flowering of German literature, philosophy, music, and the visual arts.

Military

The military of the German Empire was one of the most powerful in the world. It was characterized by its discipline, professionalism, and the innovative use of technology.

End of the Empire

The end of the German Empire came with the German Revolution of 1918–1919 and the subsequent Treaty of Versailles. The empire was replaced by the Weimar Republic.