I'm surprised you didn't discuss Wilhelm's relationship with his mother more. Letters between Princess Victoria and Queen Victoria show how Princess Victoria was repulsed by Wilhelm's disability and emotionally rejected him. After years of forcing her son to go through pointless "treatments" to cure his arm, she distanced herself and privately called him a cripple. I think his mother' lack of affection damaged him more than the arm itself.

"Congratulations, you've won by using my troops" Wilhelm II would've been a shitposter if he existed today

"A Nation is created by Families, Religion and Tradition" "it is made out of the heart of an mother, the wisdom of an father, and the joy of an child" -Kaiser Wilhelm II

Wilhem wakes up after being dead: is the monarchy back? No? Wilhem goes back to being dead

That moment when you realize that the entiety of WWI was one big family feud

What you failed to mention was Wilhelm deeply loved his grandmother, Queen Victoria. He was with her when she died, insisted that no hands but his handled her corpse, and requested the flag that draped her coffin.

Not a single mention Wilhelm was cousin of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia in first degree!! That’s not a minor omission

Yet when France was annexing Morocco, even though they claimed they never would, no one bats an eye. Read up on it, the Kaiser actually tried protecting Morocco's independence, but France made up an excuse to send troops in forcefully. Was Kaiser Wilhelm II perfect? Hell no, but he made some really positive changes in the beginning. For example, when he first came into power, Bismarck in his older age (he had done a lot for Prussia, so he gets so much passes) tried to quell a workers' strike by sending in the army, using force and killing if possible. Wilhelm stopped that motion and instead tried to negotiate with the workers. Just an example, but a rather good one, I think. Belgium does shady stuff in the Congo, exploiting the colonies inhabitants, and it's somewhat covered. Kaiser Wilhelm does his famous "Attila The Hun" speech regarding colonial inhabitants, the whole world goes up in out roar. I think there's always been a HUGE bias against Germany in it's infancy. Just for uniting, Britain and France basically despise Germany, because they didn't mind it as a battleground to keep the fighting away from them. Yeah the Arms Race happened with the Navy, but there's no explicit rule from God himself saying "Only Britain should be allowed to rule the seas, anyone who challenges them is evil just for doing so". But then again, there's people out there who think "WaIt, ThErE's A fIrSt AnD SeCoNd ReIcH? i ThOuGhT tHeRe WaS oNlY a ThIrD rEiCh!!! ThEy MuSt Be NaZiS tOo!!!!"

17:25 "When Hitler found out about it, he was 'fuhrious'. And had the general fired". Brilliant...

I was a good Boy tho...

I get the impression that Wilhelm was actually a good dude but because he lost he became a demon. RIP my boy.

I am always surprised, yet never shocked, at Woodrow Wilson's ability to choose the worst possible outcome for the world at every opportunity.

Wilhelm had a horse that was so well-trained that anyone else who rode it said that it was more like a machine than an animal. He had a special knife/fork mechanism that could be used with one hand. He also used to deliberately crush men's hands when he shook hands with them with his good hand.

Kaiser Wilhelm's love for the navy wasnt mainly because he "liked big ships"! Look at a map... Now look at Germany and it's access to the oceans. And then think, where most goods are being transported... The unrestrictable acess to the oceans were crucial for Germany, to participate in world trade and to become a super power, which was the intend of our last emperor.

My great grandfather was a spy for the Kaiser and kept a photograph of them together. He was an Inuit that had immigrated to the Alps. He was assign to Russia and at one point was caught then escaped. He married a Serbian woman (her family hid him from the kossacks) and immigrated to the US before WWI. So, if anyone finds photos of Inuit man in their Kaiser Wilhelm searches our family would be grateful. I had always pictured him as a James Bond, but I fear he was probably a novelty of the court.

The horrific "cure treatments" he was forced to endure as a very young child would make a monster of anyone.

That's an entire chapter of German history, that we never learned about in school. The history classes I had were about 90% 3rd Reich, and the rest covered the French revolution, or other things more or less unrelated to our own history...

