Frederick William II was the King of Prussia from 1786 until his death in 1797. He was known for his patronage of the arts and his interest in culture, which led to the flourishing of music and architecture in his kingdom. His reign was marked by a focus on military strength and territorial expansion, although he faced challenges from various European powers. Frederick William II was a member of the Hohenzollern dynasty and succeeded his uncle, Frederick the Great. His leadership style was often seen as less effective than that of his predecessor, leading to a decline in Prussia's influence in Europe. Despite this, he is remembered for his contributions to the cultural landscape of his time.