June 15th, 1888: Crown Prince Wilhelm becomes Kaiser Wilhelm II; he will be the last Emperor of the German Empire. Due to the death of his predecessors Wilhelm I and Frederick III, 1888 is the Year of the Three Emperors.

Kaiser Wilhelm I, the reigning emperor, died on March 9th. His son, Frederick III, ascended the throne but succumbed to illness just 99 days later. This rapid succession paved the way for Wilhelm II's rise to power.

Wilhelm II was just 29 years old when he became Kaiser. He was ambitious, nationalistic, and deeply influenced by the idea of German military power and global influence.

Wilhelm II's reign was marked by rapid industrialization, technological advancements, and a growing German navy. He aimed to establish Germany as a leading world power. He pursued an aggressive colonial policy, acquiring territories in Africa and the Pacific. This fueled international tensions.

Wilhelm II's assertive foreign policy, his naval build-up, and Germany's alliance system with Austria-Hungary contributed to the growing tensions that ultimately led to World War I.

Wilhelm II's reign marked the end of the German Empire. Following World War I, Germany became a republic.