Three Kaisers, a War and Exile: The Growth of Prussia and the Unification of Germany, 1871

The Kingdom of Prussia managed the unification of the German states in 1871, as the Second Reich became an authoritarian state with a parliament and constitution that had limited powers. The power of the Hohenzollern monarchy was untouched, the nobility retained their privileged positions, and the army and navy were strengthened. We’ll review the growth of the German population and how it became an economic and manufacturing powerhouse, renowned for education and science. We will also examine the lives of Bismarck and Kaiser Wilhelm II, who sought to thwart the developing democratic forces. Finally, we’ll discuss the tensions and contradictions within Germany, which led to military defeat, social upheaval and political bankruptcy as the Kaiser was deposed and became an exile in Doorn until his death in June 1941.