Carol I was the first King of Romania, reigning from 1866 until his death in 1914. He was born on April 20, 1839, in Germany and became a key figure in Romania's modernization and independence. His leadership helped transform Romania into a more unified and prosperous state. During his reign, Carol I focused on building infrastructure, promoting education, and establishing a constitutional monarchy. He played a significant role in the Romanian War of Independence (1877-1878), which secured Romania's autonomy from the Ottoman Empire. His legacy includes the establishment of a strong national identity and the foundation for future development.