Tupou III was the King of Tonga from 1893 until his death in 1918. He was born on July 16, 1854, and was the first Tongan monarch to be educated in New Zealand. His reign is noted for efforts to modernize the kingdom and strengthen its sovereignty against colonial pressures. During his rule, Tupou III implemented various reforms, including improvements in education and infrastructure. He also worked to maintain Tonga's independence during a time when many Pacific nations were being colonized. His leadership helped to solidify the cultural identity of the Tongan people.