Changes

===Later years===

===Later years===

Wilhelm appointed generals Ludendorff and Hindenburg to head the army in August 1916. Promising victory, their prestige soon became so great that they could boss the government around. Ludendorff persuaded the government to adopt "unrestricted" submarine warfare in January 1917. In April 1917, the United States responded with a declaration of war. In July 1917, Ludendorff forced Bethmann to resign. When Ludendorff's great offensive in France was turned back in 1918, the soldiers lost hope and the front collapsed. Wilhelm refused to abdicate, but fled to the Netherlands on November 9, 1918. He lived quietly as a country gentleman in Huis Doom until his death in 1941.

Wilhelm appointed generals Ludendorff and Hindenburg to head the army in August 1916. Promising victory, their prestige soon became so great that they could boss the government around. Ludendorff persuaded the government to adopt "unrestricted" submarine warfare in January 1917. In April 1917, the United States responded with a declaration of war. In July 1917, Ludendorff forced Bethmann to resign. Ludendorff launched a great offensive in France in March 1918. By August, the Allies had learned to counter Ludendorff's strategies and his offensive sputtered to a close. With American forces on the way, there would be no second chance. As the soldiers realized victory was no longer possible, the front collapsed. Wilhelm refused to abdicate, but fled to the Netherlands on November 9, 1918. He lived quietly as a country gentleman in Huis Doom until his death in 1941.

The Kaiser's non-political passions were Greek archaeology and chopping wood. He excavated the Temple of Artemis in Corfu. He chopped down thousands of trees during his stay in Doom.

The Kaiser's non-political passions were Greek archaeology and chopping wood. He excavated the Temple of Artemis in Corfu. He chopped down thousands of trees during his stay in Doom.