Just how powerful was the German Emperor?

Question

When Wilhelm I was proclaimed "German Emperor" back in 1871, just how power came with that new position? Did Wilhelm have enough authority to seriously influence the policies and actions of the German Empire? Or did Bismarck hold the real power, leaving Wilhelm as a mere figurehead, akin to the Queen of England's present role?

Answer 1

They didn't name him emperor for nothing

Answer 2

Bismarck had great influence but he was not a monarch. He didn't want Germany to get involved in any wars and he advised the Kaiser that his aggressive ways would lead Germany to war and Bismarck didn't want that because he had spent years trying to figure out how to unify Germany and strengthen the monarchy.

Answer 3

No,"Keiser Bill"was the real thing&it was he who aggitated the start of WW1

Answer 4

No,Wilhelm 1 was the real power as was his son Kaiser Wilhelm 2nd.

Answer 5

Bismarck was the power behind the throne, who was responsible for amalgamating the various states into one country. Though Wilhelm I was not a figurehead, he was dependent on Bismark, who held all the powers of government as Chancellor.

That was plain to be seen when Wilhelm II dismissed Bismarck, and events spiralled out of control under his misjudgement.