William IV became King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland on 26 June 1830. Here are some key points about his accession and reign:
Accession: William IV ascended to the throne following the death of his elder brother, King George IV. As the third son of King George III, William was not originally expected to become king, but the deaths of his older brothers without legitimate heirs led to his succession.
Reign: William IV reigned from 1830 until his death in 1837. His relatively short reign was marked by significant political and social changes in Britain.
Reform Act 1832: One of the most notable events during his reign was the passing of the Reform Act of 1832. This act was a major step in the reform of the British electoral system, extending the franchise and eliminating many of the so-called "rotten boroughs."
Naval Career: Before becoming king, William had a distinguished naval career, earning the nickname "Sailor King." His experiences in the Royal Navy greatly influenced his views and contributed to his popularity among the public.
Personality and Public Perception: William IV was known for his down-to-earth and approachable personality, which contrasted with the more aloof nature of his predecessors. This made him more popular among his subjects.
Succession: William IV had no legitimate surviving children, so upon his death on 20 June 1837, the throne passed to his niece, Victoria, who became Queen Victoria. Her reign would go on to become one of the longest and most influential in British history.
William IV's reign, though brief, was a period of transition that paved the way for significant political reforms and set the stage for the Victorian era.
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