Kaiser Wilhelm

Date of Birth: January 27, 1859

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: June 4, 1941

Biography

Kaiser Wilhelm II, born Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Albert on January 27, 1859, was the last German Emperor (Kaiser) and King of Prussia, reigning from June 15, 1888, until his abdication on November 9, 1918. Born in Berlin, he was the eldest grandchild of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and Prince Albert. Wilhelm’s early life was marked by his physical challenges, notably his withered left arm, which influenced his personality and leadership style. Wilhelm ascended to the throne after the death of his father, Frederick III, and quickly made his presence known on the international stage with his ambitious and often aggressive foreign policies. His reign was marked by a significant expansion of the German Empire’s military and economic power. Wilhelm’s foreign policy, characterized by erratic and aggressive diplomacy, is often cited as one of the contributing factors leading to World War I. Following Germany’s defeat in the war, Wilhelm was forced to abdicate and went into exile in the Netherlands, where he lived until his death in 1941. He spent his later years writing memoirs and maintaining contact with various monarchist groups hoping to restore the German monarchy.

5 Interesting Facts about Kaiser Wilhelm

1. Kaiser Wilhelm II was the eldest grandchild of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, making him a first cousin to King George V.

2. He had a withered left arm due to complications at birth, which greatly affected his self-esteem and public image.

3. Wilhelm was passionate about the navy and played a significant role in expanding the German Imperial Navy, rivalling that of the British Royal Navy.

4. He was known for his bombastic and often undiplomatic speeches, which earned him a controversial reputation both domestically and internationally.

5. Wilhelm was an avid collector of art and had a deep interest in archaeology, particularly in the ancient cultures of the Near East.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Kaiser Wilhelm

1. “Give me a woman who truly loves beer and I will conquer the world.”

2. “There is a man in Russia who is stronger and more powerful than the Tsar, and that man is Rasputin.”

3. “The soldier and the army, not parliamentary majorities and decisions, have welded the German Empire together. I put my trust in the army.”

4. “You English are mad, mad, mad as March hares.”

5. “I regard every Social Democrat as an enemy of the Empire and Fatherland.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his power, Wilhelm II’s net worth was estimated to be equivalent to approximately $200 million in today’s currency, largely due to his extensive land holdings, investments, and royal inheritance.

Children

Kaiser Wilhelm II had seven children with his first wife, Augusta Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein: 1. Crown Prince Wilhelm (1882–1951) 2. Prince Eitel Friedrich (1883–1942) 3. Prince Adalbert (1884–1948) 4. Prince August Wilhelm (1887–1949) 5. Prince Oskar (1888–1958) 6. Prince Joachim (1890–1920) 7. Princess Viktoria Luise (1892–1980)