FREDERICK, WILLIAM, IV

(1795 1861), Pru ian king; m. Elizabeth of Bavaria, 1823; succ. to throne, 1840; behaved irresolutely in Berlin Revolution, 1848; refused to accept leadership of Federal Diet; his refusal of imperial crown, April 1849, postponed union of Germany. HF. W. established Northern Confederacy; attacked by paralysis, 1857, from which time his bro. was regent.