Wilhelm I

Wilhelm I

King of Prussia

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Quick Facts

Unification of Germany
First German Emperor

Germany unified! Wilhelm I: First Emperor forged in Prussian steel.

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Life Journey

1797Born in Berlin, Prussia

Wilhelm I was born to Frederick William III of Prussia and Louise of Mecklenburg-Strelitz in Berlin, Prussia.

1806Received first military training

At the age of nine, Wilhelm began his military training, reflecting the Prussian emphasis on military discipline and service.

1813Fought in the War of the Sixth Coalition

Wilhelm participated in the War of the Sixth Coalition against Napoleon, gaining valuable military experience and earning a reputation for bravery.

1814Served in the Battle of Paris

Wilhelm was present at the Battle of Paris, one of the final battles of the Napoleonic Wars, where the Allies defeated Napoleon.

1815Participated in the Battle of Waterloo

Wilhelm fought in the decisive Battle of Waterloo, which marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars and solidified his military credentials.

1840Became Prince of Prussia

Upon the death of his father, Frederick William III, Wilhelm became the Prince of Prussia and heir to the throne.

1848Suppressed the Revolution of 1848

Wilhelm played a crucial role in suppressing the Revolution of 1848, which sought to establish a unified German state and a constitutional monarchy.

1858Became Regent of Prussia

Wilhelm became the regent of Prussia after his brother, Frederick William IV, was declared mentally unfit to rule.

1861Ascended to the throne as King of Prussia

Wilhelm ascended to the throne as King of Prussia after the death of his brother, Frederick William IV, beginning his reign with Otto von Bismarck as his chief minister.

1866Victory in the Austro-Prussian War

Prussia defeated Austria in the Austro-Prussian War, solidifying Prussia's dominance in Germany and advancing the process of unification.

1870Proclaimed German Emperor in Versailles

Following the Franco-Prussian War, Wilhelm was proclaimed the first German Emperor in the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles.

1871Founded the German Empire

Wilhelm I founded the German Empire, uniting the various German states under Prussian leadership, marking a significant milestone in German history.

1878Survived two assassination attempts

Wilhelm survived two assassination attempts, which increased his popularity and reinforced his image as a symbol of German unity and stability.

1881Celebrated 20th anniversary as German Emperor

Wilhelm celebrated his 20th anniversary as the King of Prussia and the 10th anniversary as the German Emperor, marking a period of significant achievements.

1888Died in Berlin

Wilhelm I died in Berlin, having served as the King of Prussia and the first German Emperor, leaving a legacy of German unification and modernization.

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