How did the creation of a single state affect the economy and foreign policy of Germany?

We are talking about the period from 1871 onwards until the beginning of the 20th century. The changes were as follows:

Germany joined the colonial redivision of the world. She managed to capture some colonies, for example, Togo in Africa, as well as Namibia, Tanzania and Cameroon. And still get a sphere of influence in China (Qingdao) and some islands in Oceania (part of Papua and Samoa).
The confrontation between the fleets of Germany and Great Britain began.
The rapid growth of the economy, by the beginning of the 20th century, it took the third place in the world, after the USA and England. The growth was accompanied by the emergence of pensions among the population.