Kaiser Wilhelm II (1859-1941), Germany's last emperor, was born in Potsdam in 1859, the son of Frederick III. and Victoria, daughter of Queen Victoria. Wilhelm became emperor of Germany in 1888 following the death of Frederick II. During his rule, Germany's relations with Britain, France and Russia became strained. His behaviour and the "blanc cheque" for Austria-Hungary are seen as important factors for the outbreak of World War 1 after the July Crisis.

Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck, also known as the Lion of Africa, was commander of the German colonial troops in German East Africa during World War 1. His guerilla tactics used againd several world powers of the time are considered to be one of the most successful military missions of the whole war. In Germany, he was celebrated as a hero until recently. But recent historical research show a picture much more controversial than the one of a glorious hero.