Europe 1870–1890: Wars, Alliances, and Imperialism

1870–71: Franco-Prussian War → German unification under Prussia.
1872: German Empire proclaimed; Kaiser Wilhelm I emperor.
1873–75: Long Depression – economic crisis, unrest.
1875: Kulturkampf – Bismarck vs. Catholic Church.
1878: Congress of Berlin – Balkan borders redrawn.
1882: Dual Alliance (Germany, Austria-Hungary) → Triple Alliance (+Italy).
1884–85: Berlin Conference – rules for African colonization.
1890: Heligoland-Zanzibar Treaty – Germany cedes Heligoland to Britain for Zanzibar.

Europe