The Von Schlieffen plan actually worked brilliantly, and would have likely been a total success if the generals on the ground hadn't diverted from the plan. Seeing as ultimately Russia was forced into armistice, the Kaiser came amazingly close to winning WWI

Hm who is that handsome on the thumbnail

Imagine. Fighting against first cousins. Even stranger was how these royal male grandchildren of Queen Victoria looked alike.

Please do Otto von Bismarck aswell!

I never understood why they blamed Wilhelm for the war. Although yes he had an issue, Austria, Russia and others are just as Responsible if not more than Wilhelm. He kept his word like the others. Unfortunately.

I've read that before Wihelm II and Admiral Tirpitz began building up the German Navy, Wilhelm: who, because of his family connection had been made an honorary Admiral in the British Royal Navy, used to mail the British Admiralty suggestions to improve their ships, their port facilities and the British Royal Navy in general. He wrote that the happiest time of his life had been when he visited Portsmouth, UK and could watch the ships of the Royal Navy enter the port. A really strange man.

0:40 - Chapter 1 - The troubled child 3:50 - Chapter 2 - A military man 5:35 - Chapter 3 - Becoming Kaiser 7:00 - Chapter 4 - Alienating nations 8:45 - Chapter 5 - Building alliances 10:20 - Chapter 6 - The road to war 13:10 - Chapter 7 - Abdication 14:45 - Chapter 8 - Life in exile 15:50 - Chapter 9 - Rise of the nazis 17:35 - Chapter 10 - Death of a kaiser

Many years ago, I had an older friend, now long deceased. He could recall the outbreak of WWI. He particularly recalled going around the house removing photographs of his father sailing with Kaiser Bill. Apparently, he was quite a sailor.

Emperor Wilhelm 2 he is a great monarch, diplomat, general, king, emperor, politician, patriot of his country, an incredible person. Symbol of the nations.

His moustache game is off the charts

He actually tried to stop ww1 form breaking out, I think he was a good guy and that they shouldn't have removed him, when they did that, things got worse.

I would love a video on Wilhelms Father Frederick. He was very forward thinking...wished he stayed on the throne much longer!

My favourite Quote from him is, when he was in Exile and said: "the only good thing to come out of the Republic, are the Haribo Goldbears." (roughly translated into english by myself) Haribo is apparently a fucking old brand!

This is one of the few times I will have a negative comment. This is chock full of propaganda. While he wasn't a saint and a lot of what is attributed to him is earned, the picture of all out war monger and bloodthirsty villain whose aims led to the great war is a picture painted by those who defeated him. That should always be remembered. Good video though. I hope I am not coming off as a dick. I really don't mean too

"Germany's last emperor." Me: as we record this.

we want a video on otto von Bismark

The more I learn about this man's attitude and personality, the more endeared I am to him. He was the first gamer.

Alexa, play preußens gloria!

I actually went to the house he last lived in. Rather nice house, great art. Also seen his grave which was in a church. I’m from The Netherlands and if you like this topic i would suggest taking the tour.

Outstanding work guys! Love this channel! Much appreciated for all that you do for us!

Most of the time I am impressed with your attention to detail and accuracy to historical events. But I am disappointed that you did not mention "the Willy-Nicky Correspondence". The two leaders began a correspondence via telegram in 1914, it was instigated by Nicholas II and was aimed at de-escalating the situation between Russia and Germany. Nicholas was convinced that war between the two nations would be disastrous and would ultimately lead to a major war between the nations of Europe. Both spoke of mounting pressure from their military leaders and other factors they felt were beyond their control were leading to the mobilization of their troops. In one of the last telegrams sent from Nicholas to Wilhelm urged Wilhelm to bring the conflict between Austro-Hungary and Serbia the attention of the upcoming Hague conference. The result of this correspondence almost resulted in the demobilization of both German and Russian forces, but both were ultimately convinced by their generals that they were already past the point of no return.

