Frederick William IV of Prussia was born on October 15, 1795, and became king in 1840. He was known for his romantic ideals and vision of a united Germany. His reign was marked by a mix of conservative and liberal influences, as he faced pressures for political reform during the 1848 revolutions. Despite his initial support for a constitutional monarchy, Frederick William IV ultimately rejected the offer of the German crown from the Frankfurt Assembly in 1849. His refusal was based on his belief in the divine right of kings and his desire to maintain traditional authority. He ruled until his death on June 2, 1861.