May 07

Born around 160 AD in Emesa, Syria, Julia Maesa was a niece of Empress Julia Domna and mother of Julia Soaemias. After the deaths of emperors Septimius Severus and Caracalla, she used her wealth and influence to secure the throne for her descendants. Maesa orchestrated the rise of her grandson Elagabalus and later supported Severus Alexander as emperor. Her political acumen and strategic marriages helped stabilize the Severan dynasty during a period of turmoil. Despite facing opposition from the Roman Senate and military, her efforts ensured the dynasty's continuation until 235. Maesa's legacy endures as one of the few women who shaped imperial politics in ancient Rome.

Born on May 7, 1553, Albert Frederick was the only son of Albert of Prussia, the last Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights. Upon his father's death in 1568, he became the first secular Duke of Prussia under Polish suzerainty. His rule saw the duchy's consolidation and growth as a cultural and intellectual center in Northern Europe. With a keen interest in theology and the arts, Albert Frederick patronized Protestant scholars and musicians. Periods of mental illness later in life led to regencies by Brandenburg and Polish officials. His inability to govern effectively contributed to tensions between Prussia and neighboring states. He passed away in 1618, leaving a legacy that paved the way for Prussia's rise as a major European power.

Born in New Amsterdam on May 7, 1643, Stephanus Van Cortlandt was the son of one of the city's earliest patroons. He became the first Anglo-American born mayor of New York City, serving two terms from 1677 to 1678 and 1686 to 1688. Van Cortlandt played a central role in colonial governance, serving on the governor's council and managing vast family estates. He negotiated land purchases with Indigenous tribes, expanding European settlements along the Hudson River. His marriage allied him with other powerful families, strengthening his political influence. Despite the turmoil of Leisler's Rebellion, he remained a respected leader who advocated for legal and commercial development. Van Cortlandt's contributions laid foundations for New York's transformation into a major colonial hub.

Jacques Viger was born in Montreal in 1787 and developed a passion for history and antiquities. He founded the city’s first archaeological society and worked to document Quebec’s early colonial sites. In 1833, Viger became Montreal’s first mayor, focusing on urban improvements and cultural preservation. He compiled extensive collections of maps, artifacts, and documents that laid the groundwork for the city’s historical archives. After losing a reelection bid, he continued his antiquarian and scholarly activities until his death in 1858. Viger is celebrated for his dedication to safeguarding Montreal’s past for future generations.

Joseph Gurney Cannon was born in Illinois in 1836 and began his career as a lawyer before entering politics. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1876, he rose through the ranks to become Speaker in 1903. Known as 'Uncle Joe,' Cannon controlled the legislative agenda and committee assignments with an iron hand. His tenure saw significant debates over tariff reform, labor rights, and presidential power. Cannon's autocratic style prompted the House to curtail the Speaker's authority in the 'Cannon Revolt' of 1910. After his speakership, he served three more terms before retiring in 1923 and died in 1926.

Archibald Primrose, 5th Earl of Rosebery (1847–1929), was a prominent British Liberal politician. He became Prime Minister in 1894 at the age of 47 and led a government focused on social reform. Rosebery championed improvements in education, workers' rights, and Irish land reform. He was also known for his oratory skills, historical scholarship, and interest in horse racing. Despite his intellectual strengths, his government faced internal party divisions and limited legislative success. After his premiership, he remained an influential figure in Liberal politics and foreign affairs. Rosebery left a legacy as one of the youngest to hold the UK's top office and a reform-minded leader.

William A. MacCorkle (1857–1930) was a lawyer, educator, and Democratic politician in West Virginia. He was elected the state's 9th governor in 1892 and focused on economic development and education. During his term, MacCorkle promoted the expansion of railroads, public schools, and college funding. Following his tenure, he practiced law in Charleston and became a successful portrait painter and lecturer. MacCorkle lectured widely on state history and contributed to West Virginia's civic institutions. His diverse career reflected a commitment to public service and cultural enrichment.

Born in 1892, Tito led the Yugoslav Partisans during World War II, forging one of Europe's most effective resistance movements. After the war, he became the Marshall and head of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. As president, he championed a non-aligned foreign policy that balanced relations between East and West during the Cold War. Domestically, he promoted unity among Yugoslavia's diverse ethnic groups and oversaw rapid industrialization. His charismatic leadership maintained the federation's cohesion until his death in 1980. Tito remains a pivotal and controversial figure in Balkan history.

Lenox Hewitt began his career in the Australian Public Service in 1934 and rose through the ranks to become Secretary of the Prime Minister's Department from 1968 to 1971. He advised four prime ministers on economic and administrative reforms during pivotal periods. Hewitt chaired the first national inquiry into industrial relations and contributed to the planning of the Snowy Mountains Scheme. After retirement, he led several government commissions and served on corporate boards. Renowned for his analytical skills and dedication to public policy, he influenced the development of modern Australian bureaucracy. He remained active in advisory roles until his death in 2020.

Born María Eva Duarte in 1919, Eva Perón rose from humble beginnings to become one of Argentina’s most influential women. As First Lady, she championed labor rights and established the Eva Perón Foundation to support healthcare and education for the poor. Her radio broadcasts and speeches earned her immense popularity among the working class, known as the descamisados. She played a key role in securing women’s suffrage in Argentina in 1947 and founded the Female Peronist Party. Evita’s untimely death from cancer at age 33 turned her into a national martyr and an enduring symbol of social justice across Latin America.

Peter Dominick 'Pete' Domenici began his political career on the Albuquerque City Commission before becoming mayor in 1967. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1972, he served until 2009, chairing the Senate Budget Committee and influencing federal fiscal legislation. Domenici championed education, healthcare, and nuclear nonproliferation while working across party lines on national debt and energy policy. His efforts led to initiatives like the Domenici-Biden Domestic Nuclear Detection Office Act. He passed away in 2017 at age 85, remembered for his bipartisan leadership and dedication to New Mexico.

Ruud Lubbers led the Netherlands as Prime Minister from 1982 to 1994, becoming the country's longest-serving post-war leader. A member of the Christian Democratic Appeal, he implemented economic reforms that stimulated growth and reduced unemployment. Lubbers was known for his pragmatic leadership and efforts to strengthen European integration. After leaving office, he served as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, advocating for displaced populations worldwide. He also chaired international commissions on sustainable development and corporate social responsibility. Lubbers received numerous honors and honorary degrees for his contributions to public service. His tenure influenced Dutch politics and international humanitarian policy for decades.