Recommended read
The Pursuit of Power: Europe 1815–1914
Richard J. Evans
William II's brief reign, constitutional reform and the tensions that split Belgium from the north.
William II of the Netherlands
- Life
- 1792–1849
The World During Their Reign
The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.
Isabella II of Spain
Spain
1833–1868
Nicholas I of Russia
Russia
1825–1855
Ferdinand I of Austria
Austria
1835–1848
Frederick William IV of Prussia
Prussia
1840–1861
Maria II of Portugal
Portugal
1826–1828; 1834–1853
Victoria
Great Britain
1837–1901
Abdülmecid I
Ottoman Empire
1839–1861
Bahadur Shah Zafar
Mughal Empire
1837–1857
Daoguang Emperor
China
1820–1850
Tokugawa Ieyoshi
Japan (Shogunate)
1837–1853
Pope Gregory XVI
Papacy
1831–1846
Emperor Ninkō
Japan
1817–1846
Oscar I of Sweden
Sweden
1844–1859
Emperor Kōmei
Japan
1846–1867
Charles XIV John of Sweden
Sweden
1818–1844
Pope Pius IX
Papacy
1846–1878
Meanwhile in history
One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.
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From the library
Go deeper on William II of the Netherlands
Hand-picked histories and biographies for readers who want more than the timeline: the same era, told in full.
The Embarrassment of Riches
Simon Schama
Schama's celebrated portrait of Dutch culture and politics in the Golden Age.
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The Dutch Republic: Its Rise, Greatness and Fall
Jonathan Israel
A comprehensive history of the Dutch state from revolt against Spain to the eighteenth century.
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