Ernst II, Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha was a German nobleman born on June 21, 1818. He became the Duke in 1844 after the death of his father, Ernst I. His reign was marked by efforts to modernize his duchy and improve its economy, focusing on education and infrastructure. Ernst II was also known for his connections to other European royal families, as he was related to many prominent figures of his time. He played a role in the political landscape of the era, particularly during the unification of Germany, and he passed away on August 22, 1893.