The Last Kaiser: The Life of Wilhelm II

I have long been interested in German history and this book is an excellent biography of the last German emperor and his reign. I highly recommend to those who have an interest in the Germany monarchy.

The book is good because it examines one of the figures who was instrumental in shapping the 20th century. The author proves that he was very erratic with his forighn policy and his views on the world. The author also disproves the misconception that it was his imperial ambitions that led to the first World War and points out that it was the militarism of prussian aristocrats.

Giles MacDonogh gives a fine, often thoughtful, account of the life of the last German emperor, Kaiser Wilhelm II, whom the author refers repeatedly as William. MacDonogh offers a vivid, complex portrait of Wilhelm II, which clearly illustrates the contradictory aspects of the Kaiser's personality. Much to my surprise, MacDonogh amply demonstrates how progressive the Kaiser was with regards to labor relations and economics, having the vision of creating a "United States of Europe" nearly a century before its inception as the European Union. And he shows how determined Wilhelm was in maintaining peaceful relations between the German Empire and its neighbors. Indeed, Kaiser Wilhelm II comes across as the most level-headed person in his regime at the outbreak of World War II; yet he was paradoxically also the most naive, hoping that his family ties to the ruling houses of Great Britain and Russia would ensure peace. MacDonogh also notes Wilhelm's complex, often contradictory, atttitudes towards England (The British Empire), often cast as family quarrels between himself and his British Coburg cousins; for example seeking an alliance with Great Britain while simultaneously building a German navy which threatened British interests. Perhaps the most fascinating part of the book covers Wilhelm's years in exile at Doorn, The Netherlands, where the former Kaiser indulged in his lifelong passion for archaeology.

Good biography about man who treated his parents Fritz and Vicky very poorly but was with his grandmother Queen Victoria when she died.His belligerent and bellicose nature did nothing to quell emotions and tempers in the period prior to the outbreak of World War I.His physical deformities really messed him up as a child from which he never recovered and which plagued him with self doubt and anger. The book was very balanced in its treatment of him and attempts to remove the generally accepted position that he was largely responsible for the First World War.

Gile MacDonogh has produced an interesting new look at Kaiser Wilhelm II. The writing is not scintillating, and there are some ridiculous errors (The Tsar-Liberator was Alexander II, not Nicholas II). The editing leaves a lot to be desired, too, as there are some sentences which don't make sense unless you figure out that there are some words missing here and there.Be that as it may, the book is nevertheless well worth your time. MacDonogh takes a different attitude than most about the Kaiser's damaged arm, pointing out that he was able to cope successfully with the handicap throughout a long life and that it was not necessarily psychologically damaging. MacDonogh also takes another view of Wilhelm's parents, Kaiser Frederick III and Victoria, Princess Royal of Britain. Most of their previous biographers have made "Fritz" and "Vicky" out as heroes determined to make Germany a liberal, democratic nation. MacDonogh underscores Fritz's weaknesses and penchant for pomp and Vicky's cold and demanding nature.MacDonogh also illuminates Wilhelm's role as a surprisingly progressive ruler. The Kaiser was one of the first to speak of a United States of Europe and the need to let down customs barriers, eighty years before such ideas became fashionable. At the same time Wilhelm was advocating these reforms, unfortunately, he was also pushing Germany's imperialistic and militaristic policies until they became an open challenge to Great Britain and led to World War I.One of the most interesting parts of the book is the section dealing with Wilhelm's exile in Doorn, Holland. It seems the ex-Kaiser may have grown up a little once he was out of the spotlight, refusing to deal with the Nazis, for example, and reducing some of his braggadocio.So, despite the shortcomings of the writing and editorial processes, this is a worthwhile addition to your library.