Kaiser Wilhelm II

Definition

Kaiser Wilhelm II was the last German Emperor and King of Prussia who ruled from 1888 until his abdication at the end of World War I in 1918. His policies contributed significantly to tensions leading up to World War I.

Analogy

Think of Kaiser Wilhelm II as a reckless driver who ignores traffic rules, causing accidents (World War I) and then fleeing from responsibility (abdicating).

Related terms

Triple Entente: The military alliance between Russia, France, and Britain formed before WWI. It was partly a response to aggressive foreign policies of Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Schlieffen Plan: A German military strategy during WWI for a swift victory against France before turning against Russia. It was named after its creator, Alfred von Schlieffen but implemented under Kaiser Wilhelm II.

Abdication Crisis: The crisis following Germany's defeat in WWI when Kaiser Wilhelm II had to give up his throne due to pressure from revolutionaries within Germany.