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The German Empire 1871 - 1918

The German Empire was founded on 1871 as a federal, constitutional monarchy under Prussian leadership and ended with the defeat in World War I and the abdication of the last emperor in 1918. The pioneer of the unification of Germany under Prussian leadership was Otto von Bismarck, the Prussian prime minister. The German Empire was headed by Emperors Wilhelm I (1871-1888), Friedrich Wilhelm III (1888) and Wilhelm II (1888-1918).

Franco-Prussian War 1870-1871 The war was triggered by the dispute between France and Prussia over the Spanish succession and the candidacy of Prince Leopold von Hohenzoller-Sigmaringen. After France declared war on July 19, 1870, the North German Confederation under Prussian leadership joined forces with the southern German states of Bavaria, Württemberg, Baden and Hesse. The Battle of Sedan (02.09.1870) quickly brought a decisive victory over the French and Emperor Napoleon III was captured. The following siege of Paris by German troops ended with the surrender of France and the armistice of 28.01.1871. The peace treaty was signed on 10 May 1871.

Franco-Prussian War 1870-1871

Foundation of the German Empire in 187 While the Franco-Prussian War was still raging, King Wilhelm I of Prussia was proclaimed German Emperor in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles on January 18, 1871. This created the first German nation state as a constitutional, federal monarchy from the North German Confederation and the four southern German states of Bavaria, Württemberg, Baden and Hesse-Darmstadt under Prussian leadership. Otto von Bismarck, who became the first Chancellor of the Reich in 1871, played a key role in paving the way for German unification. Berlin, the capital of Prussia, became the capital of the empire, where a new Reichstag building was erected, which was completed in 1894 after a construction period of ten years.

Foundation of the German Empire in 187

The empire as reflected in caricature The political conditions and social contrasts in the German Empire offered caricaturists a broad field of activity. The best-known publications of this period include "Ulk, illustrirtes Wochenblatt für Humor und Satire" (since 1872), the social democratic satirical magazine "Der Wahre Jakob" (since 1879) and Simplicissismus, founded in 1896.
ATTENTION: PLEASE NOTE THE ARTISTS' COPYRIGHTS !

The empire as reflected in caricature

Germany around 1900 - In Colors! With the help of the photochrome process invented in Switzerland in 1888, black-and-white photos were turned into color prints, which also enjoyed great popularity in the German Empire around the turn of the century. The colorful pictures show beautiful cityscapes, interesting sights and idyllic landscapes, colorful life on the beach, modern city life or romantic country life.

Germany around 1900 - In Colors!

Sporting in the empire Whether rowing, gymnastics, soccer or field hockey - in the German Empire, there were clubs for every sport, and more and more women were joining them. Cycling clubs were formed and cycling races attracted many spectators. More and more races were also held in motor sports, such as the "Gordon Bennett Race" or the "Kaiserpreis-Taunusrennen".

Sporting in the empire

Traffic in the empire On the road by bus, train and automobile. - Even though the horse and cart were far from obsolete, from the turn of the century onwards more and more people, especially in the cities, were traveling by motorized means, taking trips by car, delivering goods or travelling by car-omnibus. Electric streetcars boomed and the first subway railroads were built in Hamburg and Berlin.

Traffic in the empire

Travel and leisure activities in the Kaisereich Ice skating and roller skating were among the most popular leisure activities in the German Empire. People enjoyed swimming at the Baltic Sea as well as excursions into the Berlin countryside or a cheerful game of skat in the Laubensiedlung. From 1891, those who had the necessary money could go on long voyages on the luxury steamers of the Hamburg-based Hapag shipping company.

Travel and leisure activities in the Kaisereich

Art and art associations in the German Empire History painting, Impressionism, Art Nouveau, Expressionism - art in the German Empire was extremely diverse. There were portraits of emperors and motifs from the industrial world of work as well as romantic landscapes in a variety of styles. Artists' associations such as Die Brücke, Der Blaue Reiter and the Berlin Secession emerged on the road to modernism. Artists' colonies such as those in Dachau or Worpswede offered space for new paths and creative work. Well-known artists of this period include Anton von Werner, Ferdinand Keller, Adolf Menzel, Lovis Corinth, Max Liebermann, August Macke, Franz Marc, Gabriele Münter, Heinrich Vogeler, Paul Klee and, of course, Heinrich Zille.
ATTENTION: ARTIST’S COPYRIGHT MUST BE CLEARED

Art and art associations in the German Empire