Germany Prior to The First World War

How was Germany Ruled?

Prior to the unification of Germany in 1871, Prussia was the most powerful Germanic state. Militarism - the belief that a country should have strong armed forces - was important to Prussia, and it had a mighty army equipped with the most advanced weaponry. When Germany was unified, Prussian Generals, army officers and tactis formed the basis of the new united German army - and the German Kaiser was its supreme commander.

The Kaiser ruled over all the states in Germany. Each state sent representatives (known collectively as the Bundesrat) to consult with the Kaiser over new laws. 

The Kaiser was supported by advisers or ministers, and the chief minister was called Chancellor - rather like a Prime Minister. Also, there was a parliament (Reichstag), which…