The historical verdict on Wilhelm is generally negative. The historian John C. G. Röhl called him "one of the great political misfits of modern history", citing his erratic and impulsive temper, which exacerbated many political crises by antagonizing foreign powers. Other modern historians such as Christopher Clark maintain that Wilhelm held only limited power and little direct responsibility for most decisions leading to World War I and Germany's eventual defeat.
Overall, while some historians defend Wilhelm as having tried to maintain peace, he is commonly remembered in history as an inept diplomat and impulsive despot, whose military aggression and warmongering ultimately led to a catastrophic defeat and humiliation.