Who was the last German Emperor?

Wilhelm II was the last German Emperor, reigning from 1888 until the abdication of the monarchy in 1918, which marked the end of the German Empire following Germany's defeat in World War I. His reign was characterized by significant military expansion, colonial ambitions, and a more aggressive foreign policy, which ultimately contributed to the tensions leading up to the war.

When the war concluded and Germany faced defeat, various political pressures led to calls for the abdication of the Kaiser. On November 9, 1918, Wilhelm II abdicated, ending a monarchy that had lasted for over four decades. Following his abdication, the Weimar Republic was established, which transitioned Germany from an imperial system to a parliamentary democracy. This historical context supports why Wilhelm II is recognized as the final German Emperor, as his reign was the culmination of the imperial history of Germany before it transformed into a different form of government.