Emperor William I of Germany, also known as William the Great, reigned from 1861 until his death in 1888. He was the first German Emperor after the unification of Germany in 1871. William I played a crucial role in the unification process, supporting the efforts of Otto von Bismarck, his chancellor, to consolidate various German states into a single nation. Born on March 22, 1797, William I was a member of the House of Hohenzollern. His leadership during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) helped solidify German unity and national pride. His reign marked a significant period in European history, characterized by industrial growth and military expansion.