# Kulturkampf (1871)

URL: https://germany-history.com/timeline/1871-kulturkampf
Location: German Empire
Categories: main-event

From 1871 Bismarck waged the Kulturkampf ('culture struggle') against the Catholic Church. Laws expelled Jesuits and introduced civil marriage. The conflict strengthened the Catholic Centre Party and was gradually ended after 1878.

## Why it matters
It deepened confessional divisions in the new empire.

Ruler at the time: [Wilhelm I](https://germany-history.com/rulers/wilhelm-i)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia – Kulturkampf](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kulturkampf)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica – Kulturkampf](https://www.britannica.com/event/Kulturkampf)