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
Chancellor of Germany (1949–present) Chancellor of Germany (1949–present) The Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany (in German called ', meaning "Federal Chancellor", or ' for short) is, under the German 1949 Constitution, the head of government of Germany. Historically, the office has evolved from the office of chancellor (, later "", meaning "Chancellor of the Realm") that was originally established in the North German Confederation in 1867. The 1949 Constitution increased the role of the chancellor compared to the 1919 Weimar Constitution by making the chancellor much more independent of the influence of the President and granting the chancellor the right to