February 22

Ascending the throne during the Hundred Years' War at the age of 19, he faced English occupation and internal dissent. He reorganized the French army and administration, recovering key territories and reinforcing the monarchy. His support for Joan of Arc led to major victories, notably the lifting of the siege of Orléans and Charles's coronation at Reims. Under his reign, France reclaimed Normandy and Aquitaine, reversing decades of English dominance. He fostered economic recovery and strengthened royal finances, laying foundations for future stability. He died in 1461, leaving a more united and powerful French kingdom.

Born in March 1440 after the death of his father, he was called Ladislaus the Posthumous. Crowned King of Bohemia and Hungary as an infant, his reign was dominated by powerful regents and nobles. He spent most of his life under guardianship, with limited personal authority over his realms. His rule saw ongoing conflicts with the Habsburgs and internal factions vying for power. He died suddenly in 1457 at the age of 17 under mysterious circumstances, ending his short reign. Despite his youth, his story reflects the turbulence of Central European politics in the 15th century.

Born in 1514, he succeeded his father Shah Ismail I as ruler of Persia at the age of 10. His long reign saw the consolidation of Safavid power and defense against Ottoman and Uzbek invasions. He implemented administrative and military reforms to strengthen his empire. Tahmasp was a great patron of the arts, overseeing a golden age of Persian miniature painting and architecture. He maintained relative internal stability and fostered cultural achievements during a period of external threats. He died in 1576 after more than six decades on the throne, leaving a vibrant cultural legacy.

Born in 1550 into the prestigious House of Arenberg, he inherited the title of Prince at an early age. He served as a diplomat for the Habsburgs, representing their interests in Spain and the Low Countries. His patronage supported artists and architects, contributing to the Renaissance culture in his domains. Known for his skills in negotiation, he played a role in treaties and alliances across Europe. He managed his estates with attention to economic development and the welfare of his subjects. He died in 1616, remembered as an astute statesman and patron of the arts.

Born in Virginia, George Washington served as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. His leadership at key battles, including Yorktown, secured independence for the United States. Elected unanimously as the first U.S. President, he set enduring precedents for the executive branch. Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention of 1787, shaping the nation's foundational document. His commitment to civic virtue and neutrality in foreign affairs influenced the young republic. Retiring to his Mount Vernon estate, he remains a symbol of American leadership and integrity.

August Bebel was a leading figure in the 19th-century socialist movement in Germany. He co-founded the Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) and served as its long-time leader. Bebel authored influential works such as “Woman and Socialism,” advocating gender equality and social justice. He championed labor rights, universal suffrage, and the abolition of child labor and exploitation. Despite censorship and imprisonment, Bebel remained steadfast in his commitment to democratic socialism. He played a key role in shaping the SPD into a major political force in Europe. Bebel’s legacy endures in the continued influence of social democratic ideology worldwide.

Joseph B. Ely served as Governor of Massachusetts from 1931 to 1935, leading during the Great Depression.\nA Harvard-educated lawyer, he championed relief programs for unemployed workers and farmers.\nEly often differed with national Democratic policies, criticizing elements of the New Deal.\nAfter leaving office, he remained active in law and public affairs, advising political leaders.\nHis term is remembered for balancing fiscal conservatism with social welfare initiatives.\nEly's pragmatic leadership helped steer Massachusetts through one of its most challenging eras.

Albin Prepeluh was a prominent Slovenian journalist and political figure in the early 1900s.\nHe edited leading newspapers, using his platform to discuss national identity and social reforms.\nPrepeluh was elected to regional political offices, where he advocated for labor rights and education.\nHis writings and speeches influenced public debate in the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes.\nHe championed cultural preservation during a period of significant political change.\nPrepeluh's career bridged journalism and governance until his death in 1937.

Born in 1888, Owen Brewster began his political career as a state legislator in Maine. He was elected Governor of Maine in 1924 and served from 1925 to 1929. Brewster later served three terms as a U.S. Senator from 1941 to 1952. He chaired Senate committees on aeronautical and military affairs, influencing aviation policy. Brewster was involved in high-profile hearings that investigated government contracts. His legislative work left a mark on mid-20th-century American politics.

Born in 1891, Vlas Chubar rose through Bolshevik ranks during the early Soviet period. He served as Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars of the Ukrainian SSR. Chubar later became a member of the Soviet Politburo and oversaw agricultural policies. He was heavily involved in the collectivization campaigns and industrialization efforts. During the Great Purge, Chubar fell out of favor and was arrested in 1938. He died in custody in 1939, a victim of Stalin's political terror.

Born in 1895, Víctor Raúl Haya de la Torre became a leading figure in Latin American politics. He founded the American Popular Revolutionary Alliance (APRA) in 1924, promoting social democracy. Haya de la Torre spent years in exile due to his opposition to authoritarian regimes. He ran for the Peruvian presidency multiple times and served as a congressman. His party influenced land reform, labor rights, and democratic movements across the continent. Haya de la Torre remained a symbolic leader of APRA until his death in 1979.

Rómulo Betancourt (1908–1981) was a central figure in modern Venezuelan politics, earning the title “Father of Venezuelan Democracy.” He served as president from 1945 to 1948 and again from 1959 to 1964, leading reforms that stabilized the nation after years of dictatorship. Betancourt founded the Democratic Action party and promoted social and land reforms. He survived multiple assassination attempts and navigated Cold War tensions with skillful diplomacy. His legacy endures in Venezuela’s democratic institutions and political culture.