William III of England
King of England, Scotland, and Ireland; pivotal figure in the Dutch Republic and Glorious Revolution.
Chronology: 1650-11-14 – 1702-03-08
Origins & Early Life
William III and II (William Henry; Dutch: Willem Hendrik; 4 November 1650 – 8 March 1702), also known as William of Orange, was the sovereign Prince of Orange from birth, Stadtholder of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Guelders, and Overijssel in the Dutch Republic from 1672, and King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1689 until his death in 1702. He ruled England, Scotland, and Ireland with his wife, Queen Mary II, until her death in 1694; their joint reign is known as that of William and Mary. William was the only child of William II, Prince of Orange, and Mary, Princess Royal, the daughter of King Charles I of England, Scotland, and Ireland. His father died before his birth, making William III the prince of Orange from birth.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
In 1677, he married his first cousin Mary, the elder daughter of his maternal uncle James, Duke of York (later King James II). When the Catholic French king Louis XIV attacked the Dutch Republic in 1672, William rose to power and became Louis's greatest obstacle. He made it his life's mission to oppose Louis and waged many campaigns against Louis's armies. He reorganised the Dutch army, restoring its effectiveness after the disasters of the Rampjaar and transforming...
Enduring Legacy & Impact
The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.
Source: Wikipedia