From Austria in dissolution: being the personal recollections of Stephan, Count Burián, London, E. Benn, 1925
As you can see above, one of the proposals for the crown of Poland during the tumultuous period between 1916 and 1918 was none other than Wilhelm II, German Emperor - such a move would tie Germany and Poland in a personal union, but Wilhelm II declined and offered Charles Stephen instead.
This is not a WI on whether this could happen in a German victory in WWI. Rather, I propose this sequence of events:
As you can see above, one of the proposals for the crown of Poland during the tumultuous period between 1916 and 1918 was none other than Wilhelm II, German Emperor - such a move would tie Germany and Poland in a personal union, but Wilhelm II declined and offered Charles Stephen instead.
This is not a WI on whether this could happen in a German victory in WWI. Rather, I propose this sequence of events:
- In late 1917, right after the October Revolution (earlier than this offer actually happened OTL, but let's go with it), Wilhelm II is declared King of Poland. This gives the new Kingdom of Poland about one year of civilian administration to have the new monarchic government settle in and gain a foothold.
- Germany loses World War I like OTL and on schedule.
- Wilhelm II abdicates - but only abdicates his title as German Emperor. He keeps his title as King of Poland and leaves Germany not for the Netherlands, but for Poland.
- The Armistice of Compiegne is signed on November 11th, any and all German control over Poland is lost and Poland becomes an independent kingdom under King Wilhelm I...