Background
He was born at the Hague on August 24, 1772. He was the son of William V, the last stadholder.
He was born at the Hague on August 24, 1772. He was the son of William V, the last stadholder.
William I spent many years in exile, following the flight of his father in 1795. In 1813 he returned to the Netherlands, and was proclaimed prince sovereign.
In 1815, by power of the Congress of Vienna, he became king of the United Netherlands, which consisted of the Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. His work in promoting industrial development did not prevent the southern Netherlands (Belgium) from revolting in 1830.
Although the separation of Belgium in 1831 was already a fait accompli, William did not accept it until 1839. He abdicated in 1840 and spent his last years in retirement at his private estate in Silesia.
