The Kaiser's Nazi Funeral

Following his abdication in 1918, Kaiser Wilhelm II moved to the Netherlands. He died there, at his estate Huis Doorn, in June 1941 whilst the Netherlands was under German occupation. He gave express instructions that his funeral was not to include Nazi symbolism, as he had been a vocal critic of Hitler and particularly his anti-semitic policies. But, the Nazis ignored the Kaiser's wishes and he was given a funeral containing a lot of NSDAP symbolism. It was a final insult from Hitler, who despised the Kaiser and all he stood for.
Special thanks to the staff at Huis Doorn for inviting me on a private tour of the building and grounds. My thanks to the following persons: Curator Cornelis van der Bas, Junior Curator Leon van der Kuil, and Marketeer Jaël Buteijn. Many thanks for such a memorable and fascinating visit!
For information on visiting Huis Doorn, please go to: www.huisdoorn.nl/en/homepage/
Dr. Mark Felton FRHistS, FRSA, is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Fe...
Visit my audio book channel 'War Stories with Mark Felton': • One Thousand Miles to ...
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress; Bundesarchiv; Jaël Buteijn; A. Savin.
Thumbnail: Kaiser colorisation by Alexander1868.

[@c.w.simpsonproductions1230]

When you think about it, it was a kindness that Wilhelm died when he did. Had he lived to the end of the war to see the Soviet Union sweep into Germany, Berlin blasted into rubble, the senseless slaughter of his people, Germany divided into two puppet states and the dissolution of Prussia, it would have been unbearable for him.

[@jvbutalid8316]

I guess in Hell he'd quip to the Naughty Guy something like "no king rules forever"

[@TheChiefEng]

Such a pity the Kaiser did not live to see the total destruction of Germany. He was no better that Hitler. He always believed in Germany's right to oppress its neighbors.

[@jamespfitz]

So... It's a good thing he died when he did, because the future would have killed him. Hmmmmm. Mightn't we say that about... Anybody?

[@noahyork4655]

​@@jvbutalid8316 inappropriate

[@ShamileII]

What you just stated was unbearable for a lot of Germans....not just the Kaiser lol

[@nigeh5326]

The relationship between the Kaiser and Bismarck is fascinating. Bismarck warned the Kaiser that as long as he had the current officer core he would be ok. But once a new generation came through the Kaiser would be in trouble. Bismarck also warned shortly before his death that a war was coming and would be started by ‘some damn fool in the Balkans.’

[@iattacku2773]

Considering how many wars the Balkans had at that time. I think most people with some political knowledge could have predicted that.

[@donofon1014]

officer corps please. If only Gavrilo Princip could rise to the standard of being a damned fool. He was pathetic lost soul. The damned fools named a bridge in his honour in Sarajevo. Bismarck also encouraged young Willie to ignore or oppose his parents designs to liberalize and democratize the new German state. The Kaiser was a shallow pompous ass and his likes today live at Mar a Lago.

[@alexandarvoncarsteinzarovi3723]

To be fair the Iron Chancellor was starting to rust and his temper did get the better of him, it's not that Kaiser dismissed him on malice but rather that he had become senile, The Kaiser was not really a bad man or what they say about him, he was just dealt a bad hand, puns aside,

[@greekre]

i need a cape

[@donaldtrumplover2254]

Yet the Kaiser himself started the war, he had all the chances to solve the issue diplomatically but instead immediately backed Austria in its war. Bismarck was almost certainly turning is his grave.

[@whoami7721]

I found the fact that the Kaiser was never buried fascinating. It's not uncommon for coffins to be unburied in mausoleums, but they're usually sealed in a crypt wall. It's strange that his coffin is simply draped with his Imperial standard, waiting to be moved to Berlin upon the restoration of the German monarchy.

[@jonthinks6238]

I think adults should prevail and get him buried. Before the coffin bottom rots out and scares tourists.

[@NicotineRosberg]

@@jonthinks6238properly treated wood don't rot bro. It can last for centuries

[@orionfleming6783]

@@NicotineRosbergprobably lead lined

[@tomtom3889]

@@jonthinks6238No, his wishes wore to be buried after the monarchy restored. That is almost impossible.

[@Tuberuser187]

@@jonthinks6238 Depends on how you see final wishes, whether someone respects what the deceased wanted, what they want or are they forced by circumstances in a way that prevents final wishes being carried out.

[@LuisAFvWetzler]

He didn’t have a Nazi funeral; he refused any connection with Hitler’s regime, the German army paid homage to the last Emperor and King

[@richardsimms251]

Great video. Thank you

[@MarkHarrison733]

Wilhelm II was a lifelong anti-Semite, and he strongly welcomed the Nazi seizure of power.

[@hoodatdondar2664]

The Nazis gave it that form.

[@philipevers5666]

Nice to see our museum in your video. I'm a guide at Huis Doorn and recognize the details, your visit must have been quite recent. One small correction of a minor detail: the last baroness of Huis Doorn was not Audrey Hepburn's mother but her great-grandmother. Also, Wilhelm didn't cross the Dutch border by train but arrived by car and had to walk to the nearest train station, on a cold Sunday morning, November 10th, 1918, one day before the armistice of World War I. His imperial train arrived later at the small station where he waited until his asylum request was granted.The station master managed to keep the local people at a distance and Wilhelm rewarded him with a cigar. This cigar can still be seen at the museum, it's a house full of artifacts and interesting stories.

[@kasimirdenhertog3516]

Wouldn’t it have been possible, as a guide, to grant Dr. Felton access to the mausoleum? Or can this only be granted by the Hohenzollerns?

[@philipevers5666]

@@kasimirdenhertog3516 Access to the mausoleum is only by written permission from the head of the Hohenzollern family.

[@kasimirdenhertog3516]

@@philipevers5666 thanks, expected as much. Still nice you can at least have a peek inside through the window.

[@Lucyverre]

I still like to see the TV recordings of Boudewijn Büch's visit to Huize Doorn

[@crossleydd42]

I, an Englishman, visited Huis Doorn about ten years ago and they found a curator who gave gave me his sole attention. Most of the visitors were German-speaking. So engrossed were the two of us about the whole subject surrounding the Kaiser, several groups behind us overtook us. It was a memorable visit that still stands out in my mind. I was impressed.

