Chancellor of Germany was usually held by Archbishops of Mainz. The title was, at times, used in several states of German-speaking Europe. The modern office of chancellor was established with the North German Confederation, of which Otto von Bismarck became "Bundeskanzler" (meaning "Federal Chancellor") in 1867. With the enlargement of this federal state to the German Empire in 1871, the title was renamed to "Reichskanzler" (meaning "Chancellor of the Realm"). With Germany's constitution of 1949, the title of "Bundeskanzler" was revived. During the various eras, the role of the chancellor has varied. From 1867 to 1918, the chancellor was the only responsible minister
Friedrich von Müller (statesman) Friedrich von Müller (statesman) Friedrich von Müller (13 April 1779 - 21 October 1849) was a German statesman. He was born at Kunreuth, Bavaria, studied law at Erlangen and Göttingen, and in 1801 entered the administrative employ of Weimar. His greatest political achievement was his inducing Napoleon to keep Weimar independent (1806–07). For this he was rewarded by being ennobled and raised to the post of privy councilor. Müller became chancellor in 1815, and from 1835 to 1848 was deputy. He wrote "Erinnerungen aus den Kriegszeiten von 1806-13" (1851). On his friendship with Goethe, see Burkhardt, "Goethes Unterhaltungen mit dem