The shared victory against France in the Franco-Prussian War created a wave of nationalist enthusiasm throughout the German states.

Bismarck used this patriotic fervor to negotiate the entry of the southern German states into a new, unified German Empire.

In a highly symbolic act, the German Empire was officially proclaimed on January 18, 1871.

The proclamation ceremony took place not in Germany, but in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, the former residence of French kings, to humiliate France.

King Wilhelm I of Prussia was proclaimed the first German Emperor (Kaiser).

Otto von Bismarck became the first Chancellor of the new empire.

The new Germany was a federal monarchy, but it was dominated by the largest state, Prussia.

The constitution of the empire gave significant power to the Kaiser and the Chancellor.

The unification of Germany created a powerful new nation in the heart of Europe, dramatically altering the European balance of power.

The new empire quickly became a major industrial and military power.