[@livingweaponnightmare]

It's amazing that he is not buried and the body has been there for 82 years. It's like a moment frozen in time.

[@Carpediem357]

Haven't gotten too far in the video. But Kaiser said his body shall not be moved to Germany until the monarchy was restored.

[@deskejtx6211]

its been 82 years from his dead and also he was 82 years when he died

[@sebe2255]

@@Carpediem357He is going to be there forever. Or does a Sultan count?

[@Carpediem357]

@@sebe2255 I don’t think so.

[@chrismc410]

@@sebe2255 he wouldn't have counted its restoration as a Constitutional Monarchy while he was still alive. For him, it was either a True Monarchy ie: autocracy "the Kaiser's word was law" or nothing

[@mattblom3990]

As a fan of naval history, I was always fascinated by the Kaiser's love of battleships and battle-cruisers and would write to naval magazines under a pseudonym. He also attempted, and was sometimes successful, in directly affecting German naval policy. Also my great great uncle was his gardener during WW1.

[@Paciat]

He was the man who printed money like crazy in WWI but never took blame for destroying German economy. Instead Germans created the unplayable reparations myth. WWII wouldnt be a thing if he took responsibility for his actions.

[@wh_kers]

I think hes intimidated by his British cousin, unlike the Russian one

[@OnlyGrafting]

​@@wh_kersthe Russian one back then wasn't industrialised anywhere near enough. The British one was the first to industrialise and had no land border. There was no way for Germany to beat the UK without incompetence from the Royal Navy unless he dumped a lot more national expenses into developing ship building. Even then, the British global economy had monopolies on a lot of industries, including the massive ship building happening in Great Britain itself with practically no outsourcing.

[@foakjljrwajkltawtrawtwa441]

"My great great uncle was his gardener" How did you just say that so casually

[@rafaelsanz3441]

Did he told some anecdotes , what was his opinion about him ?

[@lolkevandewitte1713]

As a Dutch citizen I thank you for this historical lesson, very informative! Recent research by Beatrice de Graaf has learned that queen Wilhelmina (a distant cousin to Wilhelm 2) had a much more active role in rescuing the Kaiser than what was officially said. It seems she repaid him for not invading Holland in 1914 at her request.

[@mpetersen6]

Weren't just about all the Royal Houses of Europe related in form or another given the number of daughters that Victoria married off.

[@djdewaal289]

@@mpetersen6 Sort of, but Wilhelmina is (was) related to Wilhelm II via the old Dutch Stadhouder Willem V's wife, who was Prussian.

[@waltergro9102]

There was never any intention to violate Dutch territory. The chief of the General Staff, Schlieffen, ruled that out in the beginning in the 1890s when he started to rework the military conception for the case of war against France and Russia resulting in the Schlieffen plan. The Netherlands were militarily weak but attacking a close friend was regarded unacceptable. He rightly regarded it necessary to violate Belgian neutrality for defeating by maneuver the French Army that wasn't inferior in strength. But he assumed the French would always invade Belgium first. Later he realized that it was more probable that the French would avoid that for preserving the chance that Britain would enter the war on their side (actually the French military leaders wanted to invade first but French statesmen prevented them in 1914). Schlieffen never found a solution for the problem. When researching British documents became possible it came out that the decision to enter war by Britain wasn't a consequence of the violation of Belgian neutrality. Christopher Clark, in "The Sleepwalkers", exhaustingly analysed the road to WW1.

[@lolkevandewitte1713]

@@waltergro9102 thank you, you are clearly very well informed on this subject. Maybe the work of Beatrice de Graaf is interesting for you? She’s a Dutch Historian, and a professor at the University of Utrecht.

[@waltergro9102]

@@lolkevandewitte1713 Thank You very much.

[@flamewarrior8172]

I visited about 5 years ago. An incredible museum with relatively little documentation on the artifacts there. Thanks Dr. Felton for presenting the narrative and timeline so well!

[@borninthewoods4482]

I’m not surprised tbh. I visited the Duke of Northumbria’s palace a few years ago (he died at the battle of Dunkirk) his palace is almost the same as the Kaisers house. No documentation no info even some of the rooms there was no photos allowed to be taken. I think it’s so no one has the idea of robbing the place, and selling the items on. if it doesn’t tell you what’s there people can’t really put a price on it hence they think it’s junk. If you have a trained eye, you know what’s what. I did manage to sneak into an out of bounds room as I slipped between the metal bars on a locked gate. Tons of treasures were in that room, and I realised why it was ‘out of bounds’

[@jason-hy8ci]

​@borninthewoods4482 Ahhh, NICE stealth work!.... Laughing at danger, and ignoring possible incarceration by overzealous, Overfed 🍩 Security Guards. Keep this up and you'll have "WANTED" posters up in every Post and Coffee shop from St. Petersburg Russia, to St. "Pete" Fla. Thanks for the Info! GOOD LUCK Over and Out.

[@marial8235]

@@borninthewoods4482A lot of these “museums” are not run by historians or museum studies majors. They tend to suffer from lack of context, documentation and chronology. Kind of sad because they do not present a coherent historical story or interpretation.

[@jesseray9944]

i agree im very happy i found felton videos on ww2 he makes the best videos

[@FaustoTheBoozehound]

Because it's all looted. Hard to describe the provenance when every item was taken from someone else's home or collection. All the royals are thieves.

[@Intreductor]

An interesting figure to make a video on would be Field Marshal August von Mackensen, the last hussar who lived to be 95 and see Prussia, German Empire, Weimar Republic, 3rd Reich and Occupied Germany, passing away at the end of 1945.

[@coling3957]

"occupied" ? liberated Germany... at least half was :P

[@paulhan1615]

Yes please. I would love to know what happened to Mackensen.

[@shaider1982]

Yup, he served when the fastest military unit was the horse cavalry with muzzle loading guns. He died in November 1945, a few months after the nuclear bombings of Japan.

[@paulhan1615]

@@shaider1982 How did Russians treat him after the war's end. The very general who gave them a real bloody nose now in their hands.

[@shaider1982]

​@@paulhan1615fortunately he was captured by the British. So he was safe from the Soviets.

