Wilhelm I

Reign: 1861 – 1888
Life: 1797–1888

He was known as William I. A member of the House of Hohenzollern, he was the first head of state of a united Germany. The second son of Prince Frederick William and Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, Wilhelm was not expected to ascend to the throne. Wilhelm fought with distinction during the War of the Sixth Coalition, and afterwards became a prominent figure within the Prussian Army. Wilhelm played a major role in crushing the Revolutions of 1848 in Germany, although he was briefly forced into exile in England. Frederick William IV suffered a stroke in 1857 and was left incapacitated, and Wilhelm was formally named Prince Regent a year later.

During Wilhelm I's reign, William III of the Netherlands ruled Netherlands, Franz Joseph I of Austria ruled Austria, and Emperor Meiji ruled Japan.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Bismarck: A Life by Jonathan Steinberg

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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.

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Bismarck: A Life

Jonathan Steinberg

Wilhelm I's reign is inseparable from Bismarck's wars of unification and the proclamation of empire.

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