Hi, In 1870,the four southern German states agreed to join the northern confederation in a united German Empire under Prussian leadership. On Jan .18. 1871 Wilhelm l of Prussia was crowned first Kaiser(emperor) of the new empire. Wilhelm appointed Bismarck to be the first chancellor and head of goverment. Wihelm ll dismissed Bismarck in 1890 . Katharina Hines ______________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free Email at http://www.hotmail.com