May 20

Born into the House of Luxembourg in 1315, Bonne married the future King John II in 1332 and served as queen consort until her death in 1349. She was instrumental in forging alliances between France and Luxembourg through her royal connections. As queen, she patronized the arts and encouraged cultural exchange across her court. Bonne was the mother of the future King Charles V, ensuring her legacy within the Valois dynasty. Her tenure coincided with the early years of the Hundred Years' War and the onset of the Black Death, highlighting her resilience and influence during turbulent times.

Thado Minsaw of Ava was appointed viceroy in 1531 and oversaw the region of Upper Burma from the capital at Ava. A close relative of King Tabinshwehti, he led military campaigns and implemented administrative reforms that bolstered the dynasty's reach. His tenure was marked by effective diplomacy with neighboring states and consolidation of royal authority. Known for his organizational skill, he maintained order in a strategic frontier province. Thado Minsaw remained a key figure until his death in 1584, shaping the political landscape of early modern Burma.

Born in 1575, Robert Heath rose through the legal ranks to become a prominent judge and member of Parliament. Appointed Chief Justice of the Common Pleas by King Charles I, he presided over key cases during a time of mounting tension between crown and Parliament. Heath was respected for his meticulous legal reasoning and steadfast loyalty to the monarchy. His career culminated in an impeachment by Parliament in 1644 amid the English Civil War. After a period of confinement, he retired and died in 1649, remembered for his role in shaping early Stuart jurisprudence.

Born on the island of Hydra in 1769, Andreas Vokos Miaoulis became one of the foremost naval leaders during Greece's struggle for independence. He organized and financed privateer fleets, securing key victories at battles such as Paros and Samos. His innovative use of fire ships disrupted Ottoman supply lines and boosted Greek morale. After independence, Miaoulis served in the new government and continued to influence naval affairs. Despite later political controversies, his reputation as a patriotic commander endured. He died in 1835, honored as a founding hero of modern Greece.

Pedro María de Anaya was a Mexican army officer and statesman during the turbulent era of the Mexican-American War. He distinguished himself at the Battle of Churubusco in 1847, sustaining serious wounds while organizing the defense of Mexico City. Anaya served as interim President of Mexico twice, in 1847 and again in 1848, navigating the nation through international conflict. As president, he negotiated prisoner exchanges and sought to maintain national unity amid defeat. Born in Huichapan, he rose through military ranks and gained a reputation for courage and leadership. His steadfast defense of Mexican sovereignty made him a national hero and symbol of resistance. He later held positions in government and the military until his death in 1854.

Alfred Domett was an English-born poet, novelist, and politician who became the fourth Prime Minister of New Zealand. He emigrated to New Zealand in 1841 and served in the colonial government, focusing on land policy and exploration. Domett's poetry, including the epic Ida, gained attention for its vivid landscapes and romantic style. As Premier from 1862 to 1863, he navigated challenges such as the New Zealand Wars and financial strain. He promoted infrastructure projects and advocated for responsible government in the colony. Domett maintained friendships with major literary figures in England, helping to connect New Zealand culture with Europe. After politics, he continued writing and supported local arts until his death in 1887.

William Fargo was an American businessman and politician best known for co-founding American Express and Wells Fargo. Born in New York, he began his career as a clerk before entering the express and banking industries. In 1850 he partnered with Henry Wells to form American Express, providing financial and express services across the country. Two years later, in 1852, he and Wells established Wells Fargo & Company to facilitate mail and gold transport during the California Gold Rush. Fargo served as mayor of Buffalo, New York, in 1862, combining public service with his commercial ventures. His leadership shaped the growth of transportation and financial networks in 19th-century America. His legacy lives on in two of the largest financial institutions in the world.

Jules Méline (1838–1925) was a prominent French lawyer and politician who led the government as Prime Minister from 1896 to 1898. As Minister of Agriculture, he introduced the Méline tariff in 1892 to protect domestic industries and support rural communities. He championed economic protectionism and social reforms, focusing on education and public welfare. Méline was known for his skilled oratory and pragmatic approach in the Chamber of Deputies. After his premiership, he remained active in politics and continued influencing fiscal policy. His legacy includes shaping the economic landscape of the French Third Republic.

George Prendergast (1854–1937) was an Australian politician and a key figure in the Victorian Labor Party. He became the 28th Premier of Victoria in 1924, leading a minority government committed to social welfare and educational reforms. His administration proposed measures to improve working conditions and expand public health services. Prendergast's background in journalism and labor activism shaped his pragmatic leadership style. After his brief term in office, he continued to represent North Melbourne in the Legislative Assembly and advocate for labor rights. His dedication to social justice had a lasting influence on Victorian politics.

Faisal I of Iraq (1883-1933) was the son of Sharif Hussein and a central figure in the Arab Revolt against Ottoman rule. He was briefly proclaimed King of Syria in 1920 before being deposed by French forces. In 1921, the British installed him as the inaugural King of Iraq under the British Mandate. He championed constitutional government and sought to unite Iraq's diverse ethnic and religious communities. He promoted infrastructure projects such as railways and educational institutions to modernize the country. His reign established the foundations of the modern Iraqi state and inspired pan-Arab nationalism.

Henry Bolte served as Premier of Victoria from 1955 to 1972, making him the longest-serving leader in the state's history. Born in Ballarat, he rose through the Liberal Party advocating infrastructure development, industrial growth, and strict law-and-order measures. His controversial decision to proceed with Australia's last judicial execution in 1967 sparked national debate. Bolte also supported cultural initiatives and expanded education and health services. His pragmatic leadership style and electoral success left a lasting impact on Victoria's political landscape.

Moshe Dayan (1915–1981) was a celebrated Israeli military leader and politician. He served as Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces during the 1956 Suez Crisis and as Minister of Defense in the Six-Day War of 1967. Dayan was famed for his eyepatch, symbolizing both his personal sacrifice and national resilience. After his military career, he held senior political roles, including Foreign Minister, shaping Israel's diplomatic relations. His strategic vision and charismatic leadership made him one of the most influential figures in Israeli history.