"The Last German Emperor", for now.

My great great great grandfather was his personal barber. I've might have missed a great

To be honest, I Look back fondly to the time of the german empire. I really enjoy learning about That time ( im a Little history lover ).In my opinion it was one of, if not the best time for my country. Sadly many dont See it That way and here in Germany the time of the Empire is sometimes outright demonized. Edit: sorry if my english isnt the best

Thanks so much for posting this - very helpful to a home educating mum.

There should be consideration about Kaiser Wilhelm's involvement in the military and his deformed arm. If he wasn't a noble set for the throne he wouldn't have gotten in the military, but he was expected to be a soldier or at least look like one. Being surrounded by officers and other enlisted personnel who were in far better condition and likely to have done service. There was an interesting incident where he had an encounter with sharpshooter Annie Oakley, where he challenged her to shoot a cigarette from his mouth, which she did. I think he was doing that not to test Oakley's skills as a shooter but as a means to show that he could stand his ground when shot at, proving he could be a soldier.

Simon - thank you for these videos. I'm learning so much!

I’ve watched several KZfaq videos about WWI and had never understood much about why it started until now. Thank you!

11:51 Helmuth von Moltke “the younger” was not the nephew of Alfred von Schlieffen. Helmuth von Moltke’s uncle was actually Helmuth von Moltke “the Elder” because they had similar names in order to distinguish between them one is known as the “Elder” while the other as the “younger.”

You simply must do an episode about Empress Elisabeth of Austria, Franz Joseph’s enigmatic consort.

He resembled his Mom physically so much. So sad they were not close... Also, he married his 2nd cousin as his wife, Augusta Victoria was the daughter of his Mom's 1st cousin (their grandmothers Queen Victoria and Feodora were sisters with Feodora being the older sister)...

I'd love to see an episode about Konrad Adenauer!

In regards to former monarchs deposed after a World War, have you guys thought about doing a video about Vittorio Emanuele III? He had a pretty fascinating life being Italy’s longest reigning king and also being an avid coin collector! (His Grandfather, Vittorio Emanuele II, was also the first king of/unified Italy so that could be a cool video as well!) - Just a thought!

Been waiting for this one for so long!

This is the one ive been waiting for! thx

Austro-Hungarian empire declarrs war on Serbia, Russia sided with Serbia and Germany sided with the Austro-Hungarian empire... "Germany started WWI"?!

The Kaiser was maybe untempered in his ambition but his idea of a German Empire wasn’t all that different from the attitudes of the monarchs of other nations. Historians picking apart his childhood with unsubstantiatable claims about how it could have made him some kind of psychopath is a perfect example of how history is written by the winners.

As always great show Simon!

Mr Whistler is an excellent storyteller!! Love his videos and narration!

I love these videos.

Your thumbnail biography of the man does not really do him Justice. First you claim that he rebelled against what he believed to be his parents favoritism of liberal British policies. If you had read any historical accounts of Prince Frederik and Princess Victoria you would have understood that they went there specifically to try to reshape the Prussian monarchy to resemble that of a monarchy favored by Albert Victoria's late husband she was herself most vocal of her distaste for most things German. She constantly compared and berated German actions against British actions and always found Germany wanting. Bismarck played Wilhelm. His idea was to set son against parents hoping to create friction. You were correct it was his hope that she would Wilhelm ever Ascend the throne that he would then be able to control him as was evident he was not successful. Wow Wilhelm did attempt to repair some of the damage he had done he was of course I'm successful. You lay a great deal of blame on the so-called Naval arms race. What you fail to mention is that by the early nineteen hundreds 1911, 1912 Germany had butthole acquiesced to the fact that British Naval superiority would be a fact Upon hearing the demands placed by the austro-hungarian empire to Serbia vilhelms response was to call it a spirited note. When Serbia acquiesced to all the demands save the fact that Austria-Hungary would conduct the investigation inside Serbia proper, vilhelm noted that that dissipated all grounds for war. Vilhelm and Germany were not responsible for World War 1 that was actually count Von holtzendorff the then Austria-Hungary and foreign minister. perhaps you should read Dreadnaught, and castles of Steel to give you a better perspective

would love one that talks in detail about bismark as well beautifull work btw :)

Do one about Manfred Von Ritchthofen, the “Red Baron”!

