Duchess of Savoy
Duchess of Savoy
Duchess of Savoy and regent, noted for her political influence and cultural patronage in 17th-century Piedmont.
Christine of France was the youngest daughter of King Henry IV of France and married Victor Amadeus I, Duke of Savoy. After her husband's death, she served as regent for her sons and wielded considerable political power. She navigated complex alliances between France and Savoy during the Thirty Years' War. Christine fostered the arts and architecture, commissioning palaces and supporting cultural projects. Known for her strong personality, she played a key role in shaping the future of Savoy. Her tenure as regent left a lasting impact on Piedmontese governance and court life.
1606
Christine of France
3rd Marquess of Donegall
3rd Marquess of Donegall
George Chichester, 3rd Marquess of Donegall, was an Anglo-Irish nobleman who served as a hereditary peer in the British House of Lords.
1797
George Chichester, 3rd Marquess of Donegall
English merchant and politician
English merchant and politician
Samuel Plimsoll was an English merchant and politician renowned for championing maritime safety through the 'Plimsoll Line'.
Born in Bristol in 1824, Samuel Plimsoll embarked on a seafaring career before entering Parliament as a member of the Liberal Party. Disturbed by the high number of shipwrecks and loss of life at sea, he campaigned tirelessly for legislation to regulate ship loading. His efforts led to the Merchant Shipping Act of 1876, which introduced the famous 'Plimsoll Line' marking the safe loading limit on vessels. Plimsoll served as a Member of Parliament for Derby and later for Bradford, using his platform to advocate for workers’ rights and social reform. He also wrote memoirs recounting his experiences at sea and in politics. Plimsoll’s work significantly improved safety standards for sailors and passengers, making maritime transport more humane. He died in 1898, remembered as a pioneering social reformer whose legacy extends across the shipping industry.
1824
Samuel Plimsoll
Irish admiral and politician
Irish admiral and politician
Lord Charles Beresford was an Irish admiral in the British Royal Navy who also served as a Member of Parliament advocating for naval reform.
Born in 1846 into the Anglo-Irish aristocracy, Lord Charles Beresford entered the Royal Navy as a cadet and rose through the ranks to become an admiral. Celebrated for his dynamic leadership, he commanded several fleets and was involved in modernizing naval tactics. Alongside his military service, he served as a Member of Parliament, advocating for naval preparedness and reforms in naval administration. Beresford attracted public attention through high-profile debates on naval policy and ship design. After retiring from active duty, he authored articles and speeches on maritime strategy and national defense. His career exemplified the close ties between the Royal Navy and British politics during the late 19th century. Beresford passed away in 1919, remembered as a charismatic figure who straddled the worlds of naval command and parliamentary advocacy.
1846
Lord Charles Beresford
French lawyer and politician, 12th President of France
French lawyer and politician
12th President of France
Alexandre Millerand was a French lawyer and statesman who served as the 12th President of France.
Born in Paris in 1859, Millerand embarked on a legal career before entering politics.
He served as Minister of Commerce and Minister of Justice in the French Third Republic.
Millerand was elected President of France in 1920, advocating moderate and reformist policies.
During his presidency, he faced challenges including post-war reconstruction and social unrest.
After leaving office in 1924, he continued to influence French politics until his death in 1943.
1859
Alexandre Millerand
President of France
Australian lawyer and public servant
Australian lawyer and public servant
Robert Garran was an influential Australian lawyer and public servant, instrumental in establishing the nation’s federal bureaucracy.
Born in 1867 in New South Wales, Garran studied law at the University of Sydney.
He played a key role in drafting Australia’s federal constitution and became its first Solicitor-General.
In 1902, he was appointed Secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department, serving for over three decades.
Garran shaped the fledgling Commonwealth Public Service with principles of professionalism and impartiality.
He authored several works on constitutional law and was knighted for his service.
1867
Robert Garran
Prince Waldemar of Prussia
Prince Waldemar of Prussia
Prince Waldemar of Prussia was a German prince of the House of Hohenzollern.
