What happened in Germany in 1871?

In 1871, Germany was unified under Prussian leadership, culminating in the establishment of the German Empire after the Franco-Prussian War. The unification was formalized on January 18, 1871, when Wilhelm I was proclaimed Emperor (Kaiser) in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. This marked the end of a fragmented collection of independent states and principalities, significantly altering the political landscape of Europe. The new empire was characterized by a strong centralized government and industrial growth, positioning Germany as a major European power.