Day of the founding of the German Empire

Day of the founding of the German Empire (German: Reichsgründungstag) was a festively celebrated day in the German Empire. Its commemoration was the imperial proclamation in the Palace of Versailles on 18 January 1871 during the Franco-Prussian War. However, as of 1 January, the North German Confederation had officially adopted the name "German Reich", in accordance with the Constitution of the German Confederation. In constitutional law however, the 18 January was not the day of the founding of the German Empire.

Celebrations were held annually on 18 January. At centralised and local events, patriotic speeches were held and songs such as Heil dir im Siegerkranz, the unofficial anthem of the empire were sung. Celebrations also took place publicly during the Weimar Republic (1919-1933) and with the participation of high dignitaries. Nazi Germany only celebrated the founding of the German Empire in 1871.

East Germany completely abolished this custom. On 18 January 1971, West Germany issued a motif of special stamps for the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Empire on 30 Pfennig stamps (Michel catalogue 658 and 385) designed by the Deutsche Bundespost Berlin. This corresponded to the rate for a standard letter at the time. On 24 November 1971, a commemorative coin was struck with a nominal value of five Deutsche Marks which paid tribute to the same event.

Some adherents of the political right continued this tradition. Also, some student connections celebrated Reichsgründungskneipen (Imperial Founding Pubs).

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