William Ernest of Saxe-Weimar

William Ernest inherited the grand duchy upon his grandfather Charles Alexander's death. He ruled during the late German Empire, a period of increasing political tension and the lead-up to World War I.

William Ernest oversaw the construction of a new court theatre building in Weimar, designed by architect Max Littmann. The theatre became a major cultural venue, continuing Weimar's tradition of performing arts.

William Ernest abdicated following the German Revolution of 1918, which overthrew the monarchies of the German Empire. Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach became part of the Free State of Thuringia in the Weimar Republic, ending the dynasty's rule.