March 11

Born in 203, Elagabalus became emperor at the age of 14 and introduced the worship of the Syrian sun god Elagabal to Rome. His rule was marked by lavish ceremonies and controversial religious practices that challenged traditional Roman beliefs. He promoted members of his native Syrian priesthood to high positions and attempted to elevate his favorite deity above Jupiter. Elagabalus also enacted social policies that shocked the Roman elite and led to growing discontent. In 222, he was assassinated by the Praetorian Guard in a palace coup, ending his four-year reign. Despite the chaos of his rule, Elagabalus left a lasting legacy in Roman religious history.

Born in 1145 as the daughter of King Louis VII of France and Eleanor of Aquitaine, Marie married Henry I, Count of Champagne, in 1164. When her husband died in 1181, she governed the County of Champagne during the minority of her son, Philip. As regent, she maintained stability and upheld the region's prosperity through shrewd diplomacy. Marie is also remembered for her patronage of poets, troubadours, and the burgeoning literary culture of twelfth-century France. She supported the vernacular tradition, commissioning works that contributed to the development of courtly literature. Under her guidance, Champagne became a center of cultural and economic activity in medieval Europe, reflecting her lasting impact on the region.

Born in 1414, Albrecht III Achilles belonged to the Hohenzollern dynasty and ruled as Elector of Brandenburg from 1471 until his death. He implemented reforms to centralize administration and improve the legal system, including the establishment of a uniform code of laws. Albrecht engaged in the War of the Succession of Stettin and helped expand Brandenburg’s influence within the Holy Roman Empire. His policies reinforced the authority of the elector and laid groundwork for the future rise of Brandenburg-Prussia. He patronized the arts and maintained courtly life at his residences, reflecting broader Renaissance trends in Germany. Albrecht died in 1486, leaving behind a more cohesive and powerful state that paved the way for his successors.

Born in 1657, Sambhaji was the eldest son of the Maratha founder, Shivaji Maharaj, and became Chhatrapati in 1681 upon his father’s death. He continued his father’s legacy of guerrilla warfare and expanded Maratha influence across the Deccan plateau. Sambhaji faced relentless campaigns by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb but managed to maintain Maratha resistance through strategic alliances and fort defense. His reign saw both military victories and internal challenges, including court intrigues and defections. In 1689, Sambhaji was captured and executed by the Mughals, an event that galvanized Maratha opposition and led to intensified struggle against Mughal rule. His martyrdom is revered in Indian history as a symbol of courage and sacrifice in the fight for sovereignty.

Born in Cap-Français in 1778, Marie-Louise Coidavid married Henri Christophe, a leader in the Haitian Revolution. As queen consort from 1811, she played a ceremonial and diplomatic role in the new kingdom. Coidavid hosted foreign dignitaries and helped solidify the monarchy's image at the palace of Sans-Souci. After her husband's death, she lived in exile in Europe, where she continued to advocate for Haiti's sovereignty. Her life bridged the tumultuous early years of Haitian independence and the establishment of a sovereign state. She died in 1851, remembered for her elegance and unwavering support of her royal spouse.

Born in 1790 in Edgefield District, South Carolina, George McDuffie graduated from South Carolina College before studying law. He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1821 to 1834 and was elected governor in 1834. McDuffie was a leading advocate of states' rights and the nullification doctrine during the sectional debates over tariffs. He later served as a U.S. senator from 1842 to 1846, promoting agricultural interests and southern political causes. Known for his eloquent speeches and fiery temperament, McDuffie's career reflected the complexities of antebellum politics. He died in 1851, leaving a legacy as a passionate defender of southern sovereignty.

Born in 1786 near the Caledon River, Moshoeshoe I emerged as a gifted leader who consolidated various clans into a united Basotho nation. He established his capital at Thaba Bosiu, a mountain stronghold that became symbolic of Basotho resilience. Through diplomacy and strategic alliances, he defended his people against Zulu incursions and Boer settlers. Moshoeshoe invited missionaries to improve agriculture and literacy, blending tradition with new ideas. In 1868, he placed his kingdom under British protection to preserve Basotho land rights. He died in 1870, revered as a nation builder and skilled statesman whose impact endures in modern Lesotho.

Born in Boston in 1811, Charles Sumner graduated from Harvard Law School before embarking on a career in politics. He became a U.S. senator from Massachusetts in 1851 and quickly gained a reputation as a fierce opponent of slavery. Sumner's 'Crime against Kansas' speech in 1856 led to his brutal caning on the Senate floor, which galvanized anti-slavery sentiment in the North. During the Civil War and Reconstruction, he championed civil rights for freed slaves and helped draft the Fourteenth Amendment. Sumner also served as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, influencing U.S. policy abroad. He died in Washington, D.C., in 1874, remembered as a martyr for equality and justice.

William Rosecrans was born in Ohio in 1819 and graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1842. He served with distinction in the Mexican–American War and later as a commander in the western theater of the Civil War. Rosecrans achieved a hard-fought victory at the Battle of Stones River but suffered a major setback at Chickamauga. After resigning his commission, he entered politics and served as a U.S. congressman from California. Rosecrans also worked in the railroad industry, contributing to western expansion. He died in 1898, remembered for both his military service and public leadership.

Born in Paris in 1847, Jean Casimir-Perier hailed from a prominent political family and pursued a career in law before entering politics. He was elected to the Chamber of Deputies and served as its president, demonstrating skill in parliamentary leadership. In 1894, following the assassination of President Sadi Carnot, he became the youngest president in French history. Casimir-Perier resigned in 1895 due to conflicts with the legislature over the limits of the presidency. He later served as ambassador to Russia and continued to influence foreign policy. He died in 1907, leaving a legacy as a thoughtful reformer and diplomat.

Born in Paris in 1879, Henri Giraud graduated from Saint-Cyr and served in World War I. Captured by German forces in 1940, he famously escaped from Königstein Fortress in 1942. Giraud assumed command of French forces in North Africa and co-headed the Free French movement with Charles de Gaulle. He played a key role in Operation Dragoon, the Allied invasion of southern France, in 1944. After the war, Giraud briefly held governmental positions but retired from public life. He died on March 11, 1949, remembered for his daring escape and military leadership.

James Kee represented West Virginia’s 5th Congressional District from 1951 to 1965, following in the footsteps of his father, also a congressman. Born in 1917, he built a career as a lawyer before entering politics as a Democrat. During his tenure, Kee focused on labor rights, coal industry issues, and veterans’ benefits. He served on key House committees and advocated for his constituents in rural Appalachia. After leaving office, he remained active in local affairs until his death in 1989.