May 14

Born in Prague in 1316 as the eldest son of John of Bohemia. He was elected King of Bohemia in 1346 and became Holy Roman Emperor in 1355. He issued the Golden Bull of 1356, which established the constitutional framework of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1348 he founded Charles University in Prague, the first university in Central Europe. Under his rule, imperial authority was consolidated and Prague emerged as a cultural center. He died in 1378, leaving a legacy as one of the most influential medieval European rulers.

Born in 1553 to King Henry II of France and Catherine de' Medici, Margaret of Valois was a French princess of the Valois dynasty. In 1572 she married Henry of Navarre in an attempt to reconcile Catholics and Huguenots. The marriage triggered the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre, one of the bloodiest episodes of the French Wars of Religion. Her union with Henry IV was annulled in 1599, but she retained her royal title and influence at court. Margaret is celebrated for her candid and witty memoirs, which provide valuable insight into 16th-century French politics and culture. She died in 1615, leaving behind a reputation as a cultured and politically astute figure.

Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was born in 1657 and succeeded his father Shivaji as the second ruler of the Maratha Empire in 1681. He led aggressive campaigns against the Mughal forces of Emperor Aurangzeb and defended Maratha territory with tenacity. Sambhaji's reign was marked by rapid military engagements and efforts to consolidate Maratha power in western India. In 1689, he was captured by the Mughals and executed, becoming a martyr and symbol of resistance. His brief but impactful rule inspired future generations of Maratha leaders. Sambhaji's legacy endures in regional folklore, monuments, and the continued prominence of the Maratha Confederacy.

Born in 1666, Victor Amadeus II inherited the Duchy of Savoy and skillfully navigated the War of the Spanish Succession. He allied with the Habsburgs, securing the Kingdom of Sicily in 1713 and later exchanging it for Sardinia in 1720. As King of Sardinia, he introduced administrative and financial reforms that strengthened his territories. He modernized the army and promoted trade and infrastructure projects, laying the foundation for his state's growth. Victor Amadeus abdicated in 1730 in favor of his son but remained influential in European politics. He died in 1732, remembered as a shrewd diplomat and builder of the Savoyard state.

Adolf Frederick (1710–1771) served as King of Sweden during the Age of Liberty. His reign was characterized by the rise of parliamentary governance and limited royal power. He was popular among his subjects for his gracious and indulgent lifestyle. Adolf Frederick's monarchy experienced cultural growth alongside political tensions among the estates. Though his authority was constrained, his tenure symbolized the evolving role of European monarchs.

Ludovico Manin (1725–1802) was the 120th Doge of Venice and the last to hold the office. He assumed leadership in 1789 amid increasing pressures from revolutionary France. In 1797, under Napoleon's ultimatum, he peacefully surrendered Venice, ending its republic. Manin witnessed the city's transfer to Austrian control before retiring from public life. His reign marks the closing chapter of one of history's longest-lasting maritime republics.

George Macartney, 1st Earl Macartney (1737–1806), was an Irish-English politician and diplomat. He served as the first British Governor of Grenada after its cession from France in 1763. Macartney is best known for leading the 1792–1794 embassy to China, the first British diplomatic mission to the Qing court. Although the mission did not secure formal trade rights, it marked a landmark in East-West relations. He later held high offices such as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and Ambassador to Russia. Macartney's career reflects the expanding global reach of the British Empire in the late 18th century.

Samuel Dexter (1761–1816) was an American lawyer and prominent Federalist politician. He represented Massachusetts in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Dexter served as the 4th U.S. Secretary of War in 1800 and the 3rd Secretary of the Treasury under John Adams. Though his tenures were brief, he managed key transitions following the contentious 1800 election. After leaving public office, he returned to legal practice and remained influential in Federalist circles. His career highlights the formative challenges of the early American republic.

James Martin (1820–1886) was an Irish-born Australian statesman and jurist who left a lasting mark on New South Wales politics. After emigrating as a child, he became one of the colony's leading barristers, later entering politics as Attorney General. Martin served as Premier three times between 1863 and 1873, championing legal reforms and infrastructure development. In 1873, he was appointed Chief Justice of New South Wales, becoming the first former premier to hold the position. His dual career in politics and the judiciary helped shape the colony's legal and governance institutions.

Born in Munich, Eisner worked as a journalist and was active in the Social Democratic Party of Germany. He played a key role in the German Revolution of 1918–1919 and declared Bavaria a free socialist republic. Eisner served as minister-president from November 1918 until his assassination in February 1919. During his brief tenure, he sought to implement democratic reforms and socialization measures. His assassination by a right-wing nationalist intensified political violence during the early Weimar Republic.

Born in Adelaide, Hill became involved in the labor movement and was elected to the South Australian House of Assembly in 1918. He served as Treasurer before becoming Premier in 1926. His tenure was marked by economic challenges and the onset of the Great Depression, leading to controversial budget cuts. Internal party divisions over his policies forced his resignation in 1927. Hill later served as Agent-General for South Australia in London and died in 1963.

Born in New York City, Hulbert studied law and began his career as a practicing attorney. He served as a local politician and was later appointed to the judiciary, where he presided over important cases. His dual roles as judge and public official demonstrated his commitment to upholding the law and serving the community. Hulbert's decisions and legislative efforts reflected his belief in fairness and civic responsibility. He passed away in 1950 after a lifetime of public service.