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1859–1941 Germany
Wilhelm II of Germany (27 January 1859 – 4 June 1941), born Friedrich Wilhelm Viktor Albert von Preußen, was the last German Emperor (Kaiser) and the last King (König) of Prussia, ruling from 1888 to 1918. He abdicated during the November Revolution, and fled to exile in the Netherlands.
Also known as: Wilhelm II, Wilhelm II of Germany
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I made up my mind after reading the lessons of history never to dream of a vast world-empire. For what has become of all those so-called world-empires?
I am, therefore, so to speak, in a minority in my own land; but it is a minority of the best elements.
I, too, like my imperial grandfather, represent the kingship by God's grace.
Germany must have a battle fleet so strong that, even for the adversary with the greatest sea-power, a war against it would involve such dangers as to imperil its position in the world.
No morning or evening passes without my offering up a prayer for my people.
The Tsar is not treacherous but he is weak. Weakness is not treachery, but it fulfils all its functions.
Because young men do not know how our conditions have developed, and further, that they are but the outcome of the era of the French Revolution.
Our predecessors have gone; we remain; and it is our duty to preserve what they bequeathed us.
My Catholic subjects can rely on my Imperial protection, wherever and whenever they may stand in need of it.
I lend my hand to any plan that can help to further the great cause of peace.
The battle is won, the English have been utterly defeated.
You will be home before the leaves fall from the trees.
It is the power of tradition which on the field of battle as well as in peace makes men's heart beat higher for king and country, and inspires them to brave deeds.
Every Catholic ought to know that I honour his religion and that he will never be prevented in his exercise of it if he respects the beliefs of those who profess other faiths.
Sculpture has still for the most part remained untouched by the so-called modern tendencies and movements. It still stands there, noble and sublime.
I have sworn to myself that I will neglect nothing to bring about the unity of our people, and to crush everything that tends to divide the nation.
The essence of nationality is demarcation from the outside world by a definite boundary to correspond with the personal characteristics of a nation and its racial idiosyncrasies.
If the world once wakes up it should mete out to them the punishment in store for them, which they deserve.
I only wish that European peace lay in my hands. I should certainly take care it should never be disturbed.
I am just now not reading but devouring Captain Mahan's book and am trying to learn it by heart. It is a first-class book and classical on all points.
Letter to an American friend (1893)
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