After defeating Austria in the Austro-Prussian War of 1866, Prussia gained control over several German states and formed the North German Confederation. This was followed by the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, in which Prussia and its allies decisively defeated France.
As a result of the Prussian victory, southern German states joined the North German Confederation, leading to the establishment of a unified German Empire on January 18, 1871. King Wilhelm I of Prussia was proclaimed as the German Emperor, and Otto von Bismarck became the first Chancellor of the German Empire.
The unification of Germany under Prussian leadership marked a significant change in the balance of power in Europe. It altered the political landscape and led to the emergence of Germany as a major power on the continent.