A Brief German History
Where did East Prussia come from?
What led to its importance in starting World War II?
The Kingdom of Germany was formed in 843, consisting of many separate provinces, or Duchy (as in ruled by Dukes).
During this time, the Pope and the Catholic Church was gaining influence over all of Europe. Local rulers attempted to offset his power, so the Holy Roman Empire was created. Ironically, it was neither holy, nor Roman, but it lasted for almost one thousand years.
The Holy Roman Empire, or First Reich
In 962, Otto I, the King of Germany (also known as the East Frankish King) became the first Holy Roman Emperor.
Two hundred years later, Fredrick the First became the Holy Roman Emperor in 1155, and was considered one of the greatest medieval emperors. He participated in the Second Crusade, and died while on the Third Crusade in 1190. The Holy Roman Empire was later considered The First Reich.
Our German Family 