Henri III was the King of France from 1574 until his assassination in 1589. He was born on September 19, 1551, and was the last monarch of the Valois dynasty. His reign was marked by the French Wars of Religion, a series of conflicts between Catholics and Protestants, which created significant political and social turmoil in France. Henri III was known for his attempts to unify the country and promote tolerance between the warring factions. However, his efforts were often undermined by internal strife and external pressures. He was ultimately assassinated by a Catholic fanatic, leading to the end of the Valois line and the rise of the Bourbon dynasty.