Baldwin I of Belgium was the first King of the Belgians, reigning from 1831 until his death in 1865. He was born on September 3, 1795, and became king after Belgium gained independence from the Netherlands in 1830. His reign was marked by efforts to establish a stable and unified nation, promoting economic development and national identity. During his time as king, Baldwin I faced various challenges, including political instability and social unrest. He worked to strengthen the monarchy and foster a sense of unity among the diverse linguistic and cultural groups in Belgium. His leadership helped lay the foundation for modern Belgium.