In 1871, Bismarck founded the German Empire on his own terms: unification under an authoritarian monarchy. At the same time, Germany was industrializing at breakneck speed, but the aristocratic political system could not keep up. To consolidate power, Bismarck began a series of social initiatives known as the Kulturkampf, which included unemployment insurance for the working class, but repressed trade unions and imposed sanctions against Catholicism. This tactic allowed Bismarck to quell revolts, but he was forced to resign in 1890 over disputes with the new Kaiser Wilhelm II. Germany also accelerated its foreign adventurism with a policy derisively known as Flucht nach vorn (Forward escape). Disputes over colonial issues left Germany diplomatically isolated in Europe. Germany kept the most powerful army in the world at the turn of the century, prompting Britain, France, and Russia to unite and form the Triple Entente.
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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