[@Valicroix]

It must have been strange to wake up every day for over 20 years and realize that you were no longer the Kaiser. As for Seyss-Inquart, he was tried at Nuremberg, found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity and executed.

[@SF-ru3lp]

Thank you for that tail-end. G Ire

[@yorktown99]

The Kaiser's decision to seek asylum in the then-neutral Netherlands was because the British (and some in France, Belgium, and the United States) wanted to put him on trial as a war criminal. I am unaware of how fully such a legal brief had been prepared. But whatever the case, the Dutch sternly refused them.

[@yannick245]

Today they have the international court of justice in The Hague. But this institution is a joke anyway... And I see no reason at all why the Entante wanted to prosecute Wilhelm II. On which basis? What had he done?

[@NoAimLoser2]

@@yannick245Not really anything to be honest, the Entente wanted to crush German Monarchist’s morales and satisfy their population demanding blood, they saw Wilhelm II as the perfect person to execute to fulfill both of these.

[@oilersridersbluejays]

All of the royalty of Europe were guilty, and I say this as a bit of a soft monarchist supporter (at least a constitutional monarchist).

[@NoAimLoser2]

@@oilersridersbluejays Correct, however the winners get a pass and the losers have to face the consequences, that’s sadly how war works.

[@Icetea-2000]

@@yannick245Because he was the symbol of Germany. And they wanted to tear down anything German and humiliate them as much as possible. But yeah legally speaking there was nothing he was guilty of, certainly not more than any other of the nation’s leaders but the victors have already deluded themselves with the idea that the war was entirely Germany’s fault and thereby Wilhelm II.s so that they don’t have to reflect their own mistakes Turns out such a humiliation can leave a population pretty resentful though…

[@jamesbond9011]

It was an honor to guide you around Huis Doorn Mark! Beautiful work on the video! Excited to see what more videos are coming.

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

Many thanks - I'm glad you enjoyed the video. The tour was a splendid and fascinating experience!

[@yannick245]

​​@@MarkFeltonProductionsSmall correction! Wilhelm II was not the _"Emporer if Germany",_ but the His Imperial and Royal Majesty The German Emporer and King of Prussia. There's an interesting story behind the title: With the unification of Germany (aside from Austria) in 1871, there was some debate about the exact title for the monarch of those German territories (such as free imperial cities, principalities, duchies, and kingdoms) that agreed to unify under the leadership of Prussia, thereby forming the new German Empire. The first Kaiser himself preferred either Kaiser von Deutschland _("Emperor of Germany"),_ or Kaiser der Deutschen ("Emperor of the Germans")In the end, his chancellor Bismarck's choice Deutscher Kaiser _("German Emperor")_ was adopted as it simply connoted that the new emperor, hearkening from Prussia, was a German, but did not imply that this new emperor had dominion over all German territories, especially since the Austrian Kaiser would have been offended as Austria, inhabited by Germans, was still considered part of the German lands. There were only three Kaisers of the (second) German Empire. All of them belonged to the Hohenzollern dynasty, which, as kings of Prussia, and had been de facto leaders of lesser Germany _(Germany excluding Austria)._ He also didn't like the like the idea of the crown being "impure". Not a product of _"divine right/God's mandation",_ but man. To him the Prussian crown always meant more to him. Which wasn't the case with Wilhelm II. He was basically the first real and ultimately the only Kaiser of the German Reich, created in 1871. I think it's a sad story that our monarchy went down the drain after such a short but very productive era, until 1914. Even without the Germans from Austria _(which was a great power by herself),_ the newly created German state made such a great progress, that it had surpassed Britain and France in most economical categories. Before the unification in 71, Germany/the various German states were way less developed. Lately I was reading again Golo Mann's (Thomas son) _"German History of the XIX. and XX. Century"._ And he was right with something. Even after losing the war and struggling with the treaty of Versailles, Germany remained the most powerful country on the European continent! Thanks to the dissolving of Austria-Hungary and the many new small states created in the East. They were all weaker than under former rulers and weaker than Germany. To surpass France again was only a matter of time. And under Hitler it got even quicker. To the point that they were able to militarily defeat them 22 years after the end of WWII. All the newly created states mentioned, didn't have a chance against Germany and were defeated, subdued or collaborated with it. Only the total destruction, fragmentation and occupation, plus the lost of territory and expulsion of 12-14 million Germans, eventually stopped Germany from being a greater power. Now with the unification of 90 and the European Union, people say that there's a new German hegemony on the European continent again. But that's not true! Yes, Germany is the largest economy in Europe, has the highest population and plays an important role in the EU. But we are in a friendly relationship with all of our neighbors. I'm really happy about the France and Poland are allies, not enemies today. _Pardon for writing half a novel. I hope that you still going to read it._

[@BobKnight-mm2ze]

@@yannick245 Actually, I've been trying to get this info all laid out in one go for years. Thanks. And ironically some commenter chided me a week back, about my "long" comment, 1/10 this size. A tenth!

[@yannick245]

@@BobKnight-mm2ze For years? Well, then I'm very glad that I've been a help to you! A ⅒? That's silly! I don't know why some people have a problem with long/extended comments. If the comment has substance and delivers good information, I don't think that it matters how long a comment is. I mean, this isn't Twitter/X, were you only here 280 characters. Some answers/comments just take time...

[@BobKnight-mm2ze]

@@yannick245 I know, I know. You're right. But you know the deal; anonymity and probable distance makes people quit a bit more "mouthy" than they might otherwise be. And the other extreme are the "correctors" with their barely-on-topic minutia. So it is what it is, you just roll with it. But every once in a while, a guy like me, gets a little info from a guy like you!

[@Garbeaux.]

I knew he didn’t want to be buried until a German monarchy restoration but had zero idea he was not even entombed within the mausoleum. You’re right. It’s like he’s waiting.

[@petermoller4447]

Stop watching propaganda channels such as mark felton.

[@juliuscaesar564]

​@@petermoller4447 Yes!! Instead watch other propaganda channels hailing the nazis. Wonderful

[@hoodatdondar2664]

He’s on a box, on a shelf in the middle of the maus, with Imperial regalia draped over the box. I could see though the window, but no entry. It is still the property of the Hohenzollern family. All ready for a quick move.

