March 23

Emperor Go-Kōgon was born in 1338 and ascended to the throne in 1352 at a young age. He was the fourth ruler of the Northern Court during the Nanboku-chō period of Japanese history. His reign was marked by the ongoing conflict with the Southern Court led by Emperor Go-Murakami. Despite political turmoil, he maintained close ties with the Ashikaga shogunate. Go-Kōgon abdicated in 1371 in favor of his son and spent his later years in religious pursuits. He passed away in 1374, leaving a legacy tied to one of Japan’s most fractious eras.

Born in 1430 to the King of Naples, she married Henry VI of England in 1445. As Queen consort, she navigated court politics and championed Lancastrian interests. During her husband’s bouts of mental illness, she effectively acted as regent and made critical decisions in governance. Her leadership became especially prominent during the Wars of the Roses, where she rallied forces to defend her family’s claim. Despite infighting and military defeats, she remained a formidable opponent to the Yorkists. Margaret lived in exile after Henry’s deposition and later died in France in 1482.

Born in 1614, Jahanara Begum was the eldest daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. As the Padshah Begum, she held the highest rank among the royal women and played a vital role at court. Jahanara was a patron of the arts, commissioning gardens, mosques, and caravanserais, including her favorite pleasure garden, Shah Jahani Bagh. She also championed charitable causes, distributing alms and supporting religious scholars. During the war of succession among her brothers, she initially supported Dara Shikoh before adapting to the changing political landscape. Jahanara remained an influential figure until her death in 1681, leaving a lasting mark on Mughal culture.

Born in 1732 at Versailles, Marie Adélaïde was the eldest surviving daughter of Louis XV and Queen Marie Leszczyńska. She was known for her spirited personality and deep devotion, balancing courtly life with charitable works. Adélaïde served as a confidante to her father and played a subtle role in court politics. Unmarried throughout her life, she devoted her later years to religious reflection. With the onset of the French Revolution, she and her sister sought refuge abroad. Marie Adélaïde died in exile in 1800, remembered for her grace and loyalty to the monarchy.

Schuyler Colfax (1823–1885) was an American journalist-turned-politician who served as Speaker of the House from 1863 to 1869. He became the 17th Vice President under President Ulysses S. Grant, advocating Reconstruction policies and civil rights for freed slaves. Colfax began his career as a newspaper editor, which shaped his oratory and political skills. His vice presidency was marred by controversy over the Crédit Mobilier scandal, leading to his retirement from public life. Despite the scandal, he remains noted for his early leadership in Congress during the Civil War era.

Ludwig Quidde (1858–1941) was a German historian and politician renowned for his leadership in the peace movement. He co-founded the German Peace Society and campaigned vigorously against militarism in Europe. In 1927, Quidde was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to promote international arbitration and disarmament. During the Nazi era, he was briefly detained for his outspoken criticism of the regime. He spent his later years in exile, remembered as a steadfast advocate for peace and human rights.

Horatio Bottomley (1860–1933) was a British journalist, financier, and Member of Parliament who founded the influential weekly magazine 'John Bull'. He built a reputation as a charismatic speaker and advocate for 'the people', gaining widespread popularity. Bottomley's financial dealings eventually led to scandal, resulting in his conviction for fraud in 1922. Despite his fall from grace, his magazine remained a staple of British popular journalism. His life story reflects both the heights of political celebrity and the pitfalls of personal ambition.

Dietrich Eckart was a German journalist, playwright, and political activist who played a pivotal role in the early days of the National Socialist movement. Born in 1868, he co-founded the German Workers' Party in 1919, which later became known as the Nazi Party. Eckart's writings and lectures promoted nationalist and antisemitic ideas that resonated with postwar audiences. He mentored Adolf Hitler, helping to develop his public speaking style and political strategy. Despite failing health, Eckart's ideological contributions were commemorated by the Nazi regime after his death in 1923.

Born in Dublin in 1872, Michael Joseph Savage emigrated first to Australia and then to New Zealand, where he became active in the labor movement. As a union leader and member of Parliament, he championed workers' rights and social welfare during the Great Depression. Elected Prime Minister in 1935, Savage introduced groundbreaking reforms including national superannuation and unemployment benefits. His compassionate leadership and vision for a fair society earned him enduring respect across political lines. Savage's policies laid the groundwork for New Zealand's modern welfare state and he remains a beloved national figure.

Thakin Kodaw Hmaing was born in 1876 and rose to prominence as one of Burma's most respected poets and writers under British colonial rule. Adopting the honorific 'Thakin,' he led the Dobama Asiayone ('We Burmese Association') and tirelessly campaigned for national independence. Hmaing's plays, essays, and poems critiqued colonial injustice and inspired a generation of activists. After independence in 1948, he remained a moral authority, advocating for social reform and cultural preservation. His legacy endures in Myanmar's literature and political history.

Born in 1880 in Rauma, Heikki Ritavuori studied law and became an influential figure in Finland's Social Democratic Party. As Minister of the Interior in 1921–1922, he advocated for civil liberties, freedom of speech, and fair judicial processes. His moderate stance on post-civil war reconciliation made him both admired and controversial. In February 1922, Ritavuori was assassinated outside his home, marking the only political murder of a Finnish government minister. His commitment to democratic principles and the rule of law has left a lasting impact on Finnish politics.

Platt Adams was an American athlete renowned for his achievements in jumping events at national competitions during the early 20th century. He excelled in long jump and standing jump disciplines, earning recognition for his athletic talent. After his sports career, Adams transitioned to politics and served his community in public office. He applied the competitive spirit and discipline from athletics to his work as a public servant. Adams advocated for sports programs and civic initiatives throughout his life. His dual legacy highlights the intersection of athletic excellence and political leadership.