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Wilhelm I

Kronprinzenpalais, 22 Mar 1797 – Berlin, 9 Mar 1888

11 facts3 sources

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About Wilhelm I

Wilhelm I: From King of Prussia to German Emperor

AI-assisted · edited

The collection records Wilhelm I’s birth in 1797 at Kronprinzenpalais and his death in 1888 in Berlin; both dates are listed as probable. 12

Wilhelm I ruled as King of Prussia from 1861 to 1888 and became German Emperor in 1871, holding that title until 1888. He was the first head of state of a united Germany. 345

A member of the House of Hohenzollern, Wilhelm I was married to Augusta of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. The account places his leadership as head of state, with Otto von Bismarck as head of government, within Prussia’s leadership of German unification and the establishment of the German Empire. 56

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

A life in time

  1. 22 Mar 1797

    Born in Kronprinzenpalais

  2. 1831–1838

    2 children are born

  3. 1861–1888

    King of Prussia

  4. 1871–1888

    German Emperor

  5. 9 Mar 1888

    Dies in Berlin, aged 90

Family

See the tree

Parents

Partner

Children · 2

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 1790s · Wilhelm I is born in Kronprinzenpalais

In the news1794

Unified Prussian civil law code enacted

A unified civil law code for Prussia was developed, ultimately taking effect in 1794 to ensure more honest and efficient justice.

Getting around

Slow speeds on poor road networks

Stagecoaches traveled at a walking pace of only 4 to 5 km/h, stopping every 15 to 30 kilometers at relay stations to change horses and passengers. Due to the poor conditions of the roads, these journeys were often exhausting and prone to accidents.

At the table

Coffee and cheap surrogates were daily staples

By the late 18th century, coffee became a common daily necessity for ordinary people, often mixed with cheap surrogates like chicory or roasted rye and barley to stretch the expensive beans.

The French Revolution. Parisians stormed the Bastille in 1789; the monarchy fell, the king was executed, and “liberty, equality, fraternity” spread across Europe.In Europe · 1789–1799

The French Revolution. Parisians stormed the Bastille in 1789; the monarchy fell, the king was executed, and “liberty, equality, fraternity” spread across Europe.

Unidentified painter · public domain

What people wore

Men’s Sunday Black Coat

Working men typically wore a simple black coat called a Rock for their Sunday attire, which was usually fastened with hooks rather than buttons.

Music

Festival courtship and entertainment

During town fairs, young men purchased sweets and confections for their sweethearts, with the lover placing the first piece into the girl's mouth. Young people also frequented local inns to enjoy dancing, singing, and string music.

Daily life

Structured school lessons for children

Children typically began attending school at age six and received two hours of daily instruction, while older children attended for four hours in the morning. Education focused on reading, writing, arithmetic, and religious instruction, with some schools incorporating geography, nature study, and health science.