Tag: German Empire

History Highlights

Four great Dynasties originated in the German region of Swabia

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A great many historical leaders came from a small region in southwestern Germany. They include the Hohenstaufen dynasty, the Hapsburg dynasty, the Hohenzollern dynasty, and the Welf dynasty. All of these important families originated in Swabia, or Schwaben, a region in Germany that was located in what is now part of the states of Baden-Württemberg and part of Bavaria. Swabia was the home of the Hohenstaufen dynasty, which included Germany’s most celebrated medieval… Continue reading Four great Dynasties originated in the German region of Swabia

History Highlights, Notes on German Culture, prussia, Second Reich...1871 to 1918

As a result of his efforts, the quality of life in the new German Empire compared favorably to America.

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Otto von Bismarck, presented in heroic fashion in this 19th century image celebrating the architect of German unification and the creation of the Second Reich in 1871. Portrait of Otto von Bismarck flanked by symbolic German warriors of north and south who fought the serpents and are presenting the ancient First Reich crown to Germania.… Continue reading As a result of his efforts, the quality of life in the new German Empire compared favorably to America.

History Highlights, prussia, Second Reich...1871 to 1918

Should Austria or Prussia be the leader of Germany?

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The question of who should lead a future united Germany, Prussia or Austria, was answered in 1866. In this first image, Prussian King Wilhelm is congratulating his son, Crown Prince Friedrich III, on the battlefield after their victory over the Austrian Empire. Prussia’s leadership was now assured but would mean the hoped for “Greater Germany”… Continue reading Should Austria or Prussia be the leader of Germany?

History Highlights, Prussia...Northern Germany

The new German Empire was born on French soil in 1871

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In 1870 France declared war on Prussia but soon lost the war in 1871. The Prussian victory was the final test of leadership for Prussian King Wilhelm. In the afterglow of victory, he announced the formation of the Second German Empire at the Versailles Palace in occupied France… the new German Empire was born on… Continue reading The new German Empire was born on French soil in 1871

Bavaria, First Reich...800 to 1806, History Highlights, Southern Germany

The German land of Swabia was the birthplace of five royal dynasties

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Swabia, or Schwaben, was a region in SW Germany, now part of the states of Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria. Starting in the 9th century, Swabia was the birthplace of Charlemagne's family... Charlemagne, or Karl der Grosse, was the first Kaiser of the Holy Roman Empire in 800. Swabia was also home of the Hohenstaufen dynasty, which included Germany's… Continue reading The German land of Swabia was the birthplace of five royal dynasties

History Highlights, Prussia...Northern Germany

This 1849 painting of an allegorical “Germania” symbolized a general yearning for a new German Empire

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This painting of "Erwachende Germania" (Awakening of Germania) symbolized efforts of the mid-19th century to unite German states into a second empire. In this 1849 painting by Christian Köhler, he depicts an allegorical "Germania" as a female warrior, awakened from her slumber by the approach of an evil power. She protects the old German Imperial… Continue reading This 1849 painting of an allegorical “Germania” symbolized a general yearning for a new German Empire

History Highlights, Prussia...Northern Germany, Second Reich...1871 to 1918

For everyone with German heritage, the Kaiserzeit of 1871 to 1918 is a another good reason to be proud.

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Germany launched an era of prosperity in 1871 when almost all German states merged into one new nation. The synergy that was unleashed... plus 47 years of peace in Europe...lead to a German Empire that was an industrial, technological, and scientific giant. For example, Germany received more Nobel Prizes in science than any other country… Continue reading For everyone with German heritage, the Kaiserzeit of 1871 to 1918 is a another good reason to be proud.