Wihelminism for beginners, part two.
We have come a bit closer to this monument (it reminds of the Franco-Prussian War 1870/71) and are now watching the decorations. Apart from various military equipment you are recognizing the Imperial Crown on top of this relief. It is part of the Imperial Regalia, a set of tools the emperors of the Holy Roman Empire (of German nation) used to legitimate their power. This old empire collapsed in 1806, leaving the German question open: who would be the legal successor of the empire? Would the new empire become a 'big one' with Austria having exclusive power, or would it become a 'small one' with a new German empire (and without Austria)?
After the wars of 1866 and 1870/71 this question was solved. The claim of the new German monarchy to supremacy in central Europe and to be the successor of the old empire becomes visible in this crown: the new German emperor was the legitimate successor of the emperors of the past.
Not everybody was happy with this claim. In future postings I'll tell you why.
My (old) coffee-table book of selected postings.
More MadScientist: eclecticimaging.tumblr.com, the guy behind this blog
@Phil Morris: There are local clubs taking care of these monuments, fortunately. Behind the monument is a nice café where you can have a coffee or beer and watch the river. Behind that is a small path where you can walk along the riverside until you're coming close to this church. Everything within a walking distance. Nice, huh? :-)
@Ted: Thanks, Ted! You know, I love historical chit-chat. :-)
@Jen: Good light! :-) Thanks, Jen!