Reich

Reich, German term used to designate an empire. Derived from the Old High German word rihhi, meaning realm, the term came into widespread use during Adolf Hitler's proclamation of a Third Reich (1933–45). The First Reich was considered to be the Holy Roman Empire (9th century-1806). The Second Reich was the German empire built by Chancellor Otto von Bismarck and Kaisers Wilhelm I and Wilhelm II (1871–1919).

See also: Germany.