May 25

Emperor Shenzong of Song, personal name Zhao Xu, was the sixth emperor of the Song dynasty, ruling from 1067 until his death in 1085. He embraced and supported the ambitious reform program proposed by his chancellor Wang Anshi, known as the New Policies, which aimed to strengthen the empire's finances and military. Under his reign, the Song state saw increased centralization and fiscal reforms, though they faced resistance from conservative officials. Shenzong also navigated military challenges against the Liao dynasty and Western Xia, prompting further defense reorganizations. His patronage of scholarship and culture fostered a flourishing bureaucracy and contributed to the Song dynasty's vibrant intellectual life.

Toghon Temür was the tenth and final emperor of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty, ruling from 1333 until his deposition in 1368. His reign was marked by internal court struggles, financial difficulties, and widespread rebellions such as the Red Turban uprising. Faced with mounting challenges, the Yuan court retreated northward to Mongolia as the Ming dynasty seized control of China proper. Known posthumously as Emperor Huizong, Toghon Temür lived his later years in exile and died in 1370. His fall symbolized the end of Mongol rule in China, but he maintained the rituals and traditions of the imperial court in exile.

Emperor Sukō, born in 1334, was the third sovereign of the Northern Court during Japan's Nanboku-chō period. He ascended the throne in 1348 amid a dynastic split between rival imperial lines and reigned until his abdication in 1351. His tenure reflected the political turmoil and military conflicts of the era. After abdicating, he lived as a cloistered emperor and maintained influence over court affairs. Sukō died in 1398, and his reign is remembered for exemplifying the complexities of legitimacy and power during medieval Japan's period of divided courts.

Catherine of Cleves was born in 1417 into the powerful House of Cleves. She married Arnold, Duke of Guelders, becoming duchess consort and later regent for her son in 1473. As regent, she navigated political rivalries and worked to stabilize her duchy amid regional conflicts. Catherine was also known for her patronage of artists and scholars, contributing to the cultural flourishing of the Burgundian Netherlands. Her governance reflected both diplomatic skill and a commitment to fostering learning and art. She died in 1479, remembered as a capable leader and cultural benefactor.

John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, was born in 1713 into the Scottish aristocracy. He became a close confidant and tutor to the future King George III, influencing the monarch's early political views. In 1762, Bute was appointed Prime Minister of Great Britain, leading negotiations that ended the Seven Years' War with the Treaty of Paris. His tenure was marked by controversy and criticism over his handling of peace terms and perceived favoritism by the king. After resigning in 1763, he remained an influential figure at court and in cultural circles. Bute died in 1792, remembered for his political achievements and his role in shaping the early reign of George III.

Samuel Ward was born in 1725 in Westerly, Rhode Island, into a prominent colonial family. He studied law and entered politics, becoming a delegate to the Rhode Island General Assembly. Ward served as governor from 1762 to 1763 and again from 1765 until his death in 1776, advocating for colonial rights and a revised charter. He opposed British taxation policies and supported colonial unity, presiding over the Stamp Act Congress in 1765. Ward died shortly after delivering ammunition to patriots during the early stages of the American Revolution. He is commemorated as a patriot leader in Rhode Island and an advocate for colonial self-government.

Philip Pendleton Barbour was born in 1783 in Locust Hill, Virginia. He represented Virginia in the U.S. House of Representatives and became known for his strong advocacy of states' rights. In 1835 he was elected the 12th Speaker of the House, presiding over the chamber during a period of intense political debate. In 1836 President Andrew Jackson appointed him as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Barbour served on the Supreme Court until his death in 1841, leaving a legacy as a staunch defender of strict constitutional interpretation.

Minh Mạng was the second emperor of the Nguyễn Dynasty in Vietnam, reigning from 1820 to 1841. He worked to strengthen the centralized administrative structure and enforce Confucian governance across the country. Minh Mạng promoted modernization efforts but remained cautious about European influence. He commissioned major irrigation and road projects to improve the economy and military defenses. His reign was marked by cultural patronage and the suppression of internal dissent until his death in 1841.

Edward Bulwer-Lytton was born in 1803 and rose to fame as a novelist and playwright. He served as a Member of Parliament and was appointed Secretary of State for the Colonies in 1858. Bulwer-Lytton wrote popular works including "The Last Days of Pompeii" and coined the phrase "the pen is mightier than the sword." He used his political connections to influence literary and imperial policy. His career bridged the worlds of literature and politics until his death in 1873.

William Maxwell Aitken, known as Lord Beaverbrook, was a powerful newspaper publisher and politician. He built the Daily Express into one of Britain’s most widely read newspapers. Appointed Minister of Aircraft Production in World War II, he dramatically increased fighter aircraft output. As Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, he held key cabinet positions under Winston Churchill. His sharp political acumen and media control shaped public opinion during pivotal moments in British history. Beaverbrook remained an influential figure in both the press and government until his death in 1964.

Rash Behari Bose was a key figure in the Indian independence movement known for organizing early armed uprisings against British rule. He played a leading role in the Ghadar Mutiny of 1915, which sought to incite soldiers in the British Indian Army to rebel. After escaping to Japan, Bose continued his activism by founding the Indian Independence League and forging alliances with Japanese authorities. He worked alongside other exiled revolutionaries and maintained the vision of a free India. His efforts laid important groundwork for the later Indian National Army led by Subhas Chandra Bose. Remembered for his courage and strategic acumen, he passed away in Tokyo in 1945.