William IV of Holland was born on September 18, 1772, and became the sovereign of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands from 1840 until his death in 1849. He was the son of William I of the Netherlands and played a significant role in the early years of the kingdom, focusing on national unity and economic development. During his reign, William IV faced various challenges, including political unrest and the push for greater democracy. His leadership was marked by efforts to stabilize the nation and address the needs of its citizens, ultimately paving the way for future reforms in the Netherlands.