[@hoodatdondar2664]

@@petermoller4447 Ok, Fritz.

[@petermoller4447]

@@hoodatdondar2664 standard imbcl, cheers

[@bluefox6392]

it is great for you to finally cover the Kaiser''s funeral and his estate in Doorn my great Aunt used to be a maid there employed as one of the main staff of the house. the stories i have heard he was a kind man towards his staff and family often celebrating christmas with his staff at the house. we still have some gifts that were given to my aunt by the kaiser as a good gesture and appreciation of his staff.

[@jdaze1]

Great story.

[@richardnieuwhof2028]

A surprisingly sympathetic portrait of the Kaiser; he acted foolishly when in power and wisely when removed from it.

[@auraguard0212]

Like Jimmy Carter!

[@remember9152]

He was the Man against the malicious constellation of his time, against the tide generated by the Axis of Devil of the time, against the syndicate formed by Great Britain&France&Russia.

[@keithcitizen4855]

A bit confusing this Royal family business , Mrs Simpson had a nice place to put her feet up too but another royal family ww1 big wig got assassinated

[@ianhomerpura8937]

@@auraguard0212 Reagan was far worse.

[@notoriousblt1038]

@@remember9152his aggressive pursuit of a massive fleet and a large empire was what caused the British to align more to the French and Russians

[@andrei_ds]

I visited Huis Doorn this year. It is impressive to see how many objects from the Kaiser’s personal collection are housed in that little palace. ( Berlin palaces are completely empty ).

[@dongilleo9743]

It was perhaps a little petty of the Netherlands to refuse to return anything to the Kaiser's family, but completely understandable given what the Netherlands had endured from the German invasion and occupation during the war. It's probably better that the Kaiser's body and his belongings were in the Netherlands at the end of WW2. If he had been buried in Berlin in 1941, his burial site could have been devastated by Allied bombing, or when the Soviet Army took the city after heavy fighting in 1945. Any of the Kaiser's personal possessions in Berlin would have been destroyed, looted, or stolen by the Soviets.

[@conanc1487]

Putin has all the Berlin palace objects :D

[@marcbartuschka6372]

@@dongilleo9743 Given the amount of damage the Germans caused on Soviet soil, I would say we could hardly blame them for taking away those belongings the German first democratic state did let remain in the hand of its own sworn enemies (since friends of the Republic you could hardly find any among the former rulers).

[@BrettonFerguson]

@@conanc1487 The Americans did their fair share of "Liberating" privately owned objects from German palaces too.

[@conanc1487]

@@BrettonFerguson Oh yeah we did. Thats what victors did back in the day...

[@jackryan3978]

I have enjoyed Mark’s videos for years. I don’t remember ever saying thank you. So, thank you Mark for your information, insight and the pure enjoyment of history.

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

You are very welcome

[@oilersridersbluejays]

Definitely one of my favourite KZbin channels. The man is a gem. I am a huge history dork (minus the doctorate) and still manage to learn something new, although I know this particular story very very well.

[@canuckprogressive.3435]

As a person of German descent, I think Wilhelm had a fair share of the blame for the disaster that was WW1, but I would certainly not consider him a war criminal. I'm glad he was able to live out his post Emperor days in peace.

[@davester1970]

If anyone were to blame for Germany's conduct of the war, the blame for the most part falls on Ludendorff's and Hindenburg's shoulders. Especially since 1915-1916.

[@mattjones5987]

Well, the Kaiser did plenty of saber-rattling, but remember how Germany and Italy were treated by the colonial powers at the Algeciras Conference as they were deciding the fates of the African colonies. Because Germany & Italy were upstart nations at that point and GB, France & Spain were used to dividing spoils amongst themselves, when the Kaiser expected his share for a change, the old colonists acted like who the f are YOU? To the extent the Kaiser wanted war, they had belligerently goaded him

[@GrouchyBear411]

​@@mattjones5987I can not agree with your assessment completely, i think you are still missing a few details. :-) If you are interested, dive deeper into it, there is more to discover. Yes, he did some saber rattling, but so did all other european royals, it was a time of posturing and pride. Yet, when war was immediately looming, the Kaiser did in a last desperate attempt try to prevent it, communicating via telegrams with his Cousin the Czar of Russia, but the 2 of them failed to stop the things already in motion and the military leaderships basically were like runaway trains. Their other Cousin, the English King (maybe) could have prevented the UK to enter the War, but his ruling Government too was eager to prevent a Germany that got too strong for their liking. And France just wanted revenge, very happy to go to war.

[@arthurfisher1857]

​@GrouchyBear411 the UK would have stayed out if it if Germany had stayed out of Belgium. In theory at least. I do wonder if they would have joined the war at some point anyway, but that's entirely guesswork.

[@GrouchyBear411]

@@arthurfisher1857 Agreed.

[@asya9493]

'His lonely vigil'. I wonder if he will wait forever; History has many futures. Great episode, Mark !

[@panzerkitsune]

We greatly appreciate the stories of the earlier German modern history. I wouldnt mind seeing more videos about the European Royalty and about the Great War itself, often overlooked by the Second World War.

[@jonathanmccartney5809]

Often “overshadowed” by the Second World War…not “overlooked.”

[@jamespfitz]

​@@jonathanmccartney5809And yet, completely understandable. Isn't English great?

[@jonathanmccartney5809]

@@jamespfitz This is more of a testament to the human brain’s ability to recognize contextual patterns than it is to English.

[@spenceramey406]

@@jonathanmccartney5809 Yeah, in addition to your statement. I think since the 100th anniversary of the war (2014). WW1 in the recent years has been getting plenty of attention thanks to Indy Neidell and his fellow compatriot's "The Great War series" here on KZbin. Also, from time to time thanks to the Swedish heavy metal band "Sabaton" making songs about the First World War. Lastly, Blackmail Games & M2H games making realistic (as much as possible) WW1 games available for both PC and console such as: "Verdun", "Tannenberg" and "Isonzo".

[@iamqdog]

Not nearly as many movies to pull from for WW1 (compared to WW2) to make videos like this.

[@Ronnie_McDoggle]

❤ to Mark and all of Mark's fans!

