May 18

Emperor Taizong, born Yelü Deguang, succeeded his father as the second ruler of the Liao dynasty in 926. He consolidated the Khitan state and expanded its influence across northern China and the Mongolian steppes. He implemented legal reforms to integrate Khitan and Han Chinese systems, promoting cultural exchange. Under his reign, the Liao dynasty established diplomatic relations with neighboring states and managed internal clan rivalries. He died in 947, leaving a strengthened and more unified empire.

Frederick I was a member of the Ardennes-Verdun dynasty who inherited the title of Duke of Upper Lorraine in 959. He governed a key frontier region of the Holy Roman Empire, balancing relations between local nobles and imperial authority. His rule contributed to the stability of Lorraine during the reigns of Emperors Otto I and Otto II. He engaged in military actions to defend his territory against external threats. He died in 978, leaving a lineage that continued to play an important role in imperial politics.

Frederick was appointed Duke of Lower Lorraine around 1033 and held the title until his death in 1065. As a powerful feudal lord, he managed a strategic territory bordering France and the Low Countries. He participated in imperial councils and military campaigns under Holy Roman Emperors Conrad II and Henry III. His administration strengthened regional defenses and maintained feudal order. His death in 1065 marked the end of his branch of the Ardennes dynasty.

Eric IX, also called Eric the Holy, ascended to the Swedish throne around 1156 and ruled until his assassination in 1160. He led a crusade to Finland, aiming to spread Christianity and secure trade routes. Chroniclers depict him as a pious ruler who enforced church laws and supported missionary work. After his death in Uppsala, he was venerated as a saint, and his shrine became a pilgrimage site. His legacy endures in Swedish national identity and religious tradition.

Vladislaus II was born into the Piast dynasty around 1332 and inherited the duchy of Opole in Silesia in 1356. He maintained relative autonomy by balancing relations with the Kingdom of Bohemia and neighboring Polish territories. His reign saw urban development and economic growth in Opole. He founded monasteries and supported the Franciscan order. His death in 1401 concluded a reign marked by political skill and patronage of culture.

Born in 1352 into the Wittelsbach dynasty, Rupert became Count Palatine of the Rhine in 1398. Elected King of Germany in 1400, he sought to restore imperial authority following the deposition of King Wenceslaus. During his reign, he faced opposition from rival princes and engaged in disputes over imperial cities and territories. Rupert attempted to secure the imperial crown by negotiating with the papacy and regional rulers. His policies emphasized strengthening the central government and reforming coinage. Despite his efforts, his reign was marked by limited success in unifying the fractious empire. He died in 1410 at Neustadt an der Weinstraße, leaving a contested legacy among the German states.

Charles Hardy was born in 1714 in Portsmouth, England, and joined the Royal Navy, rising through the ranks to become an admiral. During the Seven Years’ War, he commanded squadrons in North American waters, protecting British interests against French forces. In 1755, Hardy was appointed the 29th Governor of the Province of New York, where he oversaw militia organization and defense preparations. He balanced military duties with administration, negotiating with colonial assemblies and local leaders. After his governorship, he returned to naval service and was later named Governor of Newfoundland. Hardy's career exemplified the interconnected roles of naval officer and colonial administrator in the British Empire. He died in 1780 aboard his flagship, leaving a record of service at sea and in government.

José Gabriel Condorcanqui, known as Túpac Amaru II, was born in 1742 and claimed descent from the Inca royal family. In 1780, he led a major rebellion against Spanish authorities in the Viceroyalty of Peru, demanding indigenous rights and the abolition of forced labor. His forces achieved early victories, capturing key towns before the rebellion was eventually suppressed by colonial troops. Túpac Amaru II's movement inspired future Latin American independence efforts and remains a symbol of indigenous resistance. After his capture in 1781, he was publicly executed in Cusco, a display intended to deter further revolt. His last words appealed to unity among native peoples and mestizos against oppression. His legacy endures in Peruvian culture and the wider history of anti-colonial struggles.

Born in 1780 in New York, Richard McCarty studied law and was admitted to the bar in the early 19th century. He entered politics as a member of the New York State Assembly before being elected to the Twenty-first United States Congress (1829–1831). During his term, he participated in debates on infrastructure development and states' rights. After leaving Congress, McCarty continued to practice law and remained active in public affairs. He died in 1844, remembered for his contributions to New York politics and early national governance.

Louis-Napoléon Casault (1823–1908) was a Canadian lawyer, judge, and politician active in Quebec. He represented the Bellechasse district in the Legislative Assembly following Canadian Confederation. In 1873 he was appointed to the Quebec Superior Court, where he presided over significant civil cases. Casault's legal judgments helped shape Quebec's judicial framework in its early years. He remains remembered for his contributions to both law and the political landscape of 19th-century Canada.

Chen Qimei (1878–1916) was a key figure in the Chinese revolutionary movement against the Qing dynasty. A close associate and mentor of Chiang Kai-shek, he helped found the Tongmenghui in 1905. Chen organized uprisings in Shanghai and strengthened revolutionary networks across southern China. He served briefly as military governor of Zhejiang Province following the 1911 Revolution. Assassinated in 1916, Chen is remembered for his strategic vision and sacrifice in the struggle for a modern China.

Frank Walsh was an influential Australian politician and leader in South Australia's labor movement. Born in 1897, he built a career as a trade unionist before entering the South Australian Parliament. Walsh served as the 34th Premier of South Australia from 1965 to 1967. His administration focused on social welfare, education reforms, and infrastructure development. He earned a reputation for pragmatism and dedication to working-class interests. After retiring from politics, he remained a respected figure in the Labor Party. Walsh's tenure left a lasting impact on South Australian governance and policy.