In 1871, significant events shaped the course of history. One of the most notable occurrences was the unification of Germany, which was officially proclaimed in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. This marked the rise of the German Empire under Otto von Bismarck, who played a crucial role in the unification process through a series of wars and diplomatic efforts. Another important event in 1871 was the Great Chicago Fire, which devastated a large portion of Chicago. The fire began on October 8 and lasted for three days, destroying thousands of buildings and leaving over 100,000 people homeless. The disaster led to major changes in building codes and urban planning in the city.