biography
| name: |
William I (of Germany),
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| |
Ger Wilhelm
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| sex:
| male
|
| lived:
| (1797–1888)
|
| biography:
| King of Prussia (1861–88) and first German emperor (1871–88), born in Berlin, Germany, the second son of Frederick William III. His use of force during the 1848 revolution made him unpopular, and he was forced to leave Prussia temporarily for London. As king he consolidated the throne and strengthened the army, placing Bismarck at the head of the ministry. He was victorious against Denmark (1864), Austria (1866), and France (1871), and was then proclaimed emperor. The rapid rise of Socialism in Germany led to severe repressive measures, and he survived several attempts at assassination. |
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