Before World War II, which began in September 1939, the official name of Germany was the German Reich (Deutsches Reich). This name was in continuous use from the unification of Germany in 1871 until 1945.
During the period immediately preceding and throughout World War II (1933-1945), Germany was under the control of the Nazi Party, and this era is often colloquially referred to as Nazi Germany or the Third Reich. While "Third Reich" was a widely used term, especially by the Nazi regime itself to denote a successor to the Holy Roman Empire (First Reich) and the German Empire (Second Reich), the official state name remained the German Reich.
Evolution of the German State's Identity and Names
The territory that eventually formed modern Germany has a rich and complex history, with various names and political entities governing the region long before the unified German state came into existence. These historical designations reflect the conglomeration of numerous kingdoms, duchies, and empires:
- Germania: In ancient times, the Romans referred to the region inhabited by Germanic tribes as Germania. This was a geographical and cultural designation rather than a unified political state.
- The Franks: Following the decline of the Western Roman Empire, various Germanic tribes, notably the Franks, established powerful kingdoms in Western and Central Europe. The Frankish Empire eventually laid foundations for both modern France and Germany.
- Holy Roman Empire: From the 10th century until its dissolution in 1806, a significant portion of what would become Germany was part of the Holy Roman Empire. This was a complex, decentralized political entity with a rotating elective emperor, often considered the "First Reich" by later German nationalists.
- Prussia: In the centuries leading up to German unification, Prussia emerged as a dominant kingdom in northern Germany. Its military might and political influence were instrumental in uniting the various German states under its leadership in 1871, forming the German Empire.
Thus, while "German Reich" was the direct name for Germany before WW2, understanding the historical context reveals a tapestry of names reflecting its long and diverse past.
