Julius Nyerere was the first President of Tanzania, serving from 1964 to 1985. He played a crucial role in the country's independence from British colonial rule in 1961. Nyerere is known for his vision of African socialism, which aimed to promote self-reliance and community development through policies like Ujamaa, or "familyhood." Nyerere's leadership focused on education and health care, striving to improve the quality of life for Tanzanians. Despite facing economic challenges, he remained committed to his principles of equality and social justice. His legacy continues to influence Tanzanian politics and society today.