Imperial Germany existed for less than half a decade, but during this time rose up to be an industrial, technical and scientific powerhouse whose achievements had a strong impact far and wide. The kingdom of Prussia dominated Imperial Germany, as it was home to two-thirds of the Empire´s population and territory, and had been given certain privileges by the imperial constitution. Four were kingdoms, six grand duchies, five duchies (six until 1876), seven principalities, three free Hanseatic cities, and one imperial territory. Imperial Germany consisted of 26 member states. In German, it was known as Deutches Reich or Deutches Kaiserreich. Imperial Germany – also known as the German Empire, the Imperial State of Germany or the Second Reich – was a German state that existed from the unification of Germany in 1871 to the abdication of Emperor Wilhelm II in 1918. 9.2 Otto von Bismarck – the longest reigning Chancellor of Imperial Germany.
