The German Empire
The German Empire, also known as the Second Reich, was established on January 18, 1871, following the Franco-Prussian War. Here are some key details:
Formation
Political Structure
- The political system was a federal monarchy with a Reichstag (parliament) elected by universal male suffrage and a Bundesrat representing the states.
- The Emperor had significant power, including military command and the ability to dissolve the Reichstag.
Expansion and Colonization
World War I
- The German Empire was a central player in World War I, which began in 1914 after the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and the subsequent chain of alliances.
- The war ended with the defeat of Germany and its allies, leading to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.
End of the Empire
Legacy
- The German Empire set the stage for many aspects of modern Germany, including its legal, administrative, and educational systems.
- Its military traditions and national identity continued to influence German politics and society, even after its dissolution.
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