Hans von Plessen
Videos
Hans Georg Hermann von Plessen was a Prussian Colonel General with the rank of Generalfeldmarschall and Canon of Brandenburg. He held the office of His Majesty's Orderly Adjutant General to Kaiser Wil
Generaloberst von Plessen in 1914
General von Plessen (center) observes Wilhelm II speaking with General Otto von Emmich, victor of the Battle of Liège, 1914
Wilhelm II
Videos
Wilhelm II was the last German Emperor from 1888 until his abdication in 1918. His fall from power marked the end of the German Empire as well as the Hohenzollern dynasty's 400-year rule over Prussia.
Wilhelm in 1902
Wilhelm in 1867, aged 8
Wedding of Prince Henry of Prussia with Princess Irene of Hesse on 24 May 1888. The future emperor Wilhelm II is on the right. The emperor Frederick III is seated on the left and would have died just three weeks after.
Otto von Bismarck, the Chancellor who effectively dictated German policy until Wilhelm II assumed the throne in 1888