Wilhelm II of Germany

Wilhelm II of Germany (born Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Albert von Preußen 27 January, 1859–4 June 1941), was the last German Emperor (Kaiser) and the last King (König) of Prussia, ruling from 1888 to 1918.

Abdication

After the explosion of the German Revolution, Wilhelm could not make up his mind to abdicate. Up to that point, he was confident that even if he were obliged to vacate the German throne, he would still retain the Prussian kingship. The unreality of this claim showed up when, for the sake of political unity, Wilhelm's abdication both as Kaiser of the German Empire and King of Prussia was abruptly announced by Chancellor Prince Max von Baden on November 9, 1918.

Related Topics:
German Revolution - Max von Baden - November 9 - 1918

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The very next day, Wilhelm went into exile in the Netherlands, which had remained neutral throughout the war. Article 227 of the Treaty of Versailles expressly provided for the prosecution of Wilhelm as a war criminal, but Queen Wilhelmina refused to extradite him, despite appeals from the Allies. He was subsequently provided with a small castle in the municipality of Doorn; it was to be his house for the remainder of his life.

Related Topics:
Netherlands - Treaty of Versailles - Queen Wilhelmina - Doorn

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