William III of the Netherlands was born on February 19, 1817, and became king in 1849 after the death of his mother, Queen Anna Paulowna. He ruled during a time of significant political change and modernization in the Netherlands, focusing on strengthening the monarchy and promoting national unity. His reign saw the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, which limited the powers of the king and increased the role of parliament. William III was known for his conservative views and often clashed with liberal politicians, but he played a crucial role in shaping modern Dutch governance until his death in 1890.