Dashed left edge = started before January 1861 ·
Dashed right edge = ongoing beyond January 1861
Events in January 1861 1
1861Wilhelm I becomes King of PrussiaSuccession following the death of Frederick William IVWilhelm I ascended to the Prussian throne after the death of his brother, Frederick William IV. His reign would later see Prussia unify Germany and Wilhelm become the first German Emperor in 1871. Otto von Bismarck would soon rise to prominence under his rule.