Bismarck completes efforts to unify Prussia and the German kingdoms into a single nation and has King Wilhelm I proclaimed Kaiser.

France forced to sign humiliating treaty with Germany that ends the 1870-71 Franco-Prussian War.

After his father's untimely death, 29 year-old Wilhelm II becomes ruler, Kaiser Wilhelm II, of Germany.

Photo: Kaiser Wilhelm II

Nicolas is crowned Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, a position he did not want. Germany and Russia do not renew a friendship treaty and begin their adversary relationship.

Photo: Tsar Nicholas II

Great Britain's Queen Victoria, whose bloodline runs through most of the ruling houses of Europe, dies.

Russo-Japanese War results in disastrous defeat for Russia and major civil unrest at home

"Bloody Sunday Massacre" by Tsarist troops in St. Petersburg left Russian workers dead and cost Nicholas support among the workers and farmers.

British launch first "dreadnought" class battleship.