The political history of Germany is marked by significant events and transformations. In the 19th century, the unification of various German states culminated in the establishment of the German Empire in 1871 under Otto von Bismarck. This period saw industrial growth and the rise of nationalism, but also tensions that contributed to the outbreak of World War I. After the war, Germany faced economic hardship and political instability, leading to the rise of the Nazi Party and the dictatorship of Adolf Hitler. Following World War II, Germany was divided into East Germany and West Germany during the Cold War. The reunification in 1990 marked a new chapter in its political history, establishing a democratic government.