Imperial Germany

Imperial Germany refers to the period from 1871 to 1918 when Germany was unified under a monarchy led by Kaiser Wilhelm I and later Wilhelm II. This era saw rapid industrial growth, expanding military power, and increased national pride, positioning Germany as a major European and global power. The government was a constitutional monarchy with a strong executive leadership, influenced by political and military elites. Imperial Germany's policies, especially its ambitions for colonies and military strength, contributed to tensions that ultimately helped trigger World War I. The era ended with Germany’s defeat in the war and the fall of the monarchy, leading to the Weimar Republic.