As the war turned decisively against Germany, a series of mutinies in the armed forces and civilian discontent led to the German Revolution.
The naval mutiny at Kiel at the end of October 1918 rapidly spread, with the Kaiser unsure of whether or not to abdicate.
Allied conditions for peace talks had included the removal of the Kaiser from power.
Having been advised that the army would no longer support a fight for the Kaiser’s throne, Wilhelm was advised to abdicate.
The Kaiser abdicated on 9th November 1918, having realised the isolated position he was in.
Wilhelm fled to the Netherlands to live in exile, leaving Germany to face the end of the war, and internal turmoil in the wake of the German Revolution.
Posted by: Daniel Barry, Centenary News