March 06

Liu Bian ascended the throne as a teenager following the death of his father, Emperor Ling. Lacking political experience, he became a pawn in the power struggles of court factions. The warlord Dong Zhuo seized control of the capital, forced Liu Bian to abdicate, and had him poisoned in 190. His brief reign marked the beginning of the Han dynasty's collapse. Liu Bian's tragic fate foreshadowed the era of division known as the Three Kingdoms period.

Li Ke was a son of Emperor Taizong and served as Prince of Wu with significant influence at court. He was admired for his poetry and support of Confucian scholars. Despite his talents, he became entangled in succession disputes within the imperial family. Accused of conspiracy, he was forced to commit suicide in 653 at the age of thirty-four. His tragic end highlights the dangers of court politics during the golden age of the Tang dynasty.

Lu Guangqi rose through the ranks of the Tang bureaucracy to become a trusted chancellor during a period of internal rebellion and external threats. He advised the emperor on military and fiscal matters, striving to restore central authority. His tenure was marked by attempts to curb regional warlords and implement legal reforms. Despite his dedication, the dynasty continued to fragment, and Lu Guangqi witnessed the decline of imperial power. His career reflects the challenges faced by statesmen during one of China's most turbulent eras.

Su Jian served as a top minister in the late Tang court, advocating for meritocratic appointments and financial oversight. He confronted corruption and worked to streamline tax collection to relieve peasant burdens. His reform efforts met resistance from entrenched interests and regional governors. In the face of rising rebellions, Su Jian struggled to maintain imperial cohesion. His removal from office shortly before the dynasty's collapse underscores the difficulties of governance in times of crisis.

Roger Grey was created the first Baron Grey de Ruthyn by King Edward III, establishing his family's prominence in medieval England. As a marcher lord, he administered justice and defense in the contested border region with Wales. He negotiated alliances and led military actions to maintain royal authority in his territories. His leadership promoted stability and economic development along the marches. The Grey family's enduring influence in British aristocracy traces its roots to Roger's stewardship.

Alvise Loredan served as an admiral commanding Venetian fleets against Ottoman and Genoese rivals, safeguarding critical sea lanes. His strategic acumen secured victories that bolstered Venice's commercial dominance in the Mediterranean. Beyond naval leadership, he held diplomatic posts, negotiating alliances and trade agreements with Eastern powers. Loredan's contributions reinforced the stability and prosperity of the Venetian Republic. His legacy highlights the blend of martial prowess and political savvy characteristic of Venice's maritime empire.

Ivan the Young was a Russian prince born in 1458 and the eldest son of Grand Prince Ivan III of Moscow. He governed Tver as a semi-autonomous principality under his father’s authority. During his rule, he sought to preserve Tver’s independence amid Moscow’s growing power. His tenure was marked by court intrigue and regional tensions. His untimely death in 1490 at age 32 prevented him from succeeding as Grand Prince of Moscow. Historians view his life as illustrative of late medieval Russian dynastic politics.

Richard Woodville succeeded his father as the 3rd Earl Rivers and held significant estates in England. As a member of the influential Woodville family, he navigated the complex politics of the Wars of the Roses. His sister, Elizabeth Woodville, became queen consort to Edward IV, elevating the family’s status at court. He managed feudal lands and local governance in the tumultuous late 15th century. Woodville’s leadership reflected both loyalty to the crown and regional responsibilities. He died in 1491, and his death triggered questions of succession within his lineage.

Henry Pelham was born in 1694 into a prominent Whig family and entered Parliament in 1717. He became Chancellor of the Exchequer and, in 1743, succeeded his brother as Prime Minister. His administration managed public finances prudently and maintained political stability during the War of the Austrian Succession. Known for his moderate leadership, he effectively balanced party factions and royal interests. Pelham also served as Leader of the House of Commons, wielding significant influence over legislation. He died in 1754, and many of his fiscal reforms were continued by his successor.

Henry Vane was born in 1705 and inherited the title of 1st Earl of Darlington in 1754. He represented the Whig party as a Member of Parliament before taking on regional leadership as Lord Lieutenant of Durham. In this role, he managed local militias, oversaw administration, and supported infrastructure projects. Vane was known for his commitment to public service and regional stability during a period of national political change. He balanced his aristocratic duties with active involvement in national affairs. He died in 1758, remembered as a dedicated nobleman and administrator.

Philip Yorke was born in 1690 and quickly advanced in the legal profession, becoming Solicitor General and then Attorney General. In 1737, he was appointed Lord Chancellor and elevated to the peerage as Earl of Hardwicke. He presided over the Court of Chancery, shaping English equity law through landmark judgments and reforms. Yorke also played a central role in drafting legislation on property and inheritance. As a leading Whig politician, he maintained stability during the reign of George II. He retired in 1756 and died in 1764, leaving a lasting impact on British jurisprudence.

In 1836, James Bonham, James Bowie, Davy Crockett, and William B. Travis joined the defense of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution. Bonham served as a courier tasked with seeking reinforcements and perished on his return. Bowie, famed for his frontier prowess, co-commanded the defenders alongside Travis. Crockett, the iconic Tennessee frontiersman and former U.S. congressman, volunteered with his riflemen. Travis, a lieutenant colonel, led the garrison against Santa Anna's forces and famously drew a line in the sand. Their courageous stand, though resulting in defeat, became a rallying symbol for Texan independence. They all fell when the Alamo fell on March 6, 1836, inspiring the cry 'Remember the Alamo!'