King Frederick William III was the King of Prussia from 1797 until his death in 1840. He was born on August 3, 1770, and is known for his conservative policies and efforts to modernize the Prussian state. His reign saw significant events, including the Napoleonic Wars, which greatly impacted Prussia and Europe. Frederick William III played a crucial role in the formation of the German Confederation after the defeat of Napoleon. He also initiated various reforms in education and the military, aiming to strengthen Prussia's position in Europe. His leadership helped lay the groundwork for the future unification of Germany.