March 15

Born in 1516 into the ruling Safavid dynasty, Alqas Mirza was a son of Shah Ismail I. As a prince, he managed various provincial affairs and engaged in court politics. His tenure saw both internal power struggles and efforts to consolidate Safavid rule. Although he never ascended the throne, his actions reflected the complexities of early modern Persia. Alqas Mirza's life ended prematurely in 1550, leaving a brief but vivid mark on Safavid history.

Born in 1638, the Shunzhi Emperor ascended the throne at just five years old after the Qing conquest of Beijing. Under regents Dorgon and Oboi, the young ruler witnessed the consolidation of Qing rule over all of China. As he grew older, he began to assert his authority, promoting Confucian governance and supporting Buddhist and Taoist practices. His reign saw the suppression of remnants of the Ming dynasty and the stabilization of the new regime. The emperor's patronage of cultural and religious institutions left a lasting impact. He died in 1661, and his early demise gave rise to legends about hidden heirs.

Born in 1767 on the frontier of the Carolinas, Andrew Jackson rose from modest beginnings to national prominence. He gained fame as a general during the War of 1812, especially for his decisive victory at the Battle of New Orleans. Jackson later served as a judge and U.S. Senator before winning the presidency in 1828. His two terms saw the expansion of executive power, the controversial Indian Removal Act, and the rise of Jacksonian democracy. He championed the common man's rights but faced criticism for his use of the spoils system and harsh policies toward Native Americans. Jackson died in 1845, leaving a complex legacy as both a populist leader and a polarizing figure.

Born in 1779, William Lamb inherited the title 2nd Viscount Melbourne and embarked on a political career with the Whig party. He served as Home Secretary and twice as Prime Minister, guiding the young Queen Victoria during her early reign. Known for his wit and charm, Melbourne navigated reforms such as the Reform Act 1832 and held moderate stances on social change. His close relationship with Victoria helped stabilize the monarchy after the Duke of Cumberland's scandal. Despite struggling with health issues, he maintained influence in British politics and left records of eloquent parliamentary speeches. He retired from public life in 1841 and died in 1848, remembered as a defining figure in the early Victorian era.

Joseph Jenkins Roberts was the inaugural President of Liberia, serving from 1848 to 1856 and again from 1872 to 1876. Born free in Virginia, he emigrated to West Africa in 1829 and became a successful merchant. Roberts advocated for Liberia's independence from the American Colonization Society, achieving it in 1847. As president, he strengthened foreign relations and promoted education and economic development. He wrote historical accounts of Liberia's founding and guided the young republic through its formative years. Roberts remains a key figure in West African history and the African diaspora.

John Sebastian Little was born in 1851 and pursued a career in law before entering Arkansas politics. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1896, he served five terms advocating for federal improvements in infrastructure and education. In 1907, Little became Governor of Arkansas and pushed for school reforms and highway development. His tenure was cut short after suffering a stroke just eleven days into office. After returning to private life, he continued to serve as a circuit judge and remained active in public affairs until his death in 1916. Little's dedication to public service left a lasting mark on Arkansas history.

Christian Michelsen was born in 1857 and built a successful shipping and trade business before entering politics. As leader of the Norwegian Coalition Party, he played a central role in the peaceful dissolution of the union with Sweden in 1905. Michelsen became Norway's first Prime Minister, guiding the new nation through its formative years. He negotiated international recognition for Norway's independence and helped draft the Norwegian constitution. After leaving office in 1907, he continued to influence politics and commerce. Michelsen's leadership ensured Norway's smooth transition to sovereignty and established his legacy as a founding father of modern Norway.

Matthew Charlton was born in 1866 in a New South Wales mining town and began his career as a coal miner. He became active in the union movement, advocating for safer working conditions and fair wages. Charlton entered state politics before winning a seat in the Australian House of Representatives in 1901. He served as leader of the Australian Labor Party from 1921 to 1928, guiding the party through post-war reconstruction debates. Under his leadership, the ALP campaigned for social welfare reforms and workers' rights. Charlton's background as a miner informed his political priorities and left a lasting impact on Australia's labor movement.

Born near Warsaw, he was a mathematician and educator who became active in the Polish independence movement. He served in various academic positions before entering politics. After Poland regained independence, Wojciechowski was elected President in 1922, navigating the young republic through internal unrest and border conflicts. His presidency ended following the May Coup led by Józef Piłsudski in 1926, after which he retired from public life. Wojciechowski spent his later years writing and teaching until his death in 1953.

Born in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, Ickes began his career as a newspaper reporter and editor, building a reputation as a Progressive reformer. He was appointed Secretary of the Interior in 1933 and held the post through the New Deal era, overseeing public works programs, land conservation, and integration in the Civilian Conservation Corps. Ickes managed vast federal programs and was known for his frankness and strong work ethic. After resigning in 1946, he remained active in politics and public affairs, writing memoirs and advising Democratic candidates. He died in 1952, leaving a legacy as one of the most influential cabinet members of the New Deal.

Born Reza Khan in Mazandaran, he began his career in the Persian Cossack Brigade before leading a coup that ended the Qajar dynasty in 1925. As Shah, Reza Shah implemented wide-ranging reforms to modernize Iran's infrastructure, legal system, and military, and promoted Western dress and education. He sought to reduce foreign influence and foster a strong national identity. In 1941, British and Soviet forces forced him to abdicate in favor of his son, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Reza Shah lived in exile in South Africa until his death in 1944. His legacy remains controversial, balancing modern achievements with authoritarian rule.

Born in Kosovska Mitrovica, Fadil Hoxha joined the Yugoslav Partisans during World War II and rose to become one of their key commanders. After the war, he held prominent positions within the League of Communists of Yugoslavia, advocating for greater autonomy for the Kosovo region. From 1963 to 1974, Hoxha served as Chairman of the Provincial Committee of the League of Communists of Kosovo, influencing political and cultural policies. In 1991, amid the breakup of Yugoslavia, he became the President of the self-proclaimed Republic of Kosova, working to gain international recognition. Hoxha's lifelong dedication to his homeland made him a central figure in Kosovo's modern history until his death in 2001.