The German Empire 1871-1918

After the German Reich is founded in 1871, national monuments are erected all over the country. For example, the Hermann monument in the Teutoburg Forest, or the Kyffhäuser monument in Thuringia. Colossi of stone to symbolize the unity of the Reich. Here is where nationally-minded Germans can celebrate their love for the Fatherland. Initially, some of the monuments are also intended as a sign of the liberation of the people from the paternalism of monarchs. For liberalism and patriotism belong together at the beginning of the German national movement. Over time, the monuments are increasingly positioned against so-called "enemies of the Reich". Hermann, for example, extends his sword towards the West - against the "external enemy of the Reich" - France. Many also interpret his threatening stance as a declaration of war against supposed "inner enemies of the Reich", such as the Catholic Church, the working class, or the Jews.

In 1848, the unity of Germany finally seems within reach. But although the bourgeois revolution fails, the dream of unity and democracy remains. Prussian Prime Minister Otto von Bismarck ultimately takes the initiative and, in 1871, ensures that the Reich is founded "from above", taking advantage of the national euphoria after the Franco-Prussian War of 1870/71. His design: the people should get their longed-for unity, but the German princes should retain a large part of their power. The new imperial constitution is not democratic: at its head is now the Emperor. Yet, the Reichstag has a say in decisions, electoral rights are relatively progressive, and both law and order are modernized.

Like no other, Imperial Chancellor Otto von Bismarck shapes politics in the early days of the of the empire. His attitude is conservative, Prussian, Protestant. As a politician of power, he turns against all those he considers "enemies of the Empire". He becomes entangled in a "culture war" with the Catholic Church. He staves off the growing labor movement with the socialist laws. But he also provides pioneering reforms, and thus establishes Germany’s social legislation. In foreign policy, he acts with diplomacy and skill. As an "honest broker" he balances the interests of the various European powers at the Berlin Congress. In 1890, he has to resign. For many Germans, he soon becomes a legend: the "iron chancellor".

The economy under steam - "Made in Germany" enjoys an immense upswing in the empire. The railway connects the country with Europe. Coal fuels the rise, the steel and electrical industries boom. The population grows rapidly. The empire becomes a leading economic power. Entrepreneurs achieve enormous wealth, and decorative Wilhelminian style districts are springing up in the cities. Yet, the men, women and children of the working class are living in misery. Trade unions organize strikes for better working conditions in the factories. The pressure provides for initial success. Working hours are reduced, social security is introduced and wages rise.

The empire is a world between tradition and progress. Among the bourgeoisie, the roles of the sexes are clearly defined. Women to be faithful mothers and housewives, men to courageously prove themselves in professional life and as soldiers. As subjects in the authoritarian state, many Germans feel in their element. As for the working class, however, both men and women have their own duties: toiling in the factories and housework. But there is also some progress. Education and training are popular and available to all sectors of society. In research and technology, the country is at the forefront. And women are achieving some initial success in their fight for equality, such as the opportunity to study.

The Germans are not only among themselves in the Reich. There are national minorities, such as Danes in Schleswig and Poles in the Prussian East. Many new migrant Poles and Masurians are working in the mines and factories of the Ruhr area. They settle in their own districts and mostly stay among themselves. The authority’s eye them with suspicion. After centuries of discrimination, the 500,000 or so Germans of the Jewish faith have finally achieved legal equality. Now they also want to be regarded as equal Germans. Many of their compatriots, however, are anti-Semites and quickly make the Jews into scapegoats, in times of economic crisis, for example.

1888 Wilhelm II ascends the throne. The young emperor hopes to lead his people into "glorious times". A lover of strong words and pompous appearances in parade uniform, he sees himself as a ruler by divine grace. He and his government abandon Bismarck's finely-tuned system of alliances. The empire is to become a world power and its number of colonies must grow. Otherwise, it is feared, it will perish in the European struggle for power. The massive arms build-up of the war fleet brings the empire into conflict with Great Britain. Soon, Germany is virtually isolated. A militaristic spirit pervades society and obscures the dangers of the often blundering "global policy".

Sarajevo 1914: The assassination of Franz Ferdinand, the Austro-Hungarian heir to the throne, is the starting shot for the First World War. At the beginning, enthusiasm for war is great, while the ever-present peace movement is too weak. With the certainty of victory, German soldiers go to war against the forces of the Entente. But soon the horrors of the battles on the Eastern and Western fronts become apparent. Trench and gas warfare demoralize the troops. The British sea blockade leads to starvation at home. The USA's entry into the war in 1917 finally decides the war - against Germany. The empire is at an end. The November Revolution leads to the proclamation of the Republic and the Emperor’s abdication.