Wilhelm II, German Emperor
1918 was a year of profound crisis in Germany. In November, Wilhelm II, German Emperor, was forced to flee to the Netherlands as his nation dissolved into chaos. In 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was impressed upon Germany, and Germans unhappy with the outcome held several military and civil revolts. "Kapitänleutnant" [lieutenant commander] Plüschow refused to participate. Instead, at age 33, he reluctantly resigned from the Reichsmarine.