March 10

Born in 895, Liu Zhiyuan rose through the ranks of the Shatuo Turk military elite serving the Later Jin dynasty. In 947, he declared himself Emperor Gaozu of the Later Han dynasty, restoring native Chinese rule in northern China. His brief reign focused on stabilizing the realm after years of warfare during the Five Dynasties period. He implemented reforms to strengthen the central government and reward loyal generals. Liu’s sudden death in 948 led to the succession of his teenage son Liu Chengyou. Despite his short rule, he is remembered for restoring unity and laying groundwork for his successors.

Arghun, a grandson of Hulagu Khan, succeeded to the Ilkhan throne in 1284 and governed the Persian segment of the Mongol Empire. He navigated internal rivalries and sought alliances with European powers against the Mamluks. Arghun promoted Buddhism and Christianity in his court while maintaining Mongol traditions. He faced rebellions and financial strain but patronized cultural and religious diversity. His reign saw advances in Persian administration and arts under Mongol rule. He died in 1291 and was succeeded by his brother Baydu.

John de Vere served as a trusted adviser and commander under King Edward IV, excelling in the Wars of the Roses. He fought at the Battle of Barnet and commanded royal forces, earning the title Lord High Constable of England. As Earl of Oxford, he managed extensive estates and held significant political influence. He navigated the turbulent transition between Yorkist and Tudor rule, maintaining royal favor. De Vere was known for loyalty to the crown and administrative skill. His legacy continued through the noble de Vere family, one of England’s oldest earldoms.

William Paulet held key roles under Henry VIII, including Lord High Treasurer and Lord Privy Seal. He skillfully navigated the reigns of Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I, retaining royal favor across religious upheavals. Elevated to Marquess of Winchester in 1551, he managed the kingdom’s finances and domestic affairs. Known for political acumen and adaptability, he was one of the longest-serving officers of state. Paulet’s career exemplified continuity in government during the tumultuous Tudor period. His influence shaped policies on religion, finance, and administration in 16th-century England.

Born in Gibraltar in 1713 to James Stuart, 2nd Earl of Bute, John Stuart enjoyed a privileged education. He became tutor and close confidant of the young Prince George, later King George III. Following George III’s accession in 1760, Bute was appointed Prime Minister in 1762, the first Scots-born occupant of the office. His tenure saw the conclusion of the Seven Years’ War with the Treaty of Paris in 1763. Bute’s government faced criticism for alleged favoritism and excessive taxation, leading to his resignation later that year. Despite his brief term, he shaped early British policy under George III and influenced the royal prerogative. He retired to the Isle of Bute, where he died in 1792.

Born in Genoa in 1805, Mazzini dedicated his life to the cause of Italian unification. He founded the secret society Young Italy in 1831 to mobilize youth toward republican ideals. Mazzini’s journals, including "La Giovine Italia," spread his vision of a united, democratic Italy. Exiled by Austrian authorities, he continued his activism from Switzerland, France, and England. His ideas influenced revolutionary movements across Europe, inspiring future nationalists. Though his revolts in 1848–49 failed, he remained a moral leader of the Risorgimento. Mazzini died in Pisa in 1872, remembered as a passionate advocate for liberty and democracy.

Born in 1844 in Vienna, Lueger trained as a lawyer before entering politics. As a founder of the Christian Social Party, he leveraged populist rhetoric to gain support. Elected Mayor of Vienna in 1897, he oversaw major urban modernization, including sanitation, tram networks, and public housing. His social policies improved living conditions for the working class and expanded municipal services. However, Lueger’s career was tainted by his use of anti-Semitic slogans to rally voters. He served as mayor until his death in 1910, leaving a complex legacy of progress and prejudice.

Jan Masaryk (1886–1948) was the son of Czechoslovakia’s founding president, Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. He pursued studies in philosophy before entering the diplomatic service, representing his country in the United Kingdom and the United States. During World War II, he became a leading voice for the Czechoslovak government-in-exile in London. After the war, he returned home as Foreign Minister, advocating for democratic values and national sovereignty. His mysterious death in 1948, officially ruled a suicide, remains a subject of controversy and speculation. Masaryk’s dedication to democracy and his tragic end have made him a lasting symbol of Czechoslovak history.

Kijūrō Shidehara (1872–1951) studied law and diplomacy in the United States before embarking on a distinguished career in Japan’s foreign service. He served as ambassador to the United States and the United Kingdom, promoting peaceful international relations. In 1945, Shidehara was appointed Prime Minister of Japan, overseeing the country’s initial postwar reconstruction and the establishment of a pacifist constitution. His advocacy for democracy and peaceful diplomacy earned him the title 'Father of the Japanese Peace Constitution'. After leaving office, he continued to influence Japanese politics through his writings and lectures. Shidehara’s leadership helped shape modern Japan’s commitment to peace and cooperation.

Evelyn Baring, 1st Baron Howick of Glendale, was born in 1903 into a distinguished British family and entered the Colonial Service. He governed Kenya from 1952 to 1959 during the Mau Mau Uprising, overseeing significant political and social unrest. Later, he served as High Commissioner for Southern Africa and Governor of Southern Rhodesia, playing a central role in colonial governance and policy. Baring's tenure was marked by complex negotiations between colonial authorities and emerging nationalist movements. He was raised to the peerage in 1960 for his services and became a prominent voice in debates on decolonization. His career encapsulated the final years of the British Empire in Africa before his death in 1973.

Li Mi was born in 1902 and rose through the ranks of the Nationalist military during the Chinese Civil War. After 1949, he led anti-communist guerrilla operations against the People's Republic of China, seeking to reclaim mainland China under the Republic of China government. In Taiwan, he became a senior military figure and an outspoken advocate for nationalist causes. Li commanded the "Little War in North Guangdong" campaign, demonstrating strategic acumen and determination amid challenging circumstances. His efforts embodied the complex post-war tensions between Communist and Nationalist forces. Li continued to influence defense policy and retired as one of the most prominent military leaders in Taiwan before his death in 1973.

Richard Sharples was born in 1916 into an aristocratic British family and pursued a career in public service. He was appointed Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Bermuda in 1972, during a period of social change on the island. Sharples worked to modernize the colonial administration and improve race relations amid growing calls for independence. He focused on educational reforms and infrastructure development while navigating complex political dynamics. His leadership style was marked by diplomacy and a commitment to public welfare. Tragically, Sharples was assassinated in 1973, becoming one of the few colonial governors to be targeted in such circumstances, and his death prompted widespread shock and security reforms.