The German Empire, also known as the Second Reich, was the political entity that existed in central Europe from 1871 to 1918 under the leadership of Emperor Wilhelm II. Throughout history, it has been referred to by different names. Some synonyms for the German Empire include Kaiserreich, or empire of the Kaiser, the German Reich or simply, Germany. Other variations of the name include Deutsches Reich, which is a term used to describe the Empire in the German language, and Reichstag Empire, in reference to the legislative assembly of the country. Despite being known by different names, the German Empire remains a significant historical entity that played a crucial role in shaping the world today.