Frederick William II of Prussia, who reigned from 1786 to 1797, was the nephew of Frederick the Great. He is known for his attempts to continue his uncle's policies but faced challenges due to the changing political landscape in Europe. His reign saw the rise of Enlightenment ideas, which influenced his governance. Frederick William II was also known for his patronage of the arts and architecture, commissioning several notable buildings in Berlin. His rule was marked by military conflicts, including the War of the First Coalition, which tested Prussia's strength and resources during a time of significant upheaval in Europe.