A Brief German History
Where did East Prussia come from?
What led to its importance in starting World War II?
The German Empire, or Second Reich
Germany was unified in 1871 under the leadership of Otto von Bismarck.
South German states joined the North German Confederation, 25 states in all, including:
- Kingdoms of Bavaria, Prussia, Saxony, Wüttemberg;
- Grand Duchies of Baden, Hesse, Meclenburg-Schwerin, Mecklinburg-Strelitz, Oldenburg, Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach;
- Duchies of Anhalt, Brunswick (and four others);
- seven Principalities;
- Free Cities of Bremen, Hamburg, and Lübeck.
Wilhelm I, the King of Prussia at that time, became the German Emperor, and Otto von Bismarck became Chancellor.
Prussia in the German Empire
In 1900, East Prussia’s population was about 2 million; mainly Protestant, with only 7% Jews.
The Low Prussian dialect predominated East Prussia.
Oma told stories of her mother being able to speak in both low Prussian and Lithuanian to Oma’s father.
Our German Family 