Imperial proclamation in Versailles Badge

Imperial proclamation in Versailles

Imperial proclamation in Versailles
Jan 18 1871
Proclamation of the German Empire (painting by Anton von Werner) Source: Bismarck-Museum Friedrichsruh

The Prussian King Wilhelm is proclaimed German Emperor

Tensions between France and Prussia increased following the dissolution of the German Confederation in 1866. When war eventually broke out in 1870, the central and southern German states sided with Prussia. German troops invaded France, routed its armies and even captured Emperor Napoleon III. Smarting at defeat, the French proclaimed a republic and prepared to continue the war.

Whilst German troops laid siege to Paris, the German princes met there on 1 January 1871 and decided to form a nation state; William I of Prussia was officially proclaimed as the first Emperor of Germany in the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles on 18 January. An armistice was concluded soon afterwards and the subsequent peace treaty forced France to pay heavy reparations and cede Alsace-Lorraine to the new German Empire.

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The whole year at a glance

Introduction of the mark
Dec 4
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Escape by locomotive
Dec 5 1961
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Dec 6
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Dec 8
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Dec 9
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Dec 11
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Dec 12
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Dec 13
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Dec 14
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Dec 15
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Dec 16
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Dec 17
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Dec 18
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Dec 19
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Dec 21
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Dec 22
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Dec 23
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Dec 24
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Dec 25
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Dec 26
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Dec 27
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Dec 28
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Dec 29
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Dec 30
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Kölner Silvesternacht
Dec 31 2015
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2000 Jahre
12 Epochen
1 Stunde