Tāufaʻāhau Tupou III was the King of Tonga from 1893 until his death in 1918. He was the first king of the unified Tongan kingdom and played a significant role in modernizing the nation. His reign saw the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, which helped to balance traditional authority with democratic principles. Born on July 18, 1854, he was educated in New Zealand and became known for his efforts in promoting education and infrastructure in Tonga. King Tupou III was also a strong advocate for the rights of his people and worked to maintain Tonga's independence during a time of colonial expansion in the Pacific.