Imperial Germany 1871-1918The German Empire was founded in January 1871 not only on the basis of Chancellor Otto von Bismarck's blood and iron policy but also with the support of liberal nationalists. Under Bismarck and Kaiser Wilhelm II, Germany became the dynamo of Europe. Its economic and military power were pre eminent; its science and technology, education, and municipal administration were the envy of the world; and its avant garde artists reflected the ferment in