March 28

Albert Alcibiades (1522–1557), Margrave of Brandenburg-Kulmbach, was a bold and controversial figure of the Holy Roman Empire. Born into the House of Hohenzollern, he sought to expand his territories through daring military exploits known as the Second Margrave War. His aggressive tactics and shifting alliances drew both admiration and criticism as he challenged imperial authority and local princes. Despite early victories, his fortunes waned after defeat by Emperor Charles V's forces, leading to his exile. Known for his flamboyant personality and knightly ethos, Albert's legacy endures as a symbol of princely ambition and martial bravado in Renaissance Germany.

Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang (1613–1688), born Bumbutai of the Khorchin Mongol tribe, was a central figure in the establishment of Qing dynasty rule. As wife of the Shunzhi Emperor and mother of the Kangxi Emperor, she wielded significant influence at court. Known for her political acumen, she guided state affairs during her son's early reign, stabilizing the empire after civil wars. Xiaozhuang supported Confucian policies and patronized cultural projects, fostering harmony between Manchu rulers and Han Chinese subjects. Her diplomatic skills and strategic alliances helped the young Kangxi Emperor consolidate power and usher in the dynasty's golden age. She is remembered as one of the most respected women in Chinese history.

Maximilian III Joseph (1727–1777) was the Elector of Bavaria from 1745 until his death, notable for his enlightened governance during a period of European upheaval. Succeeding his father at a young age, he pursued administrative and judicial reforms, aiming to streamline the bureaucracy and encourage economic development. A patron of the arts and sciences, he supported musicians, architects, and scholars, contributing to Bavaria's cultural flourishing. Despite pressures during the Seven Years' War, he navigated complex alliances to preserve Bavarian sovereignty. His reforms laid groundwork for agricultural improvement and religious tolerance within his territories. Remembered as an enlightened absolutist, his reign marked a transition toward modern state administration in southern Germany.

Francisco de Miranda (1750–1816) was a Venezuelan military officer and pivotal precursor to the Latin American independence movements. Serving in the Spanish army and later the French Revolutionary forces, he gained valuable military experience and revolutionary ideals. Miranda envisioned a liberated Americas, undertaking expeditions to incite revolution in Venezuela and forging connections with leaders like George Washington. Although his 1806 expedition failed and he was captured, his efforts inspired future figures such as Simón Bolívar. He spent his final years imprisoned in Cádiz, dying in 1816, but his vision of independence endured. Miranda is celebrated as the Forerunner of South American Independence for shaping the philosophical and strategic foundations of the liberation struggles.

Wade Hampton III, born in 1818, was a prominent South Carolina planter and Confederate cavalry commander known for his leadership in the Army of Northern Virginia. After the Civil War, he became a symbol of the Southern elite and led the Redeemer movement to end Republican Reconstruction in his state. Elected the 77th Governor of South Carolina in 1876, Hampton worked to restore white Democratic control and promote economic recovery. He later served as a U.S. Senator, advocating for states’ rights and agricultural interests. Noted for his political influence and complex legacy, he remains a controversial figure in American history.

Henry D. Washburn, born in 1832, served as an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War and was brevetted brigadier general for his leadership in the field. After the war, he settled in Wisconsin, studied law, and entered politics. Washburn was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly, where he championed veterans’ rights and public education initiatives. He drew on his military experience to influence state militia reforms and infrastructure development. Remembered for his service both on the battlefield and in government, Washburn died in 1871, leaving a legacy of civic commitment.

Born Eduard Schnitzer in 1840 in Prussia, Emin Pasha trained as a physician and served in various medical posts across the Ottoman Empire. In 1878, he was appointed Governor of Equatoria, a remote province in present-day South Sudan. During his tenure, he implemented administrative reforms and advanced medical care in the region. His isolated governorship attracted support missions, including the famous Emin Pasha Relief Expedition led by Henry Morton Stanley. He authored reports on tropical diseases and African cultures. After returning to Europe briefly, he embarked on further expeditions before his death in 1892. Emin Pasha’s legacy includes his contributions to colonial administration and tropical medicine.

Born in 1851 in Rio de Janeiro to a Portuguese family, Bernardino Machado pursued a career in law and academia. He became a professor of civil law at the University of Coimbra and was an active republican advocate. Machado held various political offices, including Prime Minister before his election as President of Portugal in 1915. His first term was cut short by a military coup in 1917, forcing him into exile. He returned to serve a second presidential term from 1925 to 1926. After another upheaval, he lived abroad before returning to Portugal in 1932. Machado’s political career reflected the turbulent early years of the Portuguese First Republic. He died in 1944.

Aristide Briand was born in 1862 in Nantes, France, and trained as a lawyer before entering politics. A member of the Radical Party, he served as Prime Minister of France on eleven occasions between 1909 and 1929. Briand advocated for peaceful resolution of conflicts and was a key architect of the Locarno Treaties. His work in the League of Nations earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1926 alongside German Foreign Minister Gustav Stresemann. Briand also held the post of Foreign Minister, promoting Franco-German cooperation. His diplomatic legacy influenced the course of interwar European politics. He passed away in 1932.

Terence MacSwiney was born in Cork, Ireland and pursued law before dedicating himself to the Irish independence movement. He was elected Lord Mayor of Cork in 1920 and immediately clashed with British authorities over the treatment of Irish nationalists. Arrested and imprisoned in Brixton Jail, he began a hunger strike that lasted 74 days. His death on October 25, 1920, at the age of 41, shocked the world and garnered international support for the Irish cause. He documented his thoughts in letters, poetry, and a play, revealing his deep commitment to his principles. His martyrdom inspired protests in Ireland, Britain, and the United States and influenced figures like Mahatma Gandhi. Today, he is commemorated with memorials and streets named in his honor across Ireland.

Born in Paris to affluent American parents, Christian Herter was educated at Harvard University before launching his political career. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1943, where he co-chaired the Herter Committee and shaped early postwar foreign aid policy. In 1952, he became Governor of Massachusetts and implemented infrastructure projects and educational reforms. In 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed him Secretary of State, where he navigated Cold War challenges and supported the formation of NASA. After leaving government service in 1961, he wrote extensively on international affairs and served as a university administrator. He was known for his moderate Republican stance and diplomatic skill. Herter died of lung cancer in 1966, leaving a legacy of thoughtful statesmanship and public service.

Born Princess Ingrid of Sweden, she married Crown Prince Frederick of Denmark in 1935 and became Queen in 1947. Ingrid supported numerous charities, focusing on families, youth, and the arts, and was known for her down-to-earth approach. During World War II she maintained a visible presence, boosting morale under German occupation. As Queen, she helped modernize the royal household and engage more directly with Danish citizens. She was the mother of Queen Margrethe II and Prince Knud, shaping the future leadership of Denmark. Ingrid remained a respected public figure until her death in 2000, leaving a legacy of compassion and service.