King George Tupou II was the king of Tonga from 1893 until his death in 1918. He was the first Tongan monarch to travel to Europe, which helped him gain a broader perspective on governance and international relations. His reign was marked by efforts to modernize the kingdom and strengthen its sovereignty. During his time as king, Tupou II worked to improve education and infrastructure in Tonga. He also played a significant role in establishing a constitutional monarchy, which aimed to balance traditional authority with modern democratic principles. His leadership left a lasting impact on the nation’s development.