What is the greatest waste of human potential?

A

A Contrast of Ideologies

The first Emperor of a unified Germany, Wilhelm I, was a strict and conservative man who significantly shaped the German Empire's early years. His son, Frederick III, was quite the opposite—a liberal thinker with grand ambitions. 

Frederick envisioned a Germany free from the constraints of the old nobility and its ancient, warlike traditions. He dreamed of a new Germany that was open-minded and scientifically oriented. Frederick’s progressive views were greatly influenced by his wife, Victoria, the eldest daughter of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, who shared and supported his vision for modernization.

An Emperor's Lingering Shadow

But Wilhelm I had a long life. Born in 1797, he lived until 1888, nearly 91 years old. Frederick had to wait a long time for his chance to rule. He was eager and excited for the opportunity. Tragically, just three days before his father died, Frederick was diagnosed with throat cancer. His health quickly deteriorated. 

By the time his father was buried, Frederick was too weak to join the procession and could only watch from the palace window, weeping. This illness was a devastating blow to Frederick’s dreams, as he had spent years preparing to implement significant reforms he believed would benefit Germany.

b

An Heir's Sorrow

Part of Frederick’s sorrow came from knowing his son and heir, Wilhelm, was nothing like him. Wilhelm was warlike, imperialistic, aggressive, and conservative—the complete opposite of his peace-loving, progressive father. 

Wilhelm's upbringing had been shaped by a strict military education and a deep admiration for Prussian militarism. Frederick wanted desperately to make the most of his remaining time. 

However, his throat cancer soon took away his ability to speak, and a botched surgery only increased his pain when the wound became infected. Despite his suffering, Frederick continued to work on his plans, communicating through writing and gestures.

A Short Reign and Its What-Ifs

"I had so hoped to have been of use to my country. Why is Heaven so cruel to me? What have I done to be thus stricken and condemned?" Frederick III wrote in his diary. He died in June 1888, just 99 days into his reign, at the age of 56. Many speculate that if Wilhelm II hadn’t taken the throne, Frederick’s policies might have steered Germany away from Prussian militarism, possibly preventing World War I and, subsequently, World War II. 

Frederick's short reign has earned him the nickname "The Ninety-Nine Day Emperor," and historians continue to debate the impact his liberal policies could have had. His premature death leaves us wondering what Germany and the world might have looked like under his leadership.