[@Roller_Ghoster]

Ive said this before but Mark would now be a field marshal if we were an army. Its nearing 2 million subscribers.

[@BodywiseMustard]

Cheers pal - you too.

[@jujulionesselsa1416]

❤ Back at you @BigZeeeee ❤😊

[@jujulionesselsa1416]

Thank you so much Mark exemplary and articulately done has always.

[@jujulionesselsa1416]

And so well deserved too @Roller_Ghoster Mark is remarkable.

[@johncox2865]

Thank you, Dr. Felton. I have a great deal more respect for this man now than I have had before.

[@lbdw66yt]

During a Living History Event on May 22, 2016 we witnessed a British Military Horse display on the field in front of the Kaiser’s mausoleum. Very impressive. Especially, because my wife was born in Amerongen and our daughter was sitting on a British military horse at the end, with a German re-enactment soldier watching the scene. We have video’s and pictures of the event available. Thank you Dr. Felton for this wonderful story and memory.

[@inisipisTV]

I was surprised Old War Dog, Field Marshal Mackensen was still alive at that time. The last of the true Prussian Soldier and of the Black Hussar. He started his service with the old Prussian Kingdom fighting in Franco-Prussian war, Been with the rise and fall of the German Empire and outlived the Third Reich.

[@faithlesshound5621]

That's unless you believe the "alternative" theory that he was really the gay hero Major-General Sir Hector MacDonald (from the Camp Coffee label), who had risen from the ranks, survived his apparent suicide in Paris and escaped to Germany to replace Mackensen, who had died of a fever.

[@deskejtx6211]

he saw the whole history of germany, from the creation of the german empire up to allied occupation of germany

[@gregorymartin6488]

I can recommend a book on whether or not the Kaiser was responsible for starting the WW1 - "The Innocence of Kaiser Wilhelm II" by Christina Croft (Author) - Almost a century after the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, Kaiser Wilhelm II is still viewed as either a warmonger or a madman, as the hundred-year-old propaganda posters remain fixed in the general consciousness. Was he, though, truly responsible for the catastrophe of the First World War, or was he in fact a convenient scapegoat, blamed for a conflict which he desperately tried to avoid?

[@marcbartuschka6372]

I would say he was both. He was not the almigthy ruler who could decided everything, and in the critical weeks sometimes hesitaed or did a few (weak) steps to avoid a escalation. But he had a great part of guilt that things did get so far. A lot of the policy he influenced during his decades of rulership guided Germany towards a collision with the powers who in the end formed the Entente. So to say he was not to blame would be a clear case of whitewashing he did not deserve I would say.

[@dongilleo9743]

There's a great little alternative history book titled "Gray Tide in the East". The Kaiser is worried about the prospect of fighting the combined forces of England, France, and Russia. He orders a stop to the German Army units getting ready to move into Luxembourg in preparation of the big German offensive through Belgium into France. The German Army Chief of Staff shows up, trying to bully and trick the Kaiser, telling the Kaiser he has to consent to the plan to invade Belgium now that the war has started. In a fit of outrage at being told by one of his Generals, what he HAD to do with HIS ARMY, the Kaiser orders a complete abandonment of the attack in the west, and orders the German armies that would have attacked France to the east to oppose the Russian armies invading east Prussia. Duty bound to obey, the German Army heads east. With no invasion of Belgium, England does not enter the war. France tries on its own to attack along the French-German border, but suffers horrendous losses and is completely unsuccessful in breaking through the German defenses. In the East, the massed German armies make short work of the slower moving, poorly equipped and led, tactically inferior Russian armies. The Russian collapse comes more than two years earlier than it did historically, and Russia signs a humiliating peace deal. With no allies, and no hope of achieving victory alone, France is forced to agree to a negotiated peace agreement. The short, wildly successful war is over in less than a year. The Kaiser is celebrated and loved as a hero by the German people. Germany becomes the dominant political, economic, and military powerhouse of Central and Eastern Europe.

[@kirgan1000]

Its a long escalation from the murder of the archduke to world war. What did make war inevitable (according to my interpretation) was Russia's mobilization and the diplomatic "fuck you" answer to Germans demand to stop the mobilization. Especial then the doctrine of the day was he who mobilizes first have a great advantage.

[@shadowcrusader7208]

@@marcbartuschka6372He actively tried to prevent the war before it started and even managed to iron out an agreement between Austria, Russia, and Germany. However other members of the respective governments had other plans.

[@charmyzard]

@@marcbartuschka6372 I wouldn't call the constant Willy-Nicky telegrams a "weak step" to de-escalate the July Crisis by any means though. He DID promise to back Austria-Hungary's response... because they were allies and he was not expecting an armed response. He did not play great part of things getting that far either. He still went on his North Sea vacation to ease tensions in Europe because cancelling them would've made Germany look belligerent. His policy driving away Russia and England? That was not his fault either. Nicholay's mother and brother (leader of the armed forces at the time) were both Francophiles, and the bureaucrats and politicians were as well. Being just Nicholay who wanted friendship with Wilhelm, it's no surprise he couldn't stop Russia's alignment with France. Britain? Edward VII is to blame. Hating Wilhelm due to Victoria's preference for him, he was the man who took Germany's MERCANTILE naval buildup out of context and turned it into a naval race with nefarious elements in Parliament envious of Germany's buildup, overtaking England's "factory of the world" status who openly advocated for war to take them out. Much to my surprise listening to more of the subject, Wilhelm is clean in this front as well.

[@fintan9218]

Glad i found your channel you cover so many topics that are often overlooked or overshadowed. You also have the perfect voice for these types of historical documentaries.

[@Erwin91]

Fascinating to see this video. My late grandmother was born in 1920 and grew up in Doorn, she vividly remembered seeing the Kaiser in the village and collecting firewood at Huis Doorn that the Kaiser chopped for the villagers.

[@catholicdad]

Well done!

