Franjo Tuđman was a Croatian politician and historian, best known as the first President of Croatia. He played a significant role in the country's independence from Yugoslavia in the early 1990s. Tuđman was a key figure in the Croatian War of Independence, advocating for national sovereignty and unity. Born on May 14, 1922, Tuđman served in various political roles before becoming president in 1990. His leadership was marked by efforts to establish a distinct Croatian identity and promote economic reforms. Tuđman remained in office until his death on December 10, 1999, leaving a lasting impact on Croatian politics.