Tupou I, also known as King George Tupou I, was the first king of the Kingdom of Tonga. He reigned from 1875 until his death in 1893 and is credited with establishing the modern Tongan monarchy. His leadership helped unify the islands and promote a sense of national identity among the Tongan people. During his reign, Tupou I implemented significant reforms, including a new constitution that granted rights to the citizens of Tonga. He also worked to strengthen the economy and improve education, laying the foundation for the future development of the nation.