Origins "Preußens Gloria" ("The Glory of Prussia" or "Prussia's Glory") was written in 1871 after the
Kingdom of Prussia's victory in the
Franco-Prussian War, which led to the
unification of the German states into the new Prussian-led
German Empire. As part of the victory parade of the returning troops, the march was performed for the first time in public in
Frankfurt an der Oder, where Piefke's garrison was based. As Piefke only performed it on important occasions, the march was unknown to a broader public for a long time. In 1909 the manuscript of the almost forgotten tune turned up and was reworked by army-musical inspector . Shortly afterwards it was included in the collection of Prussian army marches.
East Germany officially banned the march due to its connotation of Prussian militarism.
Present Today it is one of the best known German army marches. It is often played by the
Bundeswehr () at official ceremonies and
state visits. It is also a standard tune in many international
military bands. In
Germany it is often played by non-professional bands due to its popularity. It has also been adopted by units in other armies, for example in Great Britain by the First Squadron,
Honourable Artillery Company. The song is often played by marching bands in
Northern Ireland. Also, it is played in
military parades by the
Chilean Army. It is also played by the
Royal Swedish Army Band and the
British Army. == Music ==