3-038-990 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Proclaiming the German Emperor: religious service - Galerie des Glaces, Palace of Versailles, 1871. Franco-Prussian War: '...the ceremonial on the 18th January, when the King of Prussia formally assumed the new title of "German Emperor"...It was in the French Royal Palace of Versailles...and in the splendid Galerie des Glaces, a vast apartment so called from the mirrors with which its walls are adorned, that the Imperial dignity of United Germany was consecrated by a Lutheran religious service...The whole number of German officers present was between five and six hundred... Count Bismarck and Baron von Schleinitz were conspicuous on the left...The King, followed by all the German Princes, advanced to the flags, stepped upon the platform, and...addressed the assembly, stating that he accepted the title of Emperor at the wish of the people and the Princes of Germany, and to secure the national union of the Fatherland. His Majesty concluded by saying, "I command my Chancellor to read aloud my proclamation to the German people." Count Bismarck then read in a calm voice and with a collected manner the proclamation...There was an allusion to the change of frontier, which would guarantee Germany against any future attacks by France'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.