Jamie Loftus joins Robert to discuss Kaiser Wilhelm, the cringy Mama's boy who ruled an empire. They delve into his physical ailments, brutal medical treatments, early military involvement, troubled childhood, and controversial defense of a cat murder. The podcast also touches on finsters and thirst posts on social media.
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Quick takeaways
Kaiser Wilhelm had physical deformities and health issues, and his challenging childhood had lasting effects on his personality and leadership abilities.
Kaiser Wilhelm's disturbing obsession with his mother strained their relationship and potentially influenced the later split between Germany and Britain.
Deep dives
Prince Wilhelm's Difficult Birth
Prince Wilhelm, who would later become the Kaiser, was born with a deformed arm and other physical limitations. His arm was damaged during birth, leaving it significantly shorter and weaker than his other arm. He also had issues with his neck, causing his head to tilt to the left. In addition, he suffered from ear infections, balance problems, and potential mental illness. His birth was met with mixed reactions from his family, with his mother being loving and supportive, while his grandfather questioned congratulating him on his birth. Throughout his childhood, Wilhelm's arm was subjected to various painful treatments, including being stretched and submerged in animal baths. Despite his physical challenges, Wilhelm's childhood was described as fairly pleasant, with doting parents and visits to his British relatives. However, his early education was strict and focused on military discipline, including long days of study and exercise. While he excelled at horse riding, Wilhelm struggled with demanding teachers and the lack of praise or encouragement.
Prince Wilhelm's troubled relationship with his mother
Prince Wilhelm had a peculiar obsession with his mother, particularly with her hands. He wrote numerous letters to her expressing his incestuous desires and his dreams of being intimate with her. Although his mother felt uncomfortable, she initially tried to handle the situation delicately. However, as the disturbing letters continued, their relationship became strained, contributing to the eventual split between them. This separation between mother and son had lasting effects, with some viewing it as a seed for the later split between Germany and Britain.
Prince Wilhelm's turbulent personal life and diplomatic failures
Prince Wilhelm's personal life was marked by romantic escapades and scandalous encounters. He had multiple mistresses and engaged in threesomes, often behaving arrogantly and disrespectfully towards the women he pursued. His diplomatic career was equally disappointing, with botched meetings and insults towards world leaders. His arrogance and inability to take advice or criticism hindered his effectiveness as a diplomat. These behavior patterns continued even after he ascended to the throne, raising concerns about his suitability as a leader.
Robert sits down with Jamie Loftus to talk about Kaiser Wilhelm, the devastatingly cringy Mama's boy who came to rule an empire despite lacking even a single relevant skill.