William II
William II (1859–1941) Emperor of Germany (1888–1918). He modelled himself on his grandfather, William I, but lacked his good sense. Clashing with Otto von Bismarck, he dismissed him in 1890, and assumed leadership of the government himself. William's aggressive foreign policy, including the construction of a navy to challenge the British, antagonized Britain, France, and Russia. Many historians regard his policies as largely responsible for the outbreak of World War 1 (1914). During the war, William was exclusively concerned with military matters. He abdicated after the armistice (November 1918).
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William II
