Unification of Germany (1871)
On 18 January 1871, Germany was officially unified, marking the emergence of a new European empire under Chancellor Otto von Bismarck and King William I of Prussia. The unification process was the result of a series of strategic wars led by Bismarck, who used diplomacy and military power to consolidate the German states under Prussian leadership.
The first stage was the War of the Duchies (1864) against Denmark. This was followed by the Austro-Prussian War (1866) which consolidated Prussian leadership over the northern German states. The final stage was the Franco-Prussian War (1870–1871), which mobilized strong German nationalist sentiment and led to the defeat of France.
The unification was proclaimed at the Palace of Versailles in France, symbolizing the Prussian triumph. The German Empire emerged as an industrial and military power, altering the balance of power in Europe and increasing rivalries, especially with France. The new Germany quickly became a major player in international politics, influencing events that would culminate in the First World War.
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