Historical Figures
Wilhelm I of Prussia
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Wilhelm I, a member of the House of Hohenzollern, was King of Prussia from 1861 and German Emperor from 1871 until his death in 1888, becoming the first head of state of a united Germany. Not originally expected to inherit the throne as the second son of Prince Frederick William, he built a military career and became heir presumptive in 1840 when his elder brother Frederick William IV became king, later serving as regent from 1858 before acceding to the Prussian throne himself in 1861. As king he appointed Otto von Bismarck as minister president, and under Bismarck's direction Prussia defeated Denmark and Austria before uniting the German states following victory over France in 1871, when Wilhelm was proclaimed German Emperor, though he left most day-to-day governance to Bismarck for the rest of his reign.
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1. Wikipedia: Wilhelm I of Prussia
WikipediaLead sectionQuote, Lead section
King of Prussia from 1861 and German Emperor from 1871 until his death in 1888
1. Wikipedia: Wilhelm I of Prussia
1. Wikipedia: Wilhelm I of Prussia
1. Wikipedia: Wilhelm I of Prussia
WikipediaRuled: Kingdom of Prussia, Lead section (edge: ruled Kingdom of Prussia)Quote, Ruled: Kingdom of Prussia, Lead section (edge: ruled Kingdom of Prussia)
King of Prussia from 1861 and German Emperor from 1871 until his death in 1888
1. Wikipedia: Wilhelm I of Prussia
WikipediaRuled: German Empire, Lead section (edge: ruled German Empire)Quote, Ruled: German Empire, Lead section (edge: ruled German Empire)
King of Prussia from 1861 and German Emperor from 1871 until his death in 1888
1. Wikipedia: Wilhelm I of Prussia
WikipediaAssociated With: Otto von Bismarck, Lead section (edge: associated-with Bismarck)Quote, Associated With: Otto von Bismarck, Lead section (edge: associated-with Bismarck)
In response, he appointed Otto von Bismarck to the post of Minister President in order to force through his proposals, beginning a partnership that would last for the rest of his life.
Wikipedia: Franco-Prussian War
WikipediaParticipant In: Franco-Prussian War, Lead section (edge: participant Wilhelm I)Quote, Participant In: Franco-Prussian War, Lead section (edge: participant Wilhelm I)
the German states proclaimed their union as the German Empire under the Prussian king Wilhelm I and Chancellor Bismarck
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