Page:History of the Kings & Queens of England and Scotland.pdf/23

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23

WILLIAM IV.
 
 
Born
1765.
  Began to
Reign
June 25,
1830.
Died
Jan. 20,
1837.
  Reigned
7 Years.

Succeeded his brother George, to the general satisfaction of all classes of his subjects. During his whole reign of nearly seven years, the nation enjoyed tranquillity both at home and abroad. The most important event of this reign, indeed, the most important political occurrence since the revolution, was the passing of the reform bill in 1832. William for some time continued his brother's ministers in office; but the demand for a reform in the representation of the people, which had long been made, could no longer be resisted, and the premier, the Duke of Wellington, having declared himself opposed to any measure of reform, the Whigs, with Earl Grey, at their head, were called to office, and immediately introduced the reform bill, which, after a hard contest, they succeeded in carrying. William died on the twentieth of January, 1837; having reigned nearly seven years