Poor guy couldn't ride horses, at first. Too bad for him. But, he persevered. Good for him, back in the day.

But Wilhelm did not start the war

This was very informative!

As I understood it, there was a potential loophole for Wilhelm to remain as Prussian king. Because although the imperial German constitution held that the crown was held in personal union with the regal one of Prussia, the Prussian constitution did no such thing. So in theory, the dissolution of the empire into its constituent, pre-imperial states meant that the Prussian kingdom was off the hook, so to speak. In practice, this was both impossible (because of the revolution) and undesirable) because it meant that Germany would cease to exist, and introduce further chaos into an already volatile situation.

Princess of Elizabeth of Hesse-Darmstadt was the sister of Alix of Hesse, later to become Alexandra Feodorovna of Russia, as in Nicholas and Alexandra. Simon, you are a phenomenal narrator!!

When the attempts at ending "Splendid Isolation" began, London started negotiations with all continental powers, incl. Germany. Since no historian has ever pointed out that the intention of such talks were ultimately multi-lateral (in other words, single treaties which could form a basis for some yet unknown long-term goal of a "united Europe") we can safely assume that the intentions were bilateral only, and that there were no long-term aims at all at the "veto powers"-level of London politics. Famously around 1900: "On the initiative of Colonial Secretary Joseph Chamberlain, there were three rounds of British-German talks between 1898 and 1901. The British decided not to join the Triple Alliance, broke off the negotiations with Berlin, and revived the idea of a British-French alliance.[6]" (wiki) Note how the history books often blame Germany for the failure of these talks. What London wanted was "continental armies" opposing each other, or a "continental army" for the advantage of own British Empire aims and goals. Suffice to say, Berlin recognized the nature of the counter-offers made by London. Another reason was of course also London's intention to head off the German naval programs (see the exact timeline under the wiki entry "German Naval Laws") up for approval, by dangling the "sweet carrot" of an alliance in front of the German Reichstag. The intention was obviously to "divide" the Reichstag's "hawks" and "doves", which would then torpedo the Naval Laws...lol, pun intended... London strangely always appeared on Berlin's doorstep, with offers of sorts, when changes to upgrade Berlin's naval laws were underway. Weird coincidence, I'm sure... Anyways. *Not for the first time, it was London which broke off, because London never intended, or seriously considered such a possibility which would have ended "Splendid Isolation".* Not following the year 1890, when it was also negotiated between London and Berlin, and turned down by London, and not at the turn of the century. It does not matter that there were some in London who did favor more European unity. What mattered was that the "veto powers" like Chamberlain, did not regard any unity in Europe as desirable, and would have vetoed any attempt by others to achieve it. All in combination with other lords who also enjoyed the power of the veto, in peer-controlled "top down" groups outside of the forces of democratic means (which were from the "bottom up"). No UK citizen could influence such "peer controlled" ingroups in charge of strategies, because "democracy" did not affect them. The same was true in the USA at the time BTW, in case the criticism is "the undemocratic others" on the continent of Europe. With regards to the question "who controls the strategies", all the powers were in the same boat, and it did not matter if one power was a democracy, and the other more autocratic. Any attempt to "spin" history in efforts to point fingers elsewhere eventually falls flat, based on evidence. Overwhelming evidence, the nature of which is revealed in the many comments below. Suffice to say: London did not want unity in Europe, and never aimed for it, because London intended to "divide and gain/impose" from the division of continental powers. *There was never the intention (despite "kind words") for herself to be a part of any European unity, nor to tolerate any form of powerful continental European unity, should this arise somewhere.* Any unity arising on the continent = the feared "single hegemony". Of course anybody can launch a counter-theory stating that London's ultimate goal *was* a "United States of Europe" in some or other form. They would then just have to point to how the *first binding mutually agreed-upon treaty/alliance which was signed,* then intended to incorporate all European powers in some or other "play by ear" step-by-step approach (also two strategies). Good luck... *Strategies.