German Awards - German States

Before the founding of the empire in 1871, Germany was a fragmented empire consisting of numerous small states, kingdoms, grand duchies, duchies and principalities. Although they had previously united in various unions, they were autonomous in legislation, taxes, etc. With the formation of the German Empire under the leadership of Prussia, the German nation-state first arose as a single entity. However, many kingdoms retained special rights as a concession for agreeing to the founding of the empire.