What is deutsches Reich?

Answer 1

The term Deutsches Reich translates as German Empire and refers to the German state from 1871 to 1945. In 1871, following the Franco-Prussian War, the German states, under the leadership of the most powerful state, Prussia, proclaimed the (second) German Empire with the King of Prussia to also be the Kaiser (Caesar/Emperor) of Germany. This state of affairs existed until 1918 when Germany sued for peace at the end of the First World War. Following a time of revolution, the German nation became a Republic, however the Republican nation maintained the title 'Deutsches Reich' as its formal name. The Republic came to a practical end in 1933 following a legal move by Hitler. The old Reich of the Kaisers (Kaiserreich) was to be resurrected from the 'corpse' of the old Republic. This was to be the Third Reich. Deutsches Reich was to be the legal name of the Nazi state until 1943. In that year, the Nazi Government 'legalised' their seizure of land from conquered neighbours and renamed their nation Grossdeutsches Reich, the Greater German Empire. Deutsches Reich was the name of the nation and didn't appear on the banknotes of the German nation from 1871-1945. 'Reichsbanknote' will appear instead, the symbols of the state and the year will indicate which government printed the note.

German Stamps and Coins struck or printed from 1871 to 1945 (1943) displayed 'Deutsches Reich'.

Answer 2

Reich is German for "Empire."

The first Reich was from 962 A.D. - 1806. It fell after the end of the Napoleonic wars and was Monarchy ruled.

The second Reich was from 1871 - 1918 and ended when the Weimar empire abdicated Wilhelm II and abolished the monarchy.

The third Reich lasted from 1933-1945 and ended following Hitler's defeat at the end of WWII.