May 10

Born into a minor Shatuo family in 874, Meng Zhixiang rose to prominence as a general under the Later Tang dynasty. He secured control over Sichuan and declared independence in 934, establishing the Later Shu state. As emperor, he promoted agriculture, local governance, and Buddhism. His rule laid the foundations for stability and cultural growth in the region. Meng Zhixiang’s legacy is remembered for his military prowess and state-building achievements during a tumultuous era in Chinese history.

Born in 955, Abdul Aziz Billah ascended to the Fatimid throne at a young age following his father’s death. His reign saw significant military campaigns that expanded Fatimid influence in the Mediterranean. He was a patron of the arts and sciences, supporting scholars and fostering an environment of intellectual exchange in cities like Cairo and Tunis. Under his leadership, the Fatimid Caliphate reached new heights of economic prosperity and architectural achievement. Al-Aziz Billah’s rule is remembered for its effective administration and cultural renaissance within the Islamic world.

Suzanne de Bourbon was born in 1491 as the only child of Peter II, making her heir to the Bourbon duchy. In 1505, she was officially installed as Duchess of Bourbon under the regency of her mother. Her marriage to Charles III was arranged to secure the family’s territorial integrity, but their union faced political intrigue. Suzanne sought to protect her inheritance from external claims, engaging in legal and diplomatic efforts. Her death in 1521 without surviving children led to the absorption of Bourbon lands into the crown, marking a pivotal moment in French territorial history.

Anne-Robert-Jacques Turgot, born in 1727, became famous for his seminal work on free trade and economic liberalism. Appointed as Controller-General of Finances in 1774, he implemented sweeping reforms including the abolition of feudal privileges and free trade in grain. His practical and theoretical contributions laid the foundations for classical economics. Turgot’s advocacy for laissez-faire principles influenced later economists such as Adam Smith. Despite his visionary policies, he faced fierce opposition at court and resigned in 1776. He died in 1781, remembered as one of the Enlightenment’s most influential thinkers and reformers.

Louis-Nicolas Davout, born in 1770, rose rapidly through the ranks during the French Revolutionary Wars. As a Marshal of the Empire, he commanded the III Corps in major victories at Auerstädt, Eckmühl, and Wagram. Known for his strict discipline and organizational skill, Davout rarely suffered defeat on the battlefield. In later years, he served as French Minister of War and continued to influence military reforms under the Bourbon Restoration. His unwavering loyalty to duty and military genius earned him the nickname 'The Iron Marshal.' Davout died in 1823, leaving a legacy as one of history’s most formidable military leaders.

R. E. B. Baylor was an American lawyer and politician who represented Tennessee in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1845 to 1847. After moving to the Republic of Texas, he became a Texas Supreme Court judge and one of the founding trustees of Baylor University. His commitment to education and law helped shape early institutions in Texas. As a jurist, he presided over landmark cases that influenced legal precedents in the young state. Baylor's legacy lives on through one of America’s leading private universities bearing his name.

Montgomery Blair was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 20th United States Postmaster General from 1861 to 1864 under President Abraham Lincoln. A native of Maryland, Blair played a key role in administering the postal service during the Civil War, ensuring reliable communication for the Union. Before his cabinet appointment, he was a lieutenant in the militia and a member of Congress representing Missouri. Blair's tenure was marked by efforts to suppress Confederate mail and modernize postal infrastructure. After leaving office, he returned to private law practice and remained active in political affairs until his death.

Gustav Stresemann (1878–1929) was a German statesman who served as Chancellor in 1923 and Foreign Minister from 1923 to 1929. He played a crucial role in stabilizing the Weimar Republic's economy during the hyperinflation crisis. Stresemann pursued a policy of reconciliation with France and the Western powers, promoting the Locarno Treaties. For his efforts in fostering Franco-German cooperation, he shared the 1926 Nobel Peace Prize with French Foreign Minister Aristide Briand. His leadership contributed to Germany's return to the international community and membership in the League of Nations. Stresemann's vision of moderate democracy and international engagement left a lasting impact on European diplomacy.

Symon Petliura (1879–1926) was a Ukrainian journalist, politician, and military leader who headed the Ukrainian People's Republic. He played a central role in the struggle for Ukrainian independence during and after World War I. Petliura organized the Ukrainian army to defend against Bolshevik and White Russian forces. Under his leadership, Ukraine briefly achieved recognition as an independent state in 1918–1920. He also promoted Ukrainian cultural revival by supporting literature, education, and arts. After exile to Poland and France, Petliura was assassinated in Paris in 1926, becoming a symbol of Ukrainian national aspirations.

Known as 'Landsfaderen' or 'Father of the Nation', Einar Gerhardsen led Norway's Labour Party and guided the country's postwar reconstruction. Serving from 1945 to 1951, 1955 to 1963, and briefly in 1963–65, he implemented welfare state policies and economic reforms. Under his leadership, Norway established universal social security, modernized industries, and became a founding member of NATO. Gerhardsen's pragmatic approach and dedication to social democracy shaped modern Norway's prosperity and egalitarian society.

Carl Albert represented Oklahoma in Congress from 1947 to 1977, becoming House Majority Leader and later 54th Speaker of the House from 1971 to 1977. Nicknamed the 'Little Giant of Little River,' he guided legislative efforts during the Vietnam War and Watergate crisis. Albert was instrumental in passing civil rights legislation and reforming House rules. After stepping down, he taught political science and served on corporate boards. His statesmanship and bipartisanship earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1980.

Ella T. Grasso was an American politician born in 1919 in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. A member of the Democratic Party, she served in the state legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives before running for governor. In 1974, she became the first woman in the United States elected governor in her own right. During her two terms, she focused on fiscal responsibility, education reform, and environmental protection. Grasso's leadership style was marked by pragmatism and dedication to her constituents. She left office in 1980 due to health issues and passed away in 1981.