Wilhelm II born 1859 with deformed left arm overcame via brutal training into expert rider. Harsh Calvinist tutor shaped his reactionary views admiring medieval emperors. Dismissed Bismarck in 1888 over policy clashes. Built massive navy straining British relations. Issued Kruger telegram sparking 1896 diplomatic scandal. Delivered Hunnenrede urging German troops to mercilessly crush Chinese Boxers. Oversaw Herero-Nama genocide in Namibia labeled first 20th-century genocide. Sabotaged Hague disarmament conferences in 1899 and 1907. Daily Telegraph interview 1908 exposed imperial ambitions fueling domestic backlash. Pledged full German support to Austria against Serbia post-1914 assassination. Spent war in headquarters losing power to Hindenburg and Ludendorff. Abdicated November 1918 amid revolution fleeing to Dutch exile. Lived in Doorn chopping wood despite disability. Married twice fathered seven children. Collected endless military orders from global monarchs. Hoped Nazis restore Hohenzollern monarchy until death 1941.