The Willy-Nicky Correspondence
Encyclopedia
The Willy-Nicky Correspondence was a set of telegrams between Wilhelm II
of the German Empire
and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia
from June 16, 1914 up until August 2, 1914.
Kaiser Wilhelm II and Tsar Nicholas II were third cousins (both were great-great-grandsons of Paul I of Russia
) and first cousins through Nicholas' wife, Alix of Hesse. The emperors corresponded in English
and were accustomed to calling each other "Willy" and "Nicky" but would use their counterparts' formal names when either one of them was upset or in distress.
The term Willy-Nicky Correspondence was coined by Herman Bernstein
who revealed in the New York Herald
in September 1917 that the two emperors had a secret telegram-correspondence which he published in a book shortly after in January 1918.
The telegrams start with a plea from the Tsar to the Kaiser to try to stop the serious developments that led up to World War I
. An excerpt:
Ultimately, the correspondence changes tone and the two leaders warn each other of impending mobilization due to factors out of their control, while retaining the notion that mobilization does not mean war. An excerpt of the last telegram:
William II, German Emperor
Wilhelm II was the last German Emperor and King of Prussia, ruling the German Empire and the Kingdom of Prussia from 15 June 1888 to 9 November 1918. He was a grandson of the British Queen Victoria and related to many monarchs and princes of Europe...
of the German Empire
German Empire
The German Empire refers to Germany during the "Second Reich" period from the unification of Germany and proclamation of Wilhelm I as German Emperor on 18 January 1871, to 1918, when it became a federal republic after defeat in World War I and the abdication of the Emperor, Wilhelm II.The German...
and Tsar Nicholas II of Russia
Nicholas II of Russia
Nicholas II was the last Emperor of Russia, Grand Prince of Finland, and titular King of Poland. His official short title was Nicholas II, Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias and he is known as Saint Nicholas the Passion-Bearer by the Russian Orthodox Church.Nicholas II ruled from 1894 until...
from June 16, 1914 up until August 2, 1914.
Kaiser Wilhelm II and Tsar Nicholas II were third cousins (both were great-great-grandsons of Paul I of Russia
Paul I of Russia
Paul I was the Emperor of Russia between 1796 and 1801. He also was the 72nd Prince and Grand Master of the Order of Malta .-Childhood:...
) and first cousins through Nicholas' wife, Alix of Hesse. The emperors corresponded in English
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
and were accustomed to calling each other "Willy" and "Nicky" but would use their counterparts' formal names when either one of them was upset or in distress.
The term Willy-Nicky Correspondence was coined by Herman Bernstein
Herman Bernstein
Herman Bernstein was an American journalist, writer, translator, and diplomat.Herman Bernstein was born on September 21, 1876, in Vladislavov at that time on the Russo-German border to David and Marie Bernstein...
who revealed in the New York Herald
New York Herald
The New York Herald was a large distribution newspaper based in New York City that existed between May 6, 1835, and 1924.-History:The first issue of the paper was published by James Gordon Bennett, Sr., on May 6, 1835. By 1845 it was the most popular and profitable daily newspaper in the UnitedStates...
in September 1917 that the two emperors had a secret telegram-correspondence which he published in a book shortly after in January 1918.
The telegrams start with a plea from the Tsar to the Kaiser to try to stop the serious developments that led up to World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
. An excerpt:
- I foresee that very soon I shall be overwhelmed by the pressure forced upon me and be forced to take extreme measures which will lead to war. To try and avoid such a calamity as a European war I beg you in the name of our old friendship to do what you can to stop your allies from going too far. Nicky.
Ultimately, the correspondence changes tone and the two leaders warn each other of impending mobilization due to factors out of their control, while retaining the notion that mobilization does not mean war. An excerpt of the last telegram:
- Immediate affirmative clear and unmistakable answer from your government is the only way to avoid endless misery. Until I have received this answer alas, I am unable to discuss the subject of your telegram. As a matter of fact I must request you to immediately order your troops on no account to commit the slightest act of trespassing over our frontiers. Willy