ABSTRACT
William II ruled Germany in a time of growing international tension. His reckless leadership wrecked havoc with Europe's diplomatic order and helped precipitate World War I. William revealed his incompetence almost immediately when he decided to cancel one of Bismarck's most important diplomatic achievements, the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia. By this treaty Germany had pledged never to join its ally Austria in a war of conquest against Russia. In 1914 William committed the most costly miscalculation of his reign. In response to Austria's appeal for support in launching a war against Serbia, which was certain to escalate into a war also with Russia, he issued what was later called a “blank check” to Vienna in support of war. The impact of William lis reign was felt in Germany and throughout Europe during the troubled period following his downfall. Within Germany there was initially a general repudiation of William's rule.
