| |||||
| Capital (and largest city) |
Berlin | ||||
| Language | German | ||||
| Emperor | Wilhelm III | ||||
| Reichskanzler | Heinrich Brüning | ||||
| Area | slightly over 357,000 km² | ||||
| Population | approx. 70 million | ||||
| Independence | from none, several smaller states united | ||||
| declared | 1871 | ||||
| recognized | 1871 | ||||
| Currency | Mark | ||||
Foundation[]
The German Empire (Kaiserreich) was proclaimed in 1871. The Empire was a unification of the scattered parts of Germany but without Austria—Kleindeutschland. Later, colonies were established. After 1888, the Year of Three Emperors, Bismarck was forced to quit by the young new Emperor William II in 1890 due to political and personal differences. The Emperor's foreign policy was opposed to that of Bismarck, who had established a system of alliances in the era called Gründerzeit securing Germany's position as a great nation and avoiding war for decades. Under Wilhelm II Germany took an imperialistic course, not unlike other powers, but it led to friction with neighbouring countries. Most alliances in which Germany had been involved were not renewed and new alliances excluded the Reich.
Recent History[]
Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicated in 1937, just short of a half-century on the throne, handing the throne over to then-Crown Prince Wilhelm, the current ruler.
Non-Aggression Pacts are in force between Germany and
- Britannia
- The Mid-Columbian Empire
- Hispania
- Lusitania
- the Austrian Empire
- Italia
- Gallia
- Russia
Government[]
The German Empire is a Constitutional Monarchy.
The Head of State is Kaiser Wilhelm III (reign began 1937) and the Head of Government is Reichkanzler Heinrich Bruening. The Parliament, or Reichstag, is divided into two houses, the higher house being named the Bundesrat, of which the Reichkanzler is the presiding officer.
Foreign Relations The Empire, as most constitutional monarchies of the modern period, mainly attempts in its foreign relations to uphold constitutional monarchy and conservatism. Germany plays a leading role on the European continent, being formally allied with Thracia and friendly towards Italy, the Austrian Empire, Russia, and the Middle Columbian Empire.
Kaiserliche Streitkräfte The Imperial Armed Forces (Kaiserliche Streitkräfte) is divided into the Imperial Army (Kaiserliche Armee) and the Imperial Navy (Kaiserliche Marine). At the moment the army maintains some 700,000 men, only about half of which are actually combatants. The navy is also 700,000 men strong.
The Kaiserliche Marine is divided into the Hochseeflotte (High Seas Fleet) which is the primary offensive force of the navy, and the Küstenflotte (Coastal Fleet) which patrols and defends the coasts of Germany. The Imperial Navy also contains the Naval Airship Division, which is in charge of overseas airship operations.
Geography[]
Germany proper consists of Germany (OTL Germany + 1/2 of Poland) and its Schutzgebiete ('protectorates', or colonies).
German East Africa consists of OTL Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. German South-West Africa is OTL Namibia, and German West Africa is OTL Cameroons, Togoland and Togo. German New Guinea is OTL Caroline Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau, Mariana Islands, Nauru, Marshall Islands, and Samoa.
Economy[]
Germany is one of the leading industrial nations in the world, being slightly ahead of Britannia in its steel and phosphate production.
Germany is still viewed in the world as the unchallenged leader in the construction of military and civilian airships, with Britain disputing the title every so often.