Meaning: 'Openly' means in a way that is not secret or hidden, suggesting transparency in the acknowledgment of the nation's turbulent history.

Wrong options:

• mistakenly: 'Mistakenly' implies an error or misunderstanding, which does not align with the context of discussing a nation's history; it suggests a lack of awareness rather than an acknowledgment of turbulence.
• certainly: 'Certainly' indicates assurance but does not convey the manner of experiencing history, making it contextually irrelevant in this case.
• decidedly: 'Decidedly' suggests a strong affirmation but does not fit the context of how the history is characterized, lacking the nuance of transparency that 'openly' provides.

Correct answer: inauguration

Explanation: The term 'inauguration' is the correct choice as it refers to the formal beginning or introduction of an institution or system, which is appropriate for the context of the establishment of a nation. It fits grammatically as a noun that complements the phrase 'since its __BLANK2__ in 1871.'

Meaning: 'Inauguration' means the act of formally beginning or introducing something, particularly in a ceremonial context, which is suitable for the founding of a nation.

Wrong options:

• foundation: 'Foundation' refers to the basis or groundwork of something, but it is less formal than 'inauguration' and does not capture the ceremonial aspect of the nation's establishment.
• installment: 'Installment' typically refers to a part of a series or a payment plan, which does not fit the context of establishing a nation.
• investiture: 'Investiture' refers to the formal bestowal of authority or office, which is not the correct term for the establishment of a nation.

Correct answer: bear

Explanation: The verb 'bear' is appropriate here as it means to carry or endure, which fits grammatically and contextually with the phrase 'still __BLANK3__ the nation.' It suggests that the resentments continue to affect or weigh upon the nation.

Meaning: 'Bear' means to carry or endure something, often used in the context of carrying burdens or responsibilities, which aligns with the idea of long-held resentments.

Wrong options:

• dog: 'Dog' does not function as a verb in this context and does not convey any relevant meaning related to the sentence's theme of enduring resentments.
• rat: 'Rat' is not used as a verb in this context and does not fit grammatically or contextually, as it does not relate to the idea of carrying burdens.
• horse: 'Horse' is also not applicable as a verb in this context and does not convey any relevant meaning related to the sentence.

Correct answer: rigid

Explanation: The adjective 'rigid' fits grammatically as it describes the noun 'fist,' indicating a strict or inflexible approach. Contextually, it conveys the harshness of Bismarck's rule, aligning with the overall tone of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Rigid' means stiff or inflexible, suggesting a strict and unyielding approach, which is appropriate for describing the nature of Bismarck's governance.

Wrong options:

• wooden: 'Wooden' implies something lacking in flexibility or emotion, but it does not convey the authoritative and strict nature of Bismarck's rule as effectively as 'rigid.'
• iron: 'Iron' could suggest strength but lacks the nuance of inflexibility that 'rigid' provides, making it less suitable in this context.
• inflexible: 'Inflexible' is similar in meaning to 'rigid' but is less commonly used in this context, making 'rigid' the more appropriate choice.

Correct answer: outlast

Explanation: The verb 'outlast' is the correct choice as it means to endure longer than something else, fitting grammatically and contextually with the phrase 'Germany began to __BLANK5__ British productivity.' It suggests that Germany surpassed Britain in terms of productivity over time.

Meaning: 'Outlast' means to last longer than someone or something else, indicating that Germany's productivity exceeded that of Britain.

Wrong options:

• outlearn: 'Outlearn' implies learning more than someone else, which does not fit the context of productivity and is not relevant to the comparison being made.
• outstrip: 'Outstrip' means to surpass or exceed, but it is more commonly used in contexts of speed or quantity rather than longevity, making 'outlast' a better fit for the idea of enduring productivity.
• outlay: 'Outlay' refers to an expenditure or spending, which does not relate to the context of productivity and is therefore incorrect.