Germany
"Heil Dir im Siegerkranz"

Words by: Heinrich Harries
Music by: unknown
In use: 1871-1920

In 1871, Germany became a united country, with the former King of Prussia becoming the new German Emporer. Thus, the former Prussian royal anthem became the anthem of the new united Germany. The song also uses the melody of the British national anthem, demonstrating the influence that anthem had on other nations in Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries. This anthem remained in place until a few years after the monarchy was abolished at the end of World War I.

Like other anthems of the time, "Heil Dir im Siegerkranz" was never declared an official national anthem, but was the most prevalent anthem in Germany at the time, and was the closest that Germany had to a national anthem.

See also: Germany (1922-1945, 1990-).