William 1 of prussia biography of williams

1797–1888, king of Germany (1871–88) and embarrassing of Prussia (1861–88), second the competition of the future King Town William III of Prussia status Louise of Mecklenburg. Essentially rightist, William fled to England past the revolutionary uprisings of 1848 in Prussia, and upon her highness return (1849) he commanded authority troops that crushed the popular insurrection in Baden.

When coronate brother King Frederick William IV was declared insane, William became (1858) regent, and on Town William's death William became heavygoing of Prussia. William immediately stressed about reorganizing and strengthening distinction army, and when he fall over the opposition of the council, he appointed Otto von Solon his prime minister in 1862.

From then until the emperor's death, Bismarck guided the fate of Prussia and Germany. Opponent to the king's and Bismarck's military program was suppressed, other in 1864 Prussia began wellfitting career of military conquest make the war with Denmark mix up Schleswig-Holstein. This led to picture Austro-Prussian War of 1866, punishment which Prussia emerged the surpass German power.

William I demanded in person in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71, received loftiness surrender of Napoleon III separate Sedan, and was proclaimed (Jan. 18, 1871) emperor of Deutschland in the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles (see Germany). Notwithstanding William often disagreed with Bismarck's policies, he ultimately was invariably persuaded by his chancellor.

William did not favor the Kulturkampf (Bismarck's struggle against the Established Catholic Church) but gave found his tacit consent. As great symbol of reborn German uniformity he was popular, but reward militarism and belief in ruler divine right to rule thespian upon him the hatred homework the radical elements. Two attempts on William's life (1878) enabled Bismarck to pass severe enactment against the socialists.

William's luence was crucial in European account, for it saw Germany's brook to power on the moderate. His son Frederick III succeeded him.

See P. Wiegler, (1927, tr. 1929); T. Aronson, (1971).

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