The Emperor's Memoirs

The Memoirs of Emperor Wilhelm II

The Memoirs of Wilhelm II, last emperor of Germany and king of Prussia, provide an exceptional historical testimony on one of the most turbulent periods in European history. Written after his abdication in 1918 and his exile in the Netherlands, these memoirs offer a unique insight into the inner workings of the German imperial power, the diplomatic tensions that led to the First World War, and the upheavals that marked the end of the European empires.

In this work, Wilhelm II reflects on his thirty-year reign (1888-1918), his complex relations with other European sovereigns, his vision of German world policy, and the events that plunged Europe into the global conflict. Beyond the political account, the emperor also shares personal reflections on his role, his decisions, and the collapse of the imperial order he embodied.

A historical document of primary importance, these memoirs help to understand the German perspective on the great crises of the early twentieth century and constitute an essential source for all enthusiasts of European history, international relations, and the Great War.

Further readings:
To deepen your understanding of this period, also discover our biography of Prince Bismarck (in French) or the complete series in English: Prince Bismarck Volume 1, Part 1, Prince Bismarck Volume 1, Part 2 and Prince Bismarck Volume 2. The Iron Chancellor played a decisive role in the creation of the German Empire that Wilhelm II inherited.

Also to read: Wilhelmine Germany: First World Power