Historedia
Person

Wilhelm I

Events
5
Episodes
11
Years
1861–1888

Every event in Historedia whose sources name Wilhelm I, with the role they cite and all of that event’s episodes. This is not a biography, and mentions are grouped by name, so two people with the same name can share this page.

Events and episodes

  1. Death of Friedrich Wilhelm IV and Accession of Wilhelm I

    1861

    Role: Regent and King of Prussia

    1. 2 January 1861 · Sanssouci PalaceDeath and Accession

      Friedrich Wilhelm IV died on 2 January 1861 at Sanssouci, leading to Wilhelm I's accession as King of Prussia.

  2. Bismarck becomes Minister President of Prussia and delivers the Blood and Iron speech

    1862

    Role: King of Prussia

    1. 23 September 1862 · Berlin, GermanyAppointment as Minister President

      King Wilhelm I appointed Bismarck as Minister President and Foreign Minister following the House of Representatives' rejection of the military budget.

    2. 30 September 1862 · Berlin, GermanyBlood and Iron Speech

      Bismarck delivered the 'Blood and Iron' speech to the Budget Committee, asserting that Prussia's goals would be achieved through military strength.

  3. Proclamation of the German Empire at Versailles, 18 January 1871

    1871

    Role: German Emperor

    1. 1 January 1871 · German EmpireConstitutional Effectiveness

      The new constitution came into effect on 1 January 1871, establishing the German Empire and extending federal lands.

    2. 18 January 1871 · Hall of MirrorsProclamation at Versailles

      Wilhelm I was formally proclaimed German Emperor in the Hall of Mirrors on 18 January 1871, following Bismarck's political maneuvering.

  4. League of the Three Emperors created

    1873

    Role: German Emperor

    1. 6 June 1873 · SchönbrunnSchönbrunn Convention

      Russia and Austria-Hungary signed the Schönbrunn Convention on 6 June 1873, preceding the formal League agreement.

    2. 22 October 1873 · unspecifiedOctober Agreement

      Bismarck negotiated an agreement between the monarchs of Austria-Hungary, Russia, and Germany on 22 October 1873.

  5. The Year of the Three Emperors: Wilhelm I dies, Friedrich III and Wilhelm II succeed

    1888

    Role: German Emperor

    1. 9 March 1888 · Berlin, GermanyDeath of Wilhelm I

      Wilhelm I died in Berlin on 9 March 1888 at age 90 after a short illness, ending his long reign.

    2. 9 March 1888 · Berlin, GermanyAccession of Friedrich III

      Friedrich III became German Emperor and King of Prussia on 9 March 1888, following the death of his father.

    3. 15 June 1888 · PotsdamDeath of Friedrich III

      Friedrich III died on 15 June 1888 after a 99-day reign, having suffered from cancer and severe illness.

    4. 15 June 1888 · PotsdamAccession of Wilhelm II

      Wilhelm II succeeded his father Friedrich III in June 1888, becoming the third emperor of the year.

Sources

  1. Wilhelm I Wikipedia, revision of 2026-10-06
  2. Otto von Bismarck Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-21
  3. League of the Three Emperors Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-27
  4. Year of the Three Emperors Wikipedia, revision of 2026-10-07