Twenty-five states constitute the German Empire, formed by the first
imperial chancellor, Bismarck, in 1871. Its capital is Berlin. The king
of Prussia is emperor (William II, since 1888). He may declare war and
conclude peace, contract alliances and make treaties.
The German people are intelligent and industrious. Since the founding of
the empire their industrial and commercial development has been
wonderful. Less than half the population is now engaged in agriculture,
but Germany still produces the larger part of her food supply. Almost
one-third as many cattle are raised as in the United States, and Germany
leads the world in sugar production.
Colonial expansion, commerce, and the need of food imports has built up
a great German merchant marine and navy. If Austria were part of the
Empire, with a path to the Mediterranean, Germany would have the harbors
and seaways needed to increase her maritime power and would also possess
the shortest trade route to the Orient. Bismarck wanted to secure
Germany from attack, so that she could develop her industries in peace,
and with this end in view made alliances with Austria and Italy, at the
same time encouraging naval and military growth.