Wilhelm I was the King of Prussia from 1861 and the first German Emperor from 1871 until his death in 1888. Born on March 22, 1797, in Berlin, he was the second son of King Frederick William III and Queen Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz.
Wilhelm initially pursued a military career, serving in the Prussian Army. He fought in the Napoleonic Wars, notably at the Battle of Ligny in 1815, where he was wounded. His military service earned him the respect of the Prussian military establishment and played a significant role in his later political career.
Upon the death of his brother, Frederick William IV, in 1861, Wilhelm ascended to the Prussian throne. His reign was marked by significant political changes and military reforms, largely influenced by his advisor, Otto von Bismarck, who would become the first Chancellor of the German Empire.
Under Wilhelm's rule, and with Bismarck's strategic political maneuvers, Prussia engaged in several wars that led to the unification of Germany:
As Emperor, Wilhelm I continued to exert significant influence over German politics. His rule saw the consolidation of the new German state, the expansion of the military, and the implementation of several social reforms, including the establishment of the first welfare state in Europe under Bismarck's guidance.
Wilhelm I's reign was characterized by a period of relative peace and economic growth for Germany, known as the Gründerzeit. However, his later years were marked by increasing political tension, particularly with the growing Socialist movement, which led to the passage of the Anti-Socialist Laws in 1878.
Wilhelm I died on March 9, 1888, in Berlin. His legacy includes the establishment of the German Empire, which would have a profound impact on European history until its dissolution after World War I.