German Reich facts for kids

German Reich (German: Deutsches Reich) was the official name for Germany from 1871 to 1945. This period saw many big changes in German history, from a powerful empire to a republic, and then to a very difficult time under a dictatorship.

Understanding the German Reich's History

The history of Germany during the time it was called the German Reich is usually divided into three main parts. Each part had its own unique government and challenges.

The German Empire (1871–1918)

The first part of the German Reich was the German Empire, which lasted from 1871 to 1918. This was a time when Germany was ruled by an Emperor (or Kaiser). It was a very strong country with a powerful army and growing industries. Germany became a major player on the world stage during this period. However, this era ended with World War I, which Germany lost.

The Weimar Republic (1918–1933)

After the German Empire ended, Germany became a republic. This new government was informally called the Weimar Republic. It was a time when Germany tried to build a democracy. People had more freedoms than before, and there was a lot of new art and culture. However, the Weimar Republic faced many problems. There were economic difficulties, like very high inflation, and political unrest. Many people were unhappy with the government.

Nazi Germany (1933–1945)

The final part of the German Reich was a period from 1933 to 1945, commonly known as Nazi Germany or the Third Reich. During this time, a political group called the Nazi Party took control of the country. Their leader was Adolf Hitler. The Nazis ended democracy and created a dictatorship. They had very extreme ideas and caused World War II. This period was very dark for Germany and the world, leading to immense suffering and destruction. The war ended in 1945, and with it, the German Reich.

Images for kids

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  Deutsches Reich, 1893 map