The German monarchy refers to the system of governance in Germany where kings, emperors, and princes ruled various regions. The most notable period was the Holy Roman Empire, which existed from 800 to 1806, where emperors held significant power over German territories. After the empire's dissolution, the German Empire was established in 1871, uniting various German states under the leadership of the Kaiser. The monarchy in Germany officially ended after World War I, when the last emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm II, abdicated in 1918. Following this, Germany became a republic, known as the Weimar Republic. The legacy of the monarchy still influences German culture and history today.