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Wilhelm II

Kronprinzenpalais, 27 Jan 1859 – Huis Doorn, 4 Jun 1941

14 facts3 sources

Animated by AI

About Wilhelm II

Wilhelm II: Last German Emperor and King of Prussia

AI-assisted · edited

The collection records Wilhelm II’s birth in 1859 at the Kronprinzenpalais. He was the son of Frederick III, German Emperor, and Victoria, Princess Royal. 123

Wilhelm held the offices of German Emperor and King of Prussia, and is described as the last ruler in both capacities. His tenure in both offices ended with his abdication in 1918, an event associated with the end of the German Empire. 45678

Two assassination attempts against Kaiser Wilhelm II are recorded, one in 1900 and another in 1901. His union with Princess Hermine Reuss of Greiz forms another recorded family connection. The collection records his death in 1941 at Huis Doorn. 9101112

Drafted with AI and edited against the collection. Open a citation to see the record, its sources and how certain it is.

Facts and their sources

  • Born27 Jan 1859, Kronprinzenpalaisnot verified1 source
  • MarriedPrincess Hermine Reuss of Greiznot verified1 source
  • TitleGerman Emperor, 1888–1918or King of Prussia, 1888–1918not verified1 source
  • TitleKing of Prussia, 1888–1918or German Emperor, 1888–1918not verified1 source
  • EventAssasination attempt on Kaiser Wilhelm II on March 6, 1901or abdication, 1918 · Assassination attempt on Kaiser Wilhelm II on November 16, 1900not verified1 source
  • EventAssassination attempt on Kaiser Wilhelm II on November 16, 1900or abdication, 1918 · Assasination attempt on Kaiser Wilhelm II on March 6, 1901not verified1 source
  • EventAbdication, 1918or Assassination attempt on Kaiser Wilhelm II on November 16, 1900 · Assasination attempt on Kaiser Wilhelm II on March 6, 1901not verified1 source
  • Died4 Jun 1941, Huis Doornnot verified1 source
  • FatherFrederick III, German Emperornot verified1 source
  • MotherVictoria, Princess Royalnot verified1 source

A life in time

  1. 27 Jan 1859

    Born in Kronprinzenpalais

  2. 1882–1892

    7 children are born

  3. 1888–1918

    German Emperor

  4. 1888–1918

    King of Prussia

  5. 1918

    Abdication

  6. 4 Jun 1941

    Dies in Huis Doorn, aged 82

Family

See the tree

Parents

Partners

Children · 7

During his lifetime

He lived through 10 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Kronprinzenpalais.

General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.

The 1850s · Wilhelm II is born in Kronprinzenpalais

In the news1854

Amsterdam Introduces Piped Drinking Water

In 1854, Amsterdam became the first large municipality in the Netherlands to introduce a piped drinking water system to address health concerns from urban crowding.

What people wore

Protecting Skin from the Sun

Women wore a white, coif-like cap on weekdays to protect their skin from the sun, as being suntanned was not considered fashionable.

Getting around

Limitations of mail-coach travel

Before railways became dominant, mail-coaches reached speeds of 8 to 12.7 km/h, but their daily range was limited to around 100 kilometers due to frequent stops, meals, and border controls.

The Crimean War. Britain, France and the Ottomans fought Russia in Crimea; Florence Nightingale’s nurses changed how the wounded were cared for.In Europe · 1853–1856

The Crimean War. Britain, France and the Ottomans fought Russia in Crimea; Florence Nightingale’s nurses changed how the wounded were cared for.

William Simpson, artist (1823-1899) E[dmond]. Morin, lithographer (1824 - 1882), · public domain

In the news1856

Abolition of Milling Restrictions

In 1856, the government abolished restrictive milling legislation, allowing the construction of steam-driven milling factories that produced cheaper bread for the public.

Music

Singing was a common group leisure activity

People often sang together after work or during leisure time, such as when farm workers returned home with their tools or during Sunday afternoon strolls.

Daily life

Compulsory schooling and kindergarten costs

Children were required to attend school from ages six to fourteen, often carrying books in long tin satchels. In model kindergartens, families could pay fees between sixpence and three shillings a month for care and meals.