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

Holidays for all! Holidays for all!
Jan 8 1963
Holidays for all!
International recognition of the East German Olympic Committee International recognition of the East German Olympic Committee
Oct 8 1965
International recognition of the East German Olympic Committee

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2000 Jahre
12 Epochen
1 Stunde