Henry IV of Navarre was born on December 13, 1553, and became King of France in 1589. He was the first monarch of the Bourbon dynasty and played a crucial role in ending the French Wars of Religion. His conversion from Protestantism to Catholicism was significant for unifying the country. Henry IV is best known for issuing the Edict of Nantes in 1598, which granted religious tolerance to Huguenots and helped restore peace in France. His reign focused on rebuilding the nation and improving the economy, making him a popular and effective ruler until his assassination in 1610.