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The World During Their Reign
The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.
Wilhelmina of the Netherlands
Netherlands
1890–1948
Franz Joseph I of Austria
Austria
1848–1916
Wilhelm II
Prussia
1888–1918
Emperor Meiji
Japan
1867–1912
George V
Great Britain
1927–1936
William III of the Netherlands
Netherlands
1849–1890
Abdul Hamid II
Ottoman Empire
1876–1909
Guangxu Emperor
China
1875–1908
Nicholas II of Russia
Russia
1894–1917
Victoria
Great Britain
1837–1901
Gustaf V of Sweden
Sweden
1907–1950
Oscar II of Sweden
Sweden
1872–1907
Carlos I of Portugal
Portugal
1889–1908
Pope Leo XIII
Papacy
1878–1903
Edward VII of the United Kingdom
Great Britain
1901–1910
Emperor Taishō
Japan
1912–1926
Mehmed V
Ottoman Empire
1909–1918
Alexander III of Russia
Russia
1881–1894
Pope Pius X
Papacy
1903–1914
Mehmed VI
Ottoman Empire
1918–1922
Pope Pius XI
Papacy
1922–1939
Puyi
China
1908–1912; 1917–1917
Pope Benedict XV
Papacy
1914–1922
Hirohito
Japan
1926–1989
Luís I of Portugal
Portugal
1861–1889
Meanwhile in history
One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.
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From the library
Go deeper on Alfonso XIII
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
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