Born in 1868 as the youngest son of Crown Prince Frederick William and Victoria, Princess Royal.
He showed a spirited character and devotion to family but suffered from illness in childhood.
Waldemar was a beloved member of the Prussian royal court, admired for his warmth and curiosity.
His life was cut short by diphtheria at age 11, causing deep sorrow across Europe.
Despite his brief life, he is remembered for his gentle nature and artistic talents.
1868
Prince Waldemar of Prussia
English captain and politician, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
English captain and politician
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
British Conservative politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1957 to 1963.
Harold Macmillan was a British statesman who led the United Kingdom as Prime Minister during a period of post-war prosperity.
Known for his wit and pragmatic leadership, he managed challenges such as the Suez Crisis aftermath and decolonization.
A veteran of World War I, Macmillan began his political career focusing on housing and social reform.
His 'You've never had it so good' speech captured the optimism of Britain's 'golden age' of affluence.
Under his tenure, Britain saw economic growth, technological progress, and a reshaping of its role on the world stage.
Macmillan's Memorandum on British nuclear strategy and his diplomatic skills left a significant impact on Cold War politics.
1894
Harold Macmillan
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Turkish general and politician, 5th President of Turkey
Turkish general and politician
5th President of Turkey
Cevdet Sunay was a Turkish Army general and the fifth President of Turkey, known for guiding the nation through a turbulent era.
Cevdet Sunay (1899–1982) was a distinguished Turkish general and statesman born in Istanbul. After graduating from the Military Academy, he rose through the ranks to become Chief of the General Staff. Sunay assumed the presidency in 1966 during a period of political unrest and served until 1973. He played a key role in stabilizing the country after the 1960 coup and oversaw modernization efforts in defense and infrastructure. His tenure emphasized national unity and secular governance. Sunay's legacy is marked by his blend of military discipline and political leadership during a critical chapter in Turkish history.
1899
Cevdet Sunay
President of Turkey
Burmese poet, scholar, and politician
Burmese poet
scholar
and politician
Min Thu Wun was a Burmese poet, scholar, and politician known for pioneering modern Burmese literature.
He co-founded the Hkit San movement in the 1930s, revolutionizing Burmese poetry.
A respected academic, he held faculty positions at the University of Mandalay.
Min Thu Wun authored seminal works on linguistics and folklore.
He later entered politics, serving as a parliamentarian in Myanmar's post-independence government.
His dual legacy in literature and public service made him a cultural icon.
His contributions continue to influence modern Burmese writers and thinkers.
1909
Min Thu Wun
Greek colonel and politician, Deputy Prime Minister of Greece
Greek colonel and politician
Deputy Prime Minister of Greece
Ioannis Charalambopoulos was a Greek Army colonel turned politician who served as Deputy Prime Minister of Greece.
Charalambopoulos graduated from the Hellenic Military Academy and rose to the rank of colonel.
He participated in key military operations during World War II and the Greek Civil War.
After retiring from active service, he entered politics with the Panhellenic Socialist Movement.
He held various ministerial posts before becoming Deputy Prime Minister in the 1980s.
Charalambopoulos championed military reforms and European integration for Greece.
He left a lasting impact on both the armed forces and national politics.
1919
Ioannis Charalambopoulos
Deputy Prime Minister of Greece
Hungarian author, playwright, and politician, 1st President of Hungary
Hungarian author
playwright
and politician
1st President of Hungary
Hungarian author, playwright, and political leader who became the first President of Hungary in the post-communist era.
Árpád Göncz was born in 1922 and emerged as a celebrated author and playwright whose works explored themes of freedom and identity.
He was an active participant in Hungary's revolt against Soviet control and spent years imprisoned for his political beliefs.
After decades of writing and political activism, he was elected as the first democratically chosen President of Hungary in 1990.
During his two terms, he played a unifying role in the nation's transition to democracy, championing human rights and the rule of law.
He also continued to write essays and forewords, remaining a respected moral authority until his death in 2015.
1922
Árpád Göncz
President of Hungary