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'''Prussia''' was a former [[Germany|German]] state in eastern Europe dating back to the union of the Duchy of Prussia and the Margraviate of Brandenburg (with its capital [[Berlin]]) in 1618. It became a kingdom in 1701, and by military prowess became a major power under [[Frederick the Great]].  It expanded rapidly, winning new territory after each major war.  Later, under Chancellor [[Otto von Bismark]] Prussia defeated [[Denmark]], [[Austria]] and [[France]], and in 1871 it became the core of a new German empire.  It included East Prussia, Brandenburg, Pomerania, Silesia, a large part of Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Hannover, Westphalia, Hesse-Nassau, the Rhine Province, and the Hohenzollern Lands in southwest Germany. The total area was 113,000 square miles (293,000 sq km), second in Europe in size and population only to [[Russia]]. The Hohenzollern family ruled the Prussian lands from the 11th century to 1918.

'''Prussia''' was a former [[Germany|German]] state in eastern Europe dating back to the union of the Duchy of Prussia and the Margraviate of Brandenburg (with its capital [[Berlin]]) in 1618. It became a kingdom in 1701, and by military prowess became a major power under [[Frederick the Great]].  It expanded rapidly, winning new territory after each major war.  Later, under Chancellor [[Otto von Bismarck]] Prussia defeated [[Denmark]], [[Austria]] and [[France]], and in 1871 it became the core of a new German empire.  It included East Prussia, Brandenburg, Pomerania, Silesia, a large part of Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Hannover, Westphalia, Hesse-Nassau, the Rhine Province, and the Hohenzollern Lands in southwest Germany. The total area was 113,000 square miles (293,000 sq km), second in Europe in size and population only to [[Russia]]. The Hohenzollern family ruled the Prussian lands from the 11th century to 1918.

==Second Reich==

==Second Reich==

see [[German Empire]]

see [[German Empire]]

The Prussian king became the German Kaiser (emperor). Bismark became Chancellor. He and other Protestant Prussians dominated the new Germany, and began a [[Kulturkampf]] ("culture war") against the Catholics in Germany.   

The Prussian king became the German Kaiser (emperor). Bismarck became Chancellor. He and other Protestant Prussians dominated the new Germany, and began a [[Kulturkampf]] ("culture war") against the Catholics in Germany.   

Prussia was long synonymous with militarism (military control of the government) and a very high degree of military professionalism.  Dominating politics were the rich landowners in the east known as "Junkers."  The Junkers supported rapid industrialization in order to support a strong army and navy.

Prussia was long synonymous with militarism (military control of the government) and a very high degree of military professionalism.  Dominating politics were the rich landowners in the east known as "Junkers."  The Junkers supported rapid industrialization in order to support a strong army and navy.