Feature Germany United The first German constitution was ratified in April 1871. Designed by Otto von Bismarck to preserve the old regime, it would eventually help bring about its downfall. Katja Hoyer | Published in History Today Volume 71 Issue 4 April 2021 To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5. Start my trial subscription now If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in. Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems. GermanyPolitical Related Articles Was German Unification Inevitable? The Course of German History Popular articles Books of the Year 2024: Part 2 China’s Communist Comic Books