The Hohenzollern Family
The dynasty that unified Germany and ruled the German Empire from 1871 to 1918. Kaiser Wilhelm II's aggressive foreign policy and military ambitions helped trigger World War I, ending both his reign and the German monarchy.
German Emperor and King of Prussia · b. 1859–1941
The last German Emperor and King of Prussia, whose bellicose foreign policy and naval arms race with Britain contributed to the outbreak of World War I. He abdicated in November 1918 and spent the rest of his life in exile in the Netherlands.
Notable Works
- Last German Emperor (1888-1918)
- His foreign policy contributed to World War I
- Built the German Imperial Navy to rival Britain
- Abdicated and lived in exile in the Netherlands until his death
Crown Prince of the German Empire · b. 1882–1951
Eldest son of Kaiser Wilhelm II, he commanded the German 5th Army at the Battle of Verdun during World War I. He briefly flirted with the Na…
Notable Works
- Commanded German forces at the Battle of Verdun
- Briefly supported Hitler's rise before distancing himself
- Renounced his succession rights in 1918
Head of the House of Hohenzollern · b. 1907–1994
Grandson of Kaiser Wilhelm II who became head of the House of Hohenzollern in 1951. He worked at Ford Motor Company in Detroit in the 1930s,…
Notable Works
- Head of the House of Hohenzollern (1951-1994)
- Connected to the anti-Hitler resistance
- Worked at Ford Motor Company in Detroit