[@LNC2009]

Your videos should be played at every history classes,across schools and colleges Thank you

[@DaweSMF]

Not sure why you feel its necessary. YT is perfect platform to look for additional information, if you are interested. Not sure where are you from but where i live our educational system is decent, not perfect but good enough. You can find similar comment under every YT video that touches on history. Usualy from people who didnt bothered to pay attention during school calasses and now they shout on the web how it sucks. I dont say its your case, just that its a YT evergreen. If you think about it, most schools are public (where i live). Time is limited and progress needs to be made, teachers usualy dont have enough time to go very deep into the topic (if you dont study history on uni ofc). The knowledge is usualy surface level to teach you the basics, if you are interested nothing prohibits you to search for more informations - many teachers even support it and will be glad you yourself took the initiative. Dont need to agree ofc but thats how i see it.

[@LNC2009]

@@DaweSMF 'a king is only worshipped in his country but knowledge is worshipped universally' Mr Felton with his immense research and knowledge has penetrated every nook and corner of the world and we are glad for it Me,being a physicist and a tremendous history enthusiast share and talk about these videos with my peers and some like them,some become interested,some don't care You cannot expect students to do everything on their own and so within the framework of school and college courses,video sessions can be organised If someone doesn't want to do that's another thing Hence I said that watching these gems will help students to understand the subjects better You unnecessarily complicated my simple message of gratitude towards Mr Felton Take it easy Thank you

[@dustylover100]

Dr. Mark should offer online classes. But then everything he posts is a history lesson.

[@terryarmbruster9719]

No, they shouldn't. Why? Way too much narrative which while is ok for TV or such its certainly not for an actual unbiased history class. I'm quite sure he doesn't lecture same way.

[@terryarmbruster9719]

@@DaweSMF lol even if private they still have to teach whatever the local municipality, state or prov, and feds require. Still can only select textbooks curriculum etc from govt for the core classes. Anyways this style of history presentation, the classical TV style with a lot of editorial remarks, isnt allowed most places anymore. Narrative words like greatly agitated, he didn't like, strangely, etc unless supported by direct factual evidence are greatly frowned on especially at college levels. I doubt he lectures like this if hes a teaching prof.

[@mtkoslowski]

Mark, for me this has been one of your more poignant presentations. Thank you.

[@largol33t12]

I'm glad he talked about this subject for his channel. I've learned about it many years ago through the Time LIFE books on WW2. It was a known fact that the Kaiser and Hitler did not get along. Even during the funeral speech, old Adolf couldn't shut up and kept interrupting. When a general under the Kaiser tried to close the speech by saying "We consecrate you to god," Hitler blurted out loudly "Dear kaiser, depart now into Valhalla!"

[@ikeeptime]

As always excellent especially because of the fascinating footage of the funeral.Thanks Mark. You are national treasure for your contributions in book form and video to our understanding of WWII

[@imadequate3376]

A channel named Lavader has done an amazing job documenting Wilhelm II in a positive light deviating from WWI propaganda and the commonly assumed beliefs that he was a "bad guy". He actually did alot for his country and strived for peace in Europe.

[@browngreen933]

Thanks for the tip about Lavader!

[@Whiskers4169]

I also watch that channel. Tho we should remember that there is always a chance that he is biased but it seems like his points about Wilhelm is solid.

[@nigeh5326]

Mark it would be great if you occasionally expanded your content to include earlier conflicts and leaders. For example the Franco Prussian war of 1870 which had such a big influence on WW1 and the French desire to punish Germany in the Versailles Treaty.

[@martinwarner1178]

Doctor Feltonstein misses out the causes. But that's another side of history that is kept hidden. Peace be unto you.

[@thkempe]

Real Time History made a great documentary about it that lasts over six hours.

[@embreis2257]

the French desire for revenge and punishment of Germany started way back at the inception of the German reich in the 1870s. the French were trying to break up all the alliances protecting Germany (with the Russians or Italians) and were looking for ways to alienate the British from the Germans (tough task because of relations between the royal houses and competing colonial interests) but due to a combination of stupid mistakes made by Wilhelm and a bit of luck they finally got the _entente cordial_ in 1904 (took them long enough) and cosied up to Russia and improved relations to Italy (not easy after what Napoleon III did in Italy during the 1860s). Germany was left only with Austria-Hungary as ally (and the Ottoman Empire maybe). France did everything in its power to have Germany engaged in a war - as long as France was not seen as the primary aggressor. they worked for over 40yrs on this goal and finally found an opportunity to plunge all of its allies into a war thus giving them a chance to take back Alsace-Lorraine.

[@choptop81]

On his other channel he did a long series about the British-China Opium Wars. It was excellent and very informative

[@petercollingwood522]

@@embreis2257 Correct. I just wrote a comment saying essentially this in different words. Nice to see someone else realizes the primacy of France in all this. They managed to skate completely over the whole thing since 1918.

[@bertenerny7867]

Dr. Felton, to me, this concise historical report on The Emperor must have been one of your most exhaustive to date. I for one appreciate your efforts to properly educate and inform your readers on all aspects of historical facts. This one is your BEST one yet. I am appreciative of your efforts as are all who follow your channel. Thank You!! Regards, Bert 😊

[@Wwbyoung]

Thank you Mark for another excellent production. Although I have studied all this at university. You have a unique and concise way of bringing history to life. Thank you for all your efforts.

[@GrouchyBear411]

One of your best uploads to date. Thank you for your continuing efforts to present not so mainstream historic things! 😊

[@amecocoa3829]

Thank you for showing us, once again, that if we do not learn from history, we are doomed to repeat the mistakes. I look forward to the next video of his closet. The museum looks exquisite, so glad that the staff gave you a private tour so you could bring us this.

[@Roller_Ghoster]

The difference between Imperial Germany and the new state was laid bear after the Kaiser's funeral was just used as yet another propaganda exercise by the Third Reich. Thanks for another quality upload Mark Felton.

[@timo8430]

almost like it’s equivalent to the propaganda tricks from the US!

[@padghd]

Truth

[@georgemartin1436]

Thanks Dr. Felton. This is such an intriguing story very well told. Great channel!

[@pamelasenatore7746]

Dr Felton I also prefer your longer videos like this one. You are so clear and concise. I have introduced your channel to friends and family. If you are doing any engagements or lectures you should let your followers know about it so that we may support you.

[@ValdezJu]

I couldn't help thinking of the film "The Exception" with Christopher Plummer while watching this video. It's remarkable how much Plummer resembled the Kaiser in some of the photographs (I want to watch it again right now)!

