|  | | William I of Germany | | | | also known as | Civilization: | European: Germany | King of Prussia, Wilhelm Friedrich Ludwig | Era: | Rise of Germany | | 1797–1888 | Field of Renown: | monarch: Kaiser |
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William I
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Emperor William I was the leader of Prussia during the successful
Schleswig-Holstein and Austro-Prussian Wars, and in the aftermath of both he gained extensive
territory and prestige. Not a highly political person, William preferred a
backstage seat during his rule, leaving decisions to his Prime minister
and parliament. He was, however, a strong fighter and a courteous gentleman, and
with the help of his ministers, he greatly increased the power of the German
states.
As the second son of Frederick William III, William was not expected to succeed
his father as monarch, and he therefore received only a minimal education. He
left home to fight in the Prussian army against the forces of Napoleon Bonaparte,
engaging both in battles on the front and in diplomatic missions. Later, in the
Revolutions of 1848, he quelled a revolt aimed at his older brother, King Frederick
William IV. Unfortunately, ten years later, the king suffered a stroke that left
him mentally handicapped. He passed away soon after, leaving the throne open to
William I. As king of Prussia, William appointed the brilliant statesman Otto von Bismarck
to the office of Prime Minister, a position
that answered only to the king. With Bismarck in charge of state, and the great
general Helmuth Karl von Moltke at the head of the Prussian forces, Prussia embarked on
a series of successful wars with Denmark, Austria, and finally France. In each case
Bismarck planned for war with the object of increasing Prussian territory,
but managed to trick his opponent into declaring war, so as to avoid the appearance
of aggression. After gaining the strategic territory of Alsace-Lorraine during
the Franco-Prussian War, William the First founded the Federation of German States
and was proclaimed "German Emperor."
Not everyone appreciated the rulings of the Emperor; two assassination attempts
were carried out in the same year, one by an anarchist and another by a radical
socialist. The latter’s actions in particular led to the creation of the
Anti-Socialist Law, laws that deprived the Social Democratic party of its legal
rights, forbade all workers’ or socialist organizations, and confiscated suspicious
literature. Despite these threats, however, the Socialist party only increased in
influence, and following the Emperor’s death and Bismarck’s resignation, pressures
from the working class led the government to repeal the new laws.
Key events during the life of William I
| Year |
Event |
| 1797 |
Born in Berlin |
| 1814 |
Joined the army and fought in the Napoleonic Wars |
| 1848 |
Saved brother Frederick William IV from a revolt |
| 1861 |
Brother died, William became king |
| 1871 |
Proclaimed German Emperor |
| 1878 |
Two assassination attempts lead to the creation of the Anti-Socialist Laws |
| 1888 |
Died |
| 1990 |
Anti-Socialist Laws were repealed |
| Contemporary |
Short Biography |
| Otto von Bismarck |
Mastermind of the Unification of the German State, and wars against Austria and France. |
| Helmuth Karl von Moltke |
Military mastermind of the Austro-Prussian, and Franco-Prussian Wars. |
| Napoleon III |
Descendent of Josephine, named emperor of France. Defeated in Franco-Prussian War. |
| Elizabeth of Barvaria |
Empress of Austria who was influential in 19th century society and known as a free spirit. |
| Eugene de Beauharnais |
Stepson of Napoleon, who accompanied him on all his early campaigns. Later Prince of Italy. |
| Louise of Prussia |
Queen of Prussia who inspired Germany to resist Napoleon. Greatly honored in Prussia. |
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King William I of Prussia proclaimed German 
Emperor William 
King William of Prussia proclaimed Emperor of Germany 
Sarcophagus of Emperor William I., Charlottenburg 
Long live his Imperial Majesty Emperor William I!' 
Emperor William First. 
The cornflower wreaths. 
The two Emperors. 
The Emperor's Death Bed