The Kaiser's memoirs, Wilhelm II, emperor of Germany, 1888-1918 by Wilhelm II

Wilhelm damaged his political position in a number of ways. Bismarck bitterly predicted that Wilhelm would lead Germany to ruin. The kaiser embarked on his so-called New Course, a period of personal rule in which he appointed chancellors who were upper-level civil servants rather than statesmen. Within two years of his coronation, Wilhelm broke with Otto von Bismarck (1815-98), the “Iron Chancellor” who had dominated German politics since the 1860s. Wilhelm succeeded his father on June 15, 1888, at the age of 29. Already ill with terminal throat cancer, he died after a reign of only several months. Wilhelm’s father became Kaiser Frederick III of Germany in March 1888. The couple would go on to have seven children. In 1881, Wilhelm married Princess Augusta Victoria (1858-1921) of Schleswig-Holstein.

Historians still debate the effects of the kaiser’s complicated psychological makeup on his political decisions. He had dysfunctional relationships with both parents, particularly his English mother. His quick mind, however, was combined with an even quicker temper and an impulsive, high-strung personality. His later determination to win a “place in the sun” for Germany had its roots in his childhood.Īn intelligent young man who possessed a lifelong interest in science and technology, Wilhelm was educated at the University of Bonn. Twelve years old at the time, Wilhelm was filled with nationalistic enthusiasm. Wilhelm was now second in line after his father to become an emperor as well as king of Prussia. The political event that shaped Wilhelm was the formation of the German Empire under the leadership of Prussia in 1871. In addition to its smaller size, the arm was useless for such ordinary tasks as cutting certain foods with a knife at mealtime. His birth had been traumatic in the course of a complicated delivery, the doctor permanently damaged Wilhelm’s left arm. Wilhelm’s childhood was shaped by two events, one medical and one political.

His ties to Britain through its royal family would play an important part in his later political maneuvering.ĭid you know? Kaiser Wilhelm II was reportedly amused when he heard his cousin King George V (1865-1936) had changed the name of the British royal family from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha to Windsor in 1917 as a result of anti-German sentiment in Britain during World War I. The future monarch was the queen’s firstborn grandchild and was genuinely fond of her in fact, he was holding her in his arms when she died. Kaiser Wilhelm II was born in Potsdam, Germany, on January 27, 1859, the son of Prince Frederick Wilhelm of Prussia (1831-88) and Princess Victoria (1840-1901), the oldest daughter of Queen Victoria (1819-1901).

The Kaiser's memoirs, Wilhelm II, emperor of Germany, 1888-1918 by Wilhelm II