Why did Leopold von Ranke welcome the founding of the German Empire in 1871?

Leopold von Ranke’s perspective on the founding of the German Empire in 1871 was rooted in his deep-seated belief in the primacy of the state and the importance of historical continuity.12

Although Ranke was generally distrustful of Otto von Bismarck’s policies—fearing they risked the continuity of German history by cooperating with popular movements—he welcomed the empire's establishment. His support stemmed from the conviction that the creation of the empire represented a definitive victory for the monarchy over the threat of democratic revolution.2

Ranke viewed states as "spiritual entities" and "thoughts of God" that were essential for the evolution of culture. He believed that the peaceful development of this culture was protected once the conflict between popular sovereignty and the monarchy had been settled in favor of the latter. Consequently, he saw the new imperial order as a safeguard against the disruptive forces of liberal and democratic nationalism that he felt would demolish the European cultural process.12