Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia was born on October 15, 1795, and became King of Prussia in 1840. He was known for his romantic ideals and vision of a united Germany, which he believed should be achieved through a constitutional monarchy. His reign was marked by a mix of conservative and liberal influences, reflecting the political tensions of the time. During his rule, Friedrich Wilhelm IV faced significant challenges, including the 1848 revolutions that swept across Europe. He initially promised reforms but later rejected the idea of a unified Germany under his leadership. His reign ended with his death on June 2, 1861, leaving a complex legacy in Prussian and German history.