[@ubb262s]

Once again Dr Felton ,another great bit of history, I've studied that period of history , but that being said ,you never fail to teach that there is so much more to learn , thank you sir

[@garybartholomew2944]

An extraordinarily interesting story about the Kaiser. Your stories always well researched and brilliantly told. Thx Mark Felton 😊

[@robertcunningham6476]

I’m always admire, not only your content but it’s presentation as well! Well done Mark Felton!!!

[@mikeschultz8509]

Excellent Mark. I'm glad you were able to visit and include wonderful photos in your documentary.

[@rccarz5]

A great way to start my monday. A cup of coffee, the morning report, and Dr.Felton.

[@BodywiseMustard]

If the first thing you do every morning is take mind altering drugs it means you have a problem.

[@zacharyellison4189]

Here here

[@yolandacroes5491]

I have been there just three months ago. I didn’t know about Wilhelm’s casket not being buried so I didn’t go by the mausoleum. It was also raining cats and dogs that day. The end of this video was sursprisingly moving.

[@Max-kq8kg]

When I saw Dr. Felton in Huis Doorn I immediately knew this video was coming lol. I Always appreciate these video’s thanks for the great content over the years Dr. Felton!🙏

[@manolakisferguson]

Once again amazing history of which I was unaware presented by Dr. Felton. I especially appreciate these longer-form videos, especially the one which details the German surrenders of WWII.

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

Are you subscribed?

[@chainweaver3361]

You hit that one out of the ballpark Mark!! This is so interesting i just remembered i havent donated in awhile. All your subscribers should throw a few dollars your way, it helps keep Dr Felton making the videos we all love. 👍👏👏

[@fairshareofdrownedsouls]

Thank you for this video. Also thank you for including August von Mackensen. Born in 1849, dies in 1945, *after* WW2. That man saw so much history.

[@peterbeninger7068]

This video answered many questions I've had about the fate of Wilhelm II. He was my grandparents' Emperor. That does it - now I'm a subscriber!

[@krisfrederick5001]

"The problem, was Hitler" Truer words have never been spoken... Dr. Felton

[@sealove79able]

Well...just 'ole adolph?

[@Godzilla00X]

A phrase everyone said between 1933 & 1945

[@BQD_Central]

I'm 100% sure that a democratic Germany also would have declined him.

[@WarBrickproductions]

@@Godzilla00X and are still saying to this day

[@sealove79able]

@@BQD_Central Thank you.Decline whom adolf or kaiser?

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

My buddy’s mom had some relationship with the royals in Germany. THey had many heirlooms from their palaces in their home (Ming dynasty vases and such). Her dad owned newspapers at the time of H’s ascendency. He wrote against H and was hanged in a square. She told me how the citizens piled flowers at the site. As a little girl, she had a personal interview with H. She said that he looked right through you. She married an American soldier and spent the rest of her life in the US. She was very interesting and definitely, a finishing school girl. Very cultured, well mannered and educated.

[@cledet9088]

You can just say Hitler

[@charmyzard]

h

[@jarraandyftm]

Very cultured, well mannered and educated… European then.

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

@@jarraandyftm My friend’s Dad was a jerk. He was a successful accountant, but rude, obsessive compulsive. One time, we were having a nice party at his daughter’s house and she was serving some cheap wine. I thought….oh boy, here we go. Chester takes a sip and loudly exclaimed, “This wine stinks….this wine is adulterated.” I look at his kind daughter and she smiles and takes it with a grain of salt. Miriam (my buddy’s mom) is sitting on the edge of her chair with her legs crossed and her hands on her knee says with a slight English accent, “Chester….we are guests here”. And he shut up.

[@sueleegiou3785]

@jamesdellaneve9005 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤦🏻‍♂️

[@SysterEuropa]

Superb review of such a key piece of history. Thank you Mark Felton. Your work is an invaluable treasure for Western history.

[@NerdishNature]

As a somewhat younger German at now 33, who got a lot of education in school and after about many topics in your videos, especially on the politics of WWI and II, there is not one video where I didn’t learn something new. Very thankful for your content.

[@jeffersondeleon925]

Be proud of your roots !! Cheers

[@paul8158]

German history lessons have a certain limited perspective, let's say it that way.

[@hoodatdondar2664]

They teach about a number of things in modern Germany. As for roots, whether you are proud or not, you still have roots, so you may as well be proud. And certainly, there is a lot, in that nation of poets and philosophers.

[@andreholmlund1981]

Cant even get a grasp of how you can produce such awsome content with such precision. Im in a awe. Thank you mr Felton you are such a inspiration for us who long for historical content which is not full of drama or crap.

[@pascalekaiser1396]

What a fantastic mini documentary. As a dutch, many thanks for giving great insight in this piece of history. Must visit huis Doorn soon!

[@lucianasalles7272]

Obrigada pelo envio Mark , feliz final de semana!

[@ValentinWolfel]

Mark Felton undoubtabely one of the most underrated Ytb Channels❤

[@dr7584]

Very informative and insightful on the struggle between old order and modernity. As always from Mark Felton, a valuable historical presentation with fascinating details, photos, and film.

[@comesignotus9888]

A sad (as befits the 20th century) and impressive story, and a great work done by Mark.

[@davidvaughn7752]

Thank you so much Doctor Felton! I learned so much in this, one of your best lessons, dovetailing the old Imperial German/European order with the provisional nationalist order. There is just so much to see and learn! All just so relevant!

[@dodobirdtime]

Mark you make me interested in history so much more with the way you indepth explain things and spare no detail. Thanks for letting this history never be forgotten :)

[@jooplebataaf]

On the day of his burial the emperor was laid to rest in the little chapel next to the nowadays entry gate of the estate. Some time later, when the construction of the mausoleum was finished, his body was moved there.

[@pietercostarica]

An excellent video, which reminded me of my first visit to Huis Doorn back in 1975 - when very few people visited the estate, and tours were done by former household staff of the late Kaiser, who by then were well into their 70´ies. Another fact not known to many: descendants of Wilhelm´s younger brother Albrecht ended up in Guatemala and Costa Rica - several von Hohenzollerns have been laid to rest in Puntarenas, Costa Rica

[@vegetariansuniteworldwide8091]

Do you know the name of this brother?

