The so-called Mwalimu, the schoolmaster, founded in 1954 Tanganyika African National Union, which won the 1960 elections peacefully. Nyerere succeeded in leading his country to independence on 9 December 1961. He became Prime Minister and then from 1962 to 1985, President of the whole new Republic of Tanganyika, which in 1964 became the United Republic of Tanzania. He was one of the main representatives of African socialism. He was the inspiration behind the great policies of strengthening national unity and promotion of collectivism, particularly through agriculture and education for all.