Oscar II of Sweden was born on January 21, 1829, and became king in 1872. He ruled until his death in 1907 and was the last king of the House of Bernadotte to reign over both Sweden and Norway. His reign was marked by a focus on modernization and industrialization in both countries. During his time as king, Oscar II promoted cultural and scientific advancements, supporting the arts and education. He was also known for his interest in literature and was a poet himself. His legacy includes fostering a sense of national identity in Scandinavia during a period of significant change.