Before 1877 Germany was split into many different states. Of these states Prussia was the largest and strongest. From 1970-1971 Pussia won a war between themselves and France. After this war, Germany's states all joined together to create the German Reich- a country which dominated Europe. The German Reich had fertile farming, rich natural resources and the 2nd largest population in Europe. As Prussia had originaly been the strongest state, it controlled Germany. This meant its king was also the Kaiser of Germany. In 1888, Kaiser Wilhelm was the kaiser. He was very ambitious and was worried about other countries armed forces. Also by 1888, Germany had built an overseas empire which by 1914 had colonies in Africa and the Pacific. All European powers had overseas empires. Meanwhile, in the north of Germany most people were protestant where as in the south they were catholic. All German people had good jobs, where healthy and had nice houses. Germany had great economic success and by 1890 had the best welfare system in Europe. 1/3 were under 15 in 1890 and they had a strong army. Germany wanted to be seen as a leading power in Europe.