* Here is the reality. As a general rule, if there is no signed deal safeguarding own interests then a nation/state must implement steps to safeguard these interests herself. As long as there was *no* understanding (treaty/alliance/accord) between London and Berlin whatsoever, Berlin would have to accept that Germany would be GB/Empire's enemy in case there was war on the continent, regardless of "who started it." London determined its "interests" on the continent herself, based on the policy of "balanced powers", and London would oppose the winning side, not the "wrong" side. For London, the sole determining factor was *"who was winning",* and it would then join the weaker/losing side. *In order to become London's "best fwiend", Germany would have to lose in a war on the continent, regardless of "who started it".* A ridiculous supposition, implied by London's own policies. Berlin simply *reacted* to a London policy standpoint, and therefore prepared for this eventuality. The danger of a naval blockade had to be countered as a contingency in case of war (see below essay regarding the "security dilemma of states"). The lords wanted it that way, so the lords got it that way. *The "ententes" with France (1904) and Russia (1907) and the end results of long negotiations going back decades, changed nothing in regards to the above.* "Empires" don't have "friends". In case a war broke out on the continent, for whatever reason, or whoever "started it" (according to whatever cherry-picked "hopped on" criteria): London would still oppose the winning side, to avoid the single hegemony. In case the winning side happened to be the own "best fwiends" France and Russia, London would join whomever opposed them... Should the "Russian steamroller" roll into Germany, crushing Germany against "the anvil" France, it would simply join Germany against Russia and France. Others would bleed, and end up "mutually exhausted", and London would gain for "little ventured" (all strategies). There was no binding treaty that would have avoided this. *Who needs binding treaties, if one has the geographical advantage, guarded by the strongest navy?* *London did not need anything from any continental power, or so they thought.* They thought they could simply "hop around" onto any power, for the short-term gain of avoiding any one (or alliance) from gaining during times of peace, and winning during times of war. The lords therefore never made serious offers for any alliances in times of peace, with any other power in Europe even though they should have (search for: Machiavelli/Balance of Power). A "balance of powers" is not subjective, but an objective reality which needs to be attained. "Friends" means nothing. London never addressed its own collective attitude problem, which was that it wanted "junior partners" on the continent which would implement the aims and goals of Empire indirectly, and that all that was needed to ensure this was the strongest navy in the world ("Two Power Standard"). Lords with veto powers went around looking for "friends" and these "friends" were given the feeling of being equals. "Feelings" means nothing though. Interesting in this respect were British intentions to find such perceived "equals/friends" in Sweden/Norway in 1939/40. The strategists here in Scandinavia were smarter, and knew *exactly what their "function" was to "empires" (strategies).* They therefore tactfully declined British advances in regards to "just passing through to help Finland", recognizing that "ending like Poland" was not a desirable potential future. These strategists knew what they were talking about, and the habit "empires" had of finding gullible "lightning rods" and "soft underbellies" for their own aims and goals, often leaving the chosen "best fwiend" in a state of total ruin. A little known detail tucked away in the folds of a few history books regarding how the world really works, drowned out the 99% of ancillary details... Norway/Sweden 1939/1940 = Ukraine 2008 - 2022 The Ukraine today, "ending like Poland". Little friends who will be encouraged and supported to fight to the last man. *Empire and her little helpers: "Can you bring me some more popcorn and chips, dear...great show, great show..."* End of Part 2 (This essay is not a singularity, but fits in with other comments made over the course of the past few years under this video, and must be read as a continuous thought with re. to the strategies states/empires employed, and still emplo

Could you do a video on kaiserin Sissi? I love your video's! Keep on going 😁👍

When he found out about the cristal night, he commented "I have never been so ashamed to be German"

Tommy Wiseau when? ;)

I would argue hating the British and the French is a perfectly natural and normal attitude to have.

