Wilhelm II, born Frederick William Victor Albert on 27 January 1859, served as the last German Emperor and King of Prussia from 1888 until his abdication in 1918. His reign marked the conclusion of the German Empire and the Hohenzollern dynasty's rule over Prussia, which lasted for 300 years. Wilhelm was born in Berlin to Prince Frederick William and Victoria, Princess Royal, the eldest child of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom. He became heir to the Prussian throne after the death of his granduncle, Frederick William IV, in 1861. Following the brief reign of his father, Frederick III, who died after only 99 days, Wilhelm ascended to the throne at the age of 29.In March 1890, Wilhelm dismissed Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, taking direct control of Germany's policies and initiating a 'New Course' aimed at establishing Germany as a global power. Under his leadership, Germany expanded its colonial empire, acquiring territories in China and the Pacific. However, Wilhelm's foreign policy was often characterized by impulsive and aggressive rhetoric, which alienated other nations and contributed to tensions in Europe. His naval expansion and confrontations over Morocco further strained relations with France and Britain, leaving Germany reliant on weaker allies like Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire.Wilhelm's erratic leadership style and lack of involvement in military strategy during World War I led to a de facto military dictatorship, with the German Supreme Army Command making key decisions. Despite initial successes against Russia, Germany faced significant defeats on the Western Front, culminating in the loss of the war. In the wake of the German Revolution of 1918, Wilhelm lost the support of the military and the populace, leading to his abdication. He fled to the Netherlands, where he lived in exile until his death on 4 June 1941.Wilhelm's early life was marked by a traumatic birth that resulted in a disability affecting his left arm, which influenced his personality and behavior. He received a military education and was heavily influenced by the Prussian aristocracy, fostering a strong identification with militarism. His relationships with his parents were strained, particularly with his mother, who was concerned about his disability. Wilhelm's marriage to Augusta Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein produced seven children, and he later remarried Hermine Reuss of Greiz after Augusta's death.Throughout his reign, Wilhelm's foreign policy decisions were often impulsive and poorly received. His support for the construction of a powerful navy and his involvement in various diplomatic crises, such as the Moroccan Crisis and the Daily Telegraph Affair, further isolated Germany. His attempts to assert Germany's position in international affairs were frequently undermined by his lack of strategic foresight and the growing tensions in Europe.Wilhelm's abdication marked the end of the German monarchy, and he spent his remaining years in the Netherlands, where he continued to express his views on politics and society. His legacy remains controversial, with historians debating his role in the events leading to World War I and the subsequent fall of the German Empire.