William (of Germany) II

German emperor and King of Prussia (1888–1918), born in Potsdam, EC Germany, the eldest son of Frederick III (1831–88) and Victoria (the daughter of Britain's Queen Victoria), and grandson of Emperor William I. He dismissed Bismarck (1890), and began a long period of personal rule, displaying a bellicose attitude in international affairs. He pledged full support to Austria–Hungary after the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand at Sarajevo (1914), but then made apparent efforts to prevent the escalation of the resulting international crisis. During the war he became a mere figurehead, and when the German armies collapsed, and US President Wilson refused to negotiate while he remained in power, he abdicated and fled the country. He settled at Doorn, in The Netherlands, living as a country gentleman. He lived to see the resurgence of German military might in the Nazi period, dying in June 1941. Hitler admired him greatly (as much for his anti-semitism as for his militarism), and had him buried with full military honours.

William II can refer to several European monarchs :

William II, German Emperor, King of Prussia (1859-1941) King William II of England (1056-1100) King William II of the Netherlands (1792-1849) King William II of Württemberg King William II of Sicily King William II of Scotland (1650-1702) , also known as King William III of England and Stadtholder William III of the Netherlands, Prince of Orange Count William II of Holland (1228-1256) , elected King of Germany in 1247 Stadtholder William II of the Netherlands, Prince of Orange (1626-1650)

In Africa, the title refers to:

William II of Bimbia (r. 1887–1882)

Other noblemen who were known as William II were:

William II of Aquitaine William II Villehardouin William II Longespee

This disambiguation page lists articles associated with the same title.