Wilhelm II[b] (Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Albert; 27 January 1859 – 4 June 1941) was the last reigning German Emperor and King of Prussia from 1888 until his abdication in 1918. Following the German Revolution, his reign ended the German Empire and the Hohenzollern dynasty's 300-year rule of Prussia.
Biography
Early life and family
Wilhelm was born on 27 January 1859 and was the oldest child in his family. His father was Prince Frederick of Prussia. His mother was Princess Victoria, the eldest daughter of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. He was born with a disabled left arm.
He married in 1881 Augusta Victoria. He and his wife had seven children. He studied at the Kassel Gymnasium and then at the University of Bonn.
Reign
He became leader of Germany in 1888, when his father died. He disagreed with his father's longtime chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, and dismissed him in 1890.
Wilhelm believed in strengthening Germany’s armed forces, especially the navy. He led Germany during World War I. In November 9th, 1918, Wilhelm II stepped down from the throne, ending the German Empire.
Titles and styles
Notes
- ↑ The Netherlands was under German occupation at the time of Wilhelm's death.
- ↑ The English-language form William II is uncommon in contrast to other historical monarchs.
Other websites
Media related to Wilhelm II, German Emperor at Wikimedia Commons