These videos are top tier my friend!

Fascinating! Cheers!

Hey Simon :) I absolutely adore your videos and it would be amazing if you could do a video of a/ few famous Russian authors like Mikhail Bulgakov, Dostoevsky etc whose writing was very largely affected by Russian history

My great-grandfather worked as the Kaiser's chef up until the day he died in exile (the Kaiser, not my great-grandfather)

You rock. Thank you for your work.

Was waiting for you to do Wilhelm II

There was an excellent historical-fiction film released in 2016 titled "The Exception," starring Christopher Plummer as the exiled Kaiser Wilhelm II, living in exile on his estate in Holland as the Nazis march in to occupy that country. The film includes a scene where Hitler sends Heinrich Himmler (superbly portrayed by Eddie Marsan) on a visit to lure the Kaiser back to Germany in order to flush out any of his monarchist supporters still lurking in Berlin. What makes this film unique is that it's probably the ONLY film ever made where Kaiser Wilhelm II is one of the good guys!

You either die a villain, or live long enough for a decent redemption. Sadly it took a war to make him change his mind.

wow I didn't know that the Kaiser Goes to The Netherlands Thank you for the information!

Great video! Now I'll watch your video on Bismarck.

First of all thank you for the many bio videos you are doing If do believe that you make a mistake at 11:58 I am 99% sure Moltke the Younger, was not nephew of Schlieffen, but he was a nephew of Moltke the Elder :) A couple of questions: Why do you not mentions the letters he wrote to his mother? But maybe could explain some of the difficulties in his personallity Also you do not mention the Harden-Eulenburg affair and what effect that could have to Wilhelm? Why?

You should make a video on Rudolf Hess, Hitler's deputy who parachuted solo into the UK during WW2 to try and end the war

Hey guys, great video and thanks for the support

I would love to see Simon cover Queen Victoria.

Paul Von Hindenburg next

Very interesting. I might be related to him. The last name is slightly different but Wilhelm is a variant of Willhite. My dad has been doing tons of research on our family. Just like Kaiser wilhelm my dad found out that we are related to queen Victoria as well. Maybe its just a coincidence idk.

My favourite thing is that in 1917 as a birthday present to Ludendorff he gave him a statue of himself. That’s up there with Andrew johns giving his old man a signed poster of Andrew playing football for fathers day.

Hey ^^ vould you make a video on vidkun quisling?

Simon, would you do a biography on Marine Major General Smedley Darlington Butler? I feel like no one has ever really done his story justice. Especially not the Marine Corps, who for all its faults(I love the Marine Corps, don’t get me wrong), honors Marines of high decorations(Chesty Puller, Dan Daly, etc) with their stories and the histories of the battles they were in, but Maj Gen Butler who received two MoH’s has been limited, at least in the classes I’ve had, to only being known by that. It would make for an interest biographic to say the least.

Im holding back tears

Thats really cool someone was just talking about this thank you Simon do you thing you can do one on Chiang Kai-shek the "generalissimo"

Great video!

I remember reading in an Asimov on Wilhelm II describing his capabilities that "he no Bismarck, he was not even a 75 year old tired worn out Bismarck"

According to family lore, my 2nd great grandfather was a play mate of Wilhelm ll . His grandfather Wilhelm l wanted his grandson to learn what it was like to loose.

“Child of hell” no that was Hitler

Just a little note, it was the Jameson raid not the Jamestown raid. Other than that, great video!

I am from Greece and i consider Kaiser Wilhelm II my spirit animal. Even though a lot of inaccurate words were said in this vid,i still consider it entertaining enough to give it a like!

The furious Fuhrer, I understood that both Kaiser Wilhelm and Franz Ferdinand were on relatively good terms with the British, with Franz Ferdinand visiting Britain in 1913.

Nothing but Archer Clips popped in my head when I saw this. Had to watch