Explore the full postal history of the German Empire, from unification in 1871 through its colonial expansion and global conflicts. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Germany established post offices abroad and issued stamps for its colonies in Africa, the Pacific, and parts of Asia—most notably in Kiautschou (1898–1914) and Tientsin. German post offices operated in China from the 1880s, reflecting imperial ambitions and growing trade interests. Stamps were printed by the German State Printing Works in Berlin, known for high typographic and engraved quality. After World War I, German colonial posts ceased, but during World War II, German occupation forces again issued stamps in various territories. Germany’s postal footprint in Asia is a testament to its brief but influential role in regional geopolitics and international communication networks.