May 15

Born in 1397, Sejong ascended the throne in 1418 and ruled until 1450. He is best known for creating Hangul, the Korean alphabet, to promote literacy among common people. Under his reign, Joseon saw significant agricultural reforms, military improvements, and the establishment of the Hall of Worthies. Sejong also supported advancements in astronomy, music, and printing technology. He is remembered as a wise and benevolent ruler whose reforms shaped Korean identity and culture.

Born in 1531 to Emperor Charles V and Isabella of Portugal, Maria belonged to the powerful Habsburg dynasty. In 1546, she married Duke William of Jülich-Cleves-Berg and became duchess consort of the united duchies. After her husband's death, Maria served as regent for her son, navigating religious tensions between Protestants and Catholics. She was a noted patron of the arts and architecture, fostering Renaissance culture in her territories. Maria's diplomatic skills helped maintain stability in her duchies amid the upheavals of the Reformation. She died in 1581, leaving a legacy as a capable and enlightened ruler.

Born in 1749 in Hingham, Massachusetts, Lincoln studied law and established a successful practice. He represented Massachusetts in the Continental Congress and served in the state legislature during the Revolutionary War. In 1801, President Thomas Jefferson appointed him as the fourth U.S. Attorney General, and he also acted as Secretary of State. Lincoln advocated for Republican principles, including states' rights and limited federal government. After resigning in 1805 due to health reasons, he returned to Massachusetts politics and served as governor. He died in 1820, remembered for his contributions to the early legal and political foundations of the United States.

Born in Trois-Rivières in 1770, Hart established a successful business in the fur trade and timber industries. In 1807 he was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada but was barred from taking his seat due to his Jewish faith. His case sparked public debate on religious tolerance and citizenship rights. Hart remained active as a militia officer and continued to expand his trading ventures. He later regained a seat in the assembly amid growing calls for civil rights. Throughout his life, he advocated for equal treatment of minority groups in colonial politics. Hart died in 1843, remembered for his pioneering role in advancing Jewish civil rights in Canada.

Born in Koblenz in 1773, Metternich rose rapidly through the diplomatic ranks under the Habsburg monarchy. As Austrian Foreign Minister and later State Chancellor, he played a central role at the Congress of Vienna in 1814–1815. Metternich championed a conservative order aimed at restoring stability through a balance of power among European states. He implemented the Metternich System of alliances to suppress revolutionary movements and maintain the status quo. His policies preserved peace in Europe for several decades but made him a target for liberal reformers. Domestically, Metternich used censorship and secret police to weaken opposition within the empire. He resigned in 1848 during widespread revolutions and spent his later years in exile. Metternich died in 1859, remembered as one of the 19th century's most influential architects of European diplomacy.

Born in the Mani Peninsula in 1786, Plapoutas joined the Filiki Eteria and fought against Ottoman rule from 1821. He commanded forces in key engagements such as the Siege of Tripolitsa and the Battle of Drăgașani. Celebrated for his courage and tactical skill, he earned the nickname 'The Lion of Mani.' After independence, he served as a senior military official and helped organize the new national army. Transitioning to politics, Plapoutas was elected to the National Assembly and held various administrative positions. He opposed foreign intervention but worked to strengthen Greece's sovereignty and institutions. During civil conflicts, he faced exile but was later restored to favor. Plapoutas died in 1864, leaving a legacy as a founding hero of modern Greece.

Born in Valladolid (now Morelia) in 1803, Almonte joined the military and rose to the rank of colonel in the Mexican army. In his diplomatic career, he represented Mexico in London and Washington, negotiating treaties on trade and territorial disputes. As tensions mounted during the French intervention, he aligned with Emperor Maximilian and was appointed regent in 1864. His support for the imperial cause made him a controversial figure among republicans. After the fall of the empire in 1867, Almonte went into exile in Europe and published memoirs on Mexican politics. He advocated for a constitutional monarchy as a path to stability in Mexico. Although his legacy remains complex, his diplomatic skills and unwavering loyalty to his cause are notable. Almonte died in Paris in 1869.

Born in 1805, Carter trained as a solicitor specializing in railway law during Britain's railway expansion. He represented major railway companies in court and helped draft pioneering statutes on rail regulation. Elected MP for Coventry in 1857, he campaigned for infrastructure development and legal clarity in commerce. Carter chaired parliamentary committees on transport that shaped safety standards and corporate responsibilities. His expertise bridged the interests of private rail companies and public policy concerns. Serving multiple terms, he advocated free trade and industrial growth in Parliament. After retiring from politics, he continued his legal practice and advised on transport legislation. Carter died in 1878, remembered as a key figure in the development of railway law.

Frank Hornby (1863–1936) was an English businessman and inventor who revolutionized the toy industry by inventing Meccano in 1901. His modular metal construction sets enabled children and hobbyists to build working models of vehicles, buildings, and machines. Hornby later expanded his enterprise to include Dinky Toys and Hornby Model Railways, establishing a global brand. He also entered politics, serving as a Member of Parliament and advocating for education and industrial innovation. Hornby’s entrepreneurial vision and creativity left a lasting impact on learning through play and the development of engineering hobbies.

John Storey (1869–1921) was an Australian politician and member of the Australian Labor Party. He served as the 20th Premier of New South Wales from April 1920 until his death in October 1921. A committed advocate for labor rights, he championed improved wages and working conditions. Storey led the state through the post-World War I economic downturn and navigated complex industrial disputes. Under his leadership, New South Wales saw the expansion of public infrastructure and social welfare initiatives. His pragmatic approach and dedication to social reform left an enduring mark on Australian political history.

Oskari Tokoi (1873–1963) was one of Finland's first prominent socialist politicians. In 1917, he became Chairman of the Senate of Finland, effectively serving as head of government. Tokoi led the Senate during a critical period that saw Finland declare independence from Russia. A staunch advocate for workers' rights, he implemented progressive labor reforms and social policies. Following the Finnish Civil War, he went into exile and continued his political activism abroad. Tokoi's leadership helped shape the foundation of Finland's parliamentary democracy.

Born in 1895, Prescott Bush served as a captain in the U.S. Army during World War I. After the war, he joined Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. and became a prominent investment banker. He was elected as a Republican U.S. Senator for Connecticut in 1952 and served until 1963. Bush helped shape postwar economic policies in Washington and built a powerful political network. He is also remembered as the father of President George H. W. Bush and grandfather of President George W. Bush.