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Explanation of "Second Reich"

Definition:
The term "Second Reich" refers to the period in German history when the country was unified and ruled by the Hohenzollern monarchy. This period lasted from 1871 to 1919.

Usage Instructions

• Part of Speech: Noun
• Context: Use "Second Reich" when discussing German history, particularly focusing on the time of the German Empire under Emperor Wilhelm I and later Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Example Sentence

• "The Second Reich was marked by industrial growth and military expansion."

Advanced Usage

In more complex discussions, you might encounter the "Second Reich" in the context of historical analyses, political discussions, or when comparing it to other periods, such as the "First Reich" (the Holy Roman Empire) and the "Third Reich" (Nazi Germany).

Word Variants

• First Reich: Refers to the Holy Roman Empire (until 1806).
• Third Reich: Refers to Nazi Germany (1933 to 1945).

Different Meanings

While "Reich" itself means "empire" or "realm" in German, the specific term "Second Reich" has a unique historical context that should not be confused with its general meaning.

Synonyms

• German Empire: A more general term that can sometimes refer to the same period.
• Hohenzollern Empire: Refers specifically to the ruling dynasty during the Second Reich.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with "Second Reich," but you may hear phrases like "the rise and fall of the Second Reich" in historical discussions.

Summary

The "Second Reich" is an important term in German history that signifies a specific era of unity and monarchy.

Academic

Noun

1. the Reich when Hohenzollern monarchs ruled Germany (from 1871 to 1919)

Synonyms

• Hohenzollern empire
• Second Reich