Bismarck: A Life
Jonathan Steinberg
Wilhelm I's reign is inseparable from Bismarck's wars of unification and the proclamation of empire.
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.
Franz Joseph I of Austria
Austria
1861–1888
William III of the Netherlands
Netherlands
1861–1888
Alexander II of Russia
Russia
1861–1881
Emperor Meiji
Japan
1867–1888
Victoria
Great Britain
1861–1888
Isabella II of Spain
Spain
1861–1868
Luís I of Portugal
Portugal
1861–1888
Abdulaziz
Ottoman Empire
1861–1876
Pope Pius IX
Papacy
1861–1878
Tongzhi Emperor
China
1861–1875
Guangxu Emperor
China
1875–1888
Abdul Hamid II
Ottoman Empire
1876–1888
Napoleon III
France
1861–1870
Alfonso XII of Spain
Spain
1874–1885
Oscar II of Sweden
Sweden
1872–1888
Alexander III of Russia
Russia
1881–1888
Charles XV
Sweden
1861–1872
Pope Leo XIII
Papacy
1878–1888
Hong Xiuquan
China
1861–1864
Emperor Kōmei
Japan
1861–1867
Amadeo I of Spain
Spain
1870–1873
Alfonso XIII
Spain
1886–1888
Tokugawa Iemochi
Japan (Shogunate)
1861–1866
Tokugawa Yoshinobu
Japan (Shogunate)
1866–1868
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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Further Reading
Well-regarded biographies and histories to go deeper on Wilhelm I's life and times.
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