Wilhelm I, German Emperor was born on March 22, 1797, in Berlin, Prussia. He became King of Prussia in 1861 and played a crucial role in the unification of Germany. Under his leadership, the German Empire was proclaimed in 1871 after the successful Franco-Prussian War, which united various German states under Prussian dominance. As the first German Emperor, Wilhelm I focused on strengthening the military and expanding the empire's influence in Europe. He ruled until his death on March 9, 1888, and is remembered for his contributions to the establishment of a unified Germany and the modernization of its military forces.