King William I of Prussia, born on March 22, 1797, was the first German Emperor, reigning from 1871 until his death in 1888. He played a crucial role in the unification of Germany, which was achieved through a series of wars and diplomatic efforts led by his Chancellor, Otto von Bismarck. William I's leadership helped transform Prussia into a powerful empire. During his reign, William I focused on strengthening the military and expanding the empire's influence in Europe. His support for the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) was pivotal in rallying the German states against France, ultimately leading to the establishment of the German Empire in 1871.