Hohenzollern Facts for Kids

The House of Hohenzollern was a very important family of rulers in Europe. They started out in a small area called Zollern in what is now Germany. Over many centuries, they became powerful leaders.

They began ruling the area around Berlin and Brandenburg in Germany in 1415. This was a big step for them!

Later, the Hohenzollerns became Kings of Prussia in 1702. Prussia grew into a very strong kingdom. In 1871, they even became the German Emperors, leading a united Germany.

The Hohenzollern family stopped ruling Germany after World War I. Germany then became a republic. Prussia itself was later officially ended in 1947 by the countries that won the war.

The family's name comes from their ancient home, Hohenzollern Castle, located in a region called Baden-Württemberg. This castle was once the center of their small principality.

House of Hohenzollern
Quick facts for kids
Country:	Germany, Romania
Parent House:	Burchardinger dynasty
Titles:	Count of Zollern Margrave of Brandenburg Duke of Prussia Burgrave of Nuremberg Margrave of Bayreuth Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach King of Prussia German Emperor Prince of Neuchâtel King of Romania
Founder:	Burgrave Frederick I of Nuremberg
Final Ruler:	Germany and Prussia: Emperor William II (1888–1918) Romania: King Michael (1927–1930, 1940–1947)
Current Head:	Germany and Prussia: HI&RH Prince Georg Friedrich (1994–) Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen: HH Prince Karl Friedrich (2010–) Hohenzollern-Hechingen: extinct since 1869 Romania: HM King Michael (1947–)
Founding Year:	1100s AD
Ethnicity:	German, Romanian
Cadet Branches:	Hohenzollern-Hechingen Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen Hohenzollern-Haigerloch

Wilhelm II was the last German Emperor from the Hohenzollern family.

Hohenzollern Castle, the family's ancestral home.

The Rise of the Hohenzollerns
End of Their Rule
Important Hohenzollern Rulers
Images for kids
See also

The Rise of the Hohenzollerns

The Hohenzollern family started small in the 11th century. Their first known ancestor was Burkhard I, who lived around 1061. They were originally counts in a region called Swabia.

Becoming Electors of Brandenburg

A very important moment for the family happened in 1415. Frederick VI of Nuremberg became the Margrave and Elector of Brandenburg. This meant he had a vote in choosing the Holy Roman Emperor. This made the Hohenzollerns much more powerful.

Kings of Prussia

Over time, the Hohenzollerns expanded their lands. In 1701, Frederick III of Brandenburg crowned himself King in Prussia. This marked the beginning of the Kingdom of Prussia. Prussia became a major European power, known for its strong army.

German Emperors

In 1871, after several wars, the German states united. The King of Prussia, William I, became the first German Emperor. This was the peak of Hohenzollern power. They ruled a large and powerful German Empire.

End of Their Rule

The Hohenzollerns' rule in Germany ended in 1918. This happened after World War I, when Germany lost the war. Emperor William II had to step down, and Germany became a republic.

The Hohenzollern family also ruled in Romania. A branch of the family became Kings of Romania in 1866. Their rule there ended in 1947.

Important Hohenzollern Rulers

Frederick I (1415–1440): He was the first Hohenzollern to rule Brandenburg.
Frederick I (1701–1713): He became the first King of Prussia.
Frederick II (the Great) (1740–1786): A famous and powerful King of Prussia. He was a great military leader.
William I (1871–1888): He was the first German Emperor.
William II (1888–1918): The last German Emperor.