April 07

Born into the influential Wittelsbach family, Otto II inherited the duchy in 1231. He navigated complex alliances and conflicts among German princes. Otto expanded Bavarian territories through strategic marriages. As a patron of monasteries, he supported religious institutions. His reign laid groundwork for Wittelsbach influence in European politics. He died in 1253, leaving a stable and prosperous duchy to his heirs.

Born to the noble Plantagenet line, John became Earl of Kent following his father's death. His tenure coincided with the early years of the Hundred Years' War. As a young earl, he held lands in the south of England and fulfilled feudal duties to the crown. Despite his short life, he maintained his family's status at court. John died unmarried at 22, and his earldom passed to his uncle, marking the end of his direct line.

Born into the powerful Stafford family, Edward inherited the earldom as a young man. He navigated the political shifts following the Wars of the Roses and remained loyal to King Henry VII. While less prominent than his ducal relatives, he managed estate affairs and local justice in Wiltshire. His marriage allied him with other notable families, though he left no surviving heirs. Edward died in 1498, closing his brief chapter in Tudor England.

Born into a powerful Yorkshire family, Sheffield pursued both political and literary careers. He wrote poetry and plays influenced by classical models, publishing works like 'Essay on Poetry'. Under William III and Queen Anne, he held key offices including Lord Privy Seal and Lord President of the Council. In 1703, he was elevated to duke, solidifying his status at court. A patron of literature, he supported emerging writers. Sheffield's blend of art and politics exemplified the cultured statesman of his age.

James Curtiss, born in 1803, began his career as a newspaper editor before entering politics. He was elected the 11th Mayor of Chicago, serving from 1847 to 1848 and 1850 to 1851, overseeing infrastructure improvements and rapid urban expansion. Curtiss navigated challenges such as public health crises and transportation development. His leadership helped lay foundations for Chicago's emergence as a major city. He returned to journalism after public office and died in 1859.

Kurt von Schleicher was a German general and politician who rose through the Reichswehr to become the 23rd Chancellor of Germany. As a key figure in the late Weimar Republic, he orchestrated political alliances and served as a military advisor under President Paul von Hindenburg. His short chancellorship from December 1932 to January 1933 was marked by attempts to stabilize the government in the face of economic turmoil and political extremism. Schleicher played a pivotal role in the negotiations that ultimately led to Adolf Hitler's appointment as Chancellor of Germany in 1933. Accused of betraying conservative elites, he fell out of favor and was assassinated during the Night of the Long Knives in June 1934. His death symbolized the final collapse of parliamentary democracy in Germany.

Born in 1893, Dulles graduated from Princeton and Harvard Law School before joining the U.S. Department of State. As CIA Director under Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy, he expanded covert operations during the Cold War. He played a key role in the Iranian coup of 1953 and the Bay of Pigs planning, shaping modern intelligence tactics. Known for his discreet leadership style, he built the CIA into a powerful agency with global reach. After retiring in 1961, he remained an influential voice on intelligence matters until his death in 1969.

Born in 1903, M. Balasundaram trained as a lawyer before entering politics in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). He advocated for legal reforms and the rights of minority communities. Balasundaram served in legislative roles, contributing to debates on governance and social justice. He was known for his eloquence in court and in parliament. He died in 1965, remembered for his commitment to public service and the rule of law.

Born in 1913, Charles Vanik served in the U.S. Army during World War II before studying law. He practiced as a judge in Ohio and later was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1954. Vanik co-sponsored the Jackson–Vanik Amendment, linking U.S. trade policy to human rights in the Soviet bloc. He served more than two decades in Congress, focusing on civil rights, labor law, and international affairs. He died in 2007, remembered for his legislative impact on human rights and trade policy.

Chaturanan Mishra was born in 1925 in Bihar and became a prominent figure in India's labor movement. He served as General Secretary of the All India Trade Union Congress. As a politician, Mishra held positions in state and national government, including Union Minister of States. He worked tirelessly to improve labor laws and social welfare programs. Mishra played a key role in shaping policy debates on rural development and agrarian reform. His commitment to social justice made him a respected leader among workers.

Hodding Carter III (April 7, 1935 – December 10, 2023) was an American journalist and public official. He began his career at his family's newspaper, The Delta Democrat-Times in Mississippi, serving as editor and publisher. In 1977, he was appointed Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs by President Jimmy Carter. He managed the State Department's communications strategy during the Iranian Revolution and the Camp David Accords. After leaving government in 1980, Carter became a commentator for PBS and CNN on foreign policy and media issues. He served on the board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, advocating for independent journalism. Carter's blend of journalism and diplomacy made him a respected voice in both media and government.

Edmund Gerald "Jerry" Brown Jr. (born April 7, 1938) is an American politician and attorney. He served as the 34th Governor of California from 1975 to 1983 and again as the 39th Governor from 2011 to 2019. Brown also held office as California's Secretary of State, Attorney General, and Mayor of Oakland. A Democrat, he championed environmental protection, renewable energy, and fiscal discipline. During his second governorship, he balanced budgets while investing in education and infrastructure. He was a leading voice on climate change and helped pass ambitious carbon reduction legislation. Known for his frugality and intellectual curiosity, Brown earned the nickname "Governor Moonbeam." He remains an influential elder statesman in California and national politics.