Emperor Wilhelm II was the last German Emperor and King of Prussia, ruling from 1888 until his abdication in 1918. He was born on January 27, 1859, and was known for his militaristic and nationalistic policies. His reign saw the rise of Imperial Germany and significant industrial growth, but also increasing tensions in Europe that contributed to the outbreak of World War I. Wilhelm II was a controversial figure, often criticized for his erratic leadership style and aggressive foreign policy. After Germany's defeat in World War I, he fled to the Netherlands, where he lived in exile until his death on June 4, 1941. His legacy remains a topic of debate among historians.