William II (1859 - 1941). Emperor of Germany (1888 - 1918). (Kaiser is German for "emperor.") Through inept handling of his power and authority as emperor, he helped cause the circumstances leading to World War I and thereby the deaths of millions of men on the battlefields. —All About Radiation Glossary. Final approval 27.9.89 also 5th ACC Vol 2 Glossary (Final Approval 7/12/89)