The German Empire: Rise and Fall (1871-1918)
From unification under Bismarck to defeat in the Great War
10 Episodes
Audio Lessons
256 Minutes
Total Learning
Beginner
Friendly
The Second Reich
For nearly 50 years (1871-1918), the German Empire was the dominant power in continental Europe. Forged by Prussian militarism and Bismarck's diplomacy, it became an industrial powerhouse and global competitor.
Then it plunged Europe into the catastrophe of World War 1 and collapsed in revolution.
What You'll Learn
Unification
How did dozens of German states become one empire? Through "blood and iron" — Bismarck's wars against Denmark, Austria, and France.
The Bismarck Era
The Iron Chancellor dominated European politics for two decades. His alliance system kept the peace. His domestic policies created the welfare state while suppressing socialists.
Kaiser Wilhelm II
When young Wilhelm II dismissed Bismarck, Germany's careful diplomacy collapsed. The new Kaiser wanted a "place in the sun" — colonies and naval power to rival Britain.
The Road to War
Moroccan crises. Balkan tensions. The blank check to Austria. How German leadership walked into World War 1.
Collapse
The home front crumbles. Revolution spreads. The Kaiser abdicates. The Weimar Republic is born — carrying the weight of Versailles.
All Episodes
10 audio lessons • 256 minutes total
The German States Before Unification
Coming SoonThe Holy Roman Empire's end. The German Confederation. Prussia vs Austria rivalry. Economic unification through the Zollverein. National sentiment rises.
~25 min
Bismarck Forged
Junker background. 'Blood and iron' speech. Realpolitik defined. Wars of unification. The man who made Germany.
Unification: Wars Against Denmark, Austria, France
Coming SoonSchleswig-Holstein crisis. Austro-Prussian War 1866. Manipulating France into war 1870. Versailles proclamation 1871.
~30 min
Empire and Reich
Federal structure. The Kaiser's powers. Reichstag and voting. Bismarck's political manipulation. The SPD rises.
Germany Industrial
Coming SoonRapid industrialization. Steel and chemicals. Krupp and industrial giants. Urbanization. Working class growth. Economic rivalry with Britain.
~25 min
Bismarck's Alliance System
Coming SoonKeeping France isolated. The Three Emperors' League. Triple Alliance. Reinsurance Treaty. Juggling European powers. Why it worked.
~25 min
Kaiser Wilhelm II: A New Course
Coming SoonThe young Kaiser's personality. Dismissing Bismarck. Weltpolitik: world policy. Naval arms race with Britain. Why alliances shift.
~25 min
Colonial Ambitions and Global Rivalry
Coming SoonThe scramble for Africa. German colonies. Morocco crises. 'A place in the sun.' Naval rivalry and Dreadnoughts. Anglo-German tensions.
~25 min
July 1914 Choice
Assassination in Sarajevo. Germany's guarantee to Austria. Escalation dynamics. Why Germany accepted war. The Schlieffen Plan.
Empire in Collapse
Home front strains. 1918 Spring Offensive fails. The Hundred Days. Naval mutiny. Revolution spreads. Abdication and armistice. Weimar begins.
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