Germany's conservative leader Friedrich Merz was successfully elected chancellor of the country Tuesday after a historic initial defeat on his first ballot, which caused tumult in the Bundestag, or the lower house of parliament.

Merz, the leader of the center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), won the second ballot, securing his role as the 10th chancellor of Germany since World War II and replacing outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Here's what to know about the historic day in German politics.

No other postwar candidate for chancellor lost the first ballot

Since World War II, no candidate for chancellor of Germany has failed to win the first ballot. He was widely expected to win, but his initial loss sent shockwaves through Europe.

Candidates are required to win 316 votes to secure a majority in the Bundestag. In the first round of voting, Merz was six votes short of winning the ballot, earning only 310 votes.

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