German Empire

The German Empire was a German nation-state in Central Europe that existed from 1871 to 1918. Also known as Imperial Germany or the Second Reich, it was formed with the unification of Germany in 1871 and dissolved with the November Revolution in 1918, when Germany became a republic. The empire comprised 25 states, including four kingdoms, six grand duchies, five duchies, seven principalities, three free Hanseatic cities, and one imperial territory. Prussia, one of the four kingdoms, held significant dominance, encompassing about two-thirds of the Empire's population and territory, with the King of Prussia also serving as the German Emperor. Berlin was its capital, and Otto von Bismarck was its first chancellor. During its 47 years, the German Empire became a major industrial, technological, and scientific power, with a strong economy, extensive rail network, and powerful army.