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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

Coronation of Charlemagne
Dec 25
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Happy birthday Emperor Frederick II!
Dec 26 1194
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Leave them kids alone!
Dec 27 1951
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First German miners’ guild
Dec 28 1260
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Exorcizing the Stasi
Dec 29 1991
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Death of Jakob Fugger the Rich
Dec 30 1525
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New Year’s Eve in Cologne
Dec 31 2015
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2000 Jahre
12 Epochen
1 Stunde