King William I of Württemberg was the ruler of the Kingdom of Württemberg in Germany from 1816 until his death in 1864. He was born on March 27, 1781, and became king after the death of his brother, King Frederick I. William I is known for his efforts to modernize the kingdom, including reforms in education, infrastructure, and the economy. During his reign, William I promoted the arts and sciences, establishing institutions that contributed to cultural development. He also played a significant role in the political landscape of Germany, supporting the unification movement that eventually led to the formation of the German Empire in 1871.