William I of the Netherlands
William I became King of the Netherlands in 1815 following the Congress of Vienna, which united the northern and southern Netherlands (including present-day Belgium) under his rule. He promoted industrialisation and trade but his autocratic style alienated the southern provinces, leading to the Belgian Revolution of 1830 and Belgian independence. He abdicated in 1840.
- Lived: 1772 CE – 1843 CE
- Nationality: dutch
- Roles: king, head_of_state