[@pietercostarica]

@@vegetariansuniteworldwide8091 the Hohenzollern who died in Costa Rica in 1978 was Sigismund von Preussen, 2nd son of prince Heinrich

[@nodarkthings]

Absolutely fascinating, Dr. Felton. Thank you.

[@skittlesandfriends5710]

Another impressive episode, While I knew some of the Details about the Kaiser his exile and funeral, This episode really expanded my knowledge and has encouraged me to read more about his time in Holland.

[@rogerr2796]

One indisputable thing can be said of Wilhelm II’s military. They sure loved fancy hats.

[@bozenaIsia]

Mr. M. Felton. Your professional integrity and your presentation ability are of the highest order. Thank you.

[@VinceNeil-sg9nq]

Greetings from Las Vegas Dr.Felton. This episode is next level. Keep them coming.

[@geraldinegonsalvez5804]

Thank you for keeping history alive and bringing historical realities home to many.🙏

[@guslakis]

One of the best Mark Felton videos, in my view.

[@assessor1276]

Fascinating - I have been a keen student of history all my life but I have never run across the information in this latest video by Mark. Well done indeed!

[@peterdirlis6461]

Excellent! I really enjoyed this episode! Loved the marching music at the end when viewing the Kaiser’s coffin room.

[@Lerxstification]

These videos keep getting better and better! Thank you!

[@donl1846]

Truly an amazing and very historical story for me. Thank you Professor Felton for your attention to detail !!!!

[@liammacaodha4783]

Yet another master piece Mark, well done and thank you for all the alternative deeply detailed information that I did not know about Kaiser Wilhelm II.

[@wn8022]

Well Done. What an incredible channel. Thank you. Dr. Felton. 👍

[@user-fv5ms4sz8e]

Absolutely priceless historical artifacts that are immensely rare, being all, one of a kind, for one of the highest figures of state and history. This is history on steroids and I can't wait to look into his closet. Thank you Mark Felton, you really brought the past to life, from the preservation of the death of an emperor. Bravo 👏

[@mungmungie]

Many years ago, while delivering mail in Toronto, I met one of Wilhelm's aristocratic household. Her exact position was unclear, but she absolutely adored the former emperor. Apparently, she had had an exciting life, marked by surviving the sinking of the Titanic, and of course the end of the era of Imperial Germany. I can only suppose that my uniform and waxed moustache inspired her to share a bit of her experiences. I have often tried to figure out who she was, but have never been able to solve that mystery.

[@danepatterson8107]

I did not expect that ending! One of your best here, professor!

[@mazinsafar]

Amazing story and production. Thank you for enriching me with this history, Mark.

[@jacquelinenoble6640]

This was absolutely fascinating. Thank you for your work .😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@coling3957]

old Kaiser Bill must have thought "I used to be Emperor of Germany - now i'm living in Holland and a former house-painter is leader of Germany!"

[@BruceKilb]

His remains are in Doorn which is not Holland.

[@johnblaze5252]

I usually get information fatigue from the MSM. MF is the adult in the room I’ve become accustomed to for 55 years. Thank you MF for providing historical content that is unpartisan .

[@zatoichison6420]

Thank you Mark. You have so nice video productions, presentation is superb. Thank you again.

[@Zakalwe-01]

One of your finest episodes ever, Mark. Utterly fascinating.

[@markinjames]

Awesome to have you in the netherlands mr Felton. I hope you also visited more historic sites near Huis doorn such as Kamp Amersfoort and his sovjet cemetery, The piramid of austerlitz, the Belgenmonument in Amersfoort, Soesterberg Airbase.

[@GdamRight]

What an ending. Amazing work Dr. Felton, as usual!

[@joegordon5117]

Thank you, Mark, another fascinating tale. It's interesting to consider a piece of living WWI history that wove itself into the events of WWII in this fashio

[@billfariss1514]

This is a wonderful episode. Once again, very historically correct. Many people inaccurately claim he died a dirt farmer. I've argued against this point many times. Again, thank you Dr.

[@billwright3810]

Another gem Mark👍During my military service I was once " schooled" by a superior officer who said "You must grasp and understand the bigger picture on all matters"....I dared to remark" But all big pictures are made of nuanced small details the roots of understanding "...his raised eyebrow and silence said it all. Your videos do exactly that...explore the small and nuance details behind the history...it gives depth and greater understanding. Shame we don't really" teach" history in schools anymore...we are losing a generation who fail to see the lessons. 😢

[@davidcousins3508]

I sometimes wonder whether this lack of teaching is deliberate..people who don’t fully understand the past are easier to manipulate..probably I’m wrong ..I certainly hope so.

[@asya9493]

'nuanced small details the roots of understanding' Yes, but how much time has the enemy allowed you to have before your plan must start to roll ?

[@AlexandreJWKlaus]

Student here, we are actually taught the lessons of history, however not many take the classes seriously

[@Fritz_33629]

Another excellent historical video. Thank you Mark.

[@lestercharles8522]

Never fail too enjoy your videos.. Keep up the outstanding work...

[@DrVonHein]

As a small boy in the 1980's, i was taken to Doorn for the first time by my grandparents. Not in the least knowing the bigger picture, nor knowing of my grandparents own war-time past, still I could sense a form of nostalgic admiration and respect they apparently had for the place and it's former inhabitant. In short, from that moment on I was infatuated with history and. It actually made me the enthusiastic teacher i am today. Seeing this very recent video made me realize that totally forgotten fact again. Thank you!

[@TheHeartlessFour]

This was an exceptionally well done video of yours.

[@dutchmerchant4763]

Mark, Nice episode, thank you. Next time you photograph through glass hold the camera lens tight against the glass to prevent reflections. Try it, it works quite well. Keep it up.

[@MarkFeltonProductions]

We tried to, but there was a grille over the window, which made it extremely difficult.

[@SF-ru3lp]

Great content. Great video footage. Great photos. Great delivery. Thank you very much. Best regards Mr. Felton. G Ire

[@-.Steven]

Simply a Fascinating Nugget of History! Well worth watching. Thank you Dr. Felton!