May 27

Born Li Kuo in 742, he ascended the throne in 779 after the death of his father, Emperor Daizong. Emperor Dezong faced ongoing military rebellions and worked to restore central authority over regional jiedushi. He introduced fiscal reforms to stabilize the treasury and curb the power of local governors. His reign oversaw a cultural revival and improvements in civil service examinations. Despite challenges, he strengthened imperial control and left a lasting impact on Tang governance. He died in 805 after 26 years of rule.

Born in 1537 to Philip I of Hesse, he inherited the Marburg territory and continued his father’s Protestant reforms. He engaged in territorial disputes with relatives in Hesse-Darmstadt over succession and religious policies. A patron of education, he supported the University of Marburg and encouraged scholarly pursuits. His rule was marked by efforts to strengthen the local economy and civic institutions. He died in 1604, leaving a principality shaped by his administrative reforms and religious commitments.

Born in 1626 in The Hague as the son of Frederick Henry, he succeeded his father as stadtholder in 1647 at the age of twenty-one. He led Dutch forces in conflicts against England and sought to strengthen central authority in the decentralized republic. His secret marriage to Mary Stuart linked the House of Orange to the English royal family. William’s efforts to curb the power of provincial estates created tensions with the States General. He died suddenly in 1650 at the age of twenty-four, leaving his post to his son William III and altering the course of Dutch politics.

Born as a member of the German Palatine royal family, Elizabeth Charlotte married Philippe I, Duke of Orléans, younger brother of King Louis XIV. Known affectionately as Liselotte, she gained a reputation for her frank and lively correspondence with relatives back home. Her letters provide historians with vivid insights into the intrigues, fashions, and personal relationships of the French court. She maintained her Protestant faith in a predominantly Catholic environment and often commented on religious tensions. A prolific writer, her surviving collection spans thousands of pages and was published after her death. Today she is celebrated both for her literary merit and for the unique historical perspective her writings afford.

Born in 1738 in Charlestown, Massachusetts, Nathaniel Gorham began his career as a successful merchant in shipbuilding and trade. He was elected to the Massachusetts Provincial Congress before joining the Continental Congress in 1782. In 1786, he served briefly as President of the Continental Congress, guiding debates during the critical post-war period. As a delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, he contributed to shaping the United States Constitution and became a signatory of the final document. After the Convention, Gorham held various state offices and engaged in land development ventures in Maine. His work in both commerce and politics helped lay the foundations of the early American republic, although his contributions are often overshadowed by more prominent Founding Fathers.

Born in 1756 as Elector of Bavaria, Maximilian I Joseph rose to prominence within the Holy Roman Empire. In 1806, he allied with Napoleon Bonaparte and was elevated to King of Bavaria, playing a pivotal role in the Confederation of the Rhine. He enacted liberal reforms including administrative modernization, legal codification, and religious toleration that transformed Bavarian society. A patron of the arts and sciences, he founded institutions such as the Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. After Napoleon’s defeat, he skillfully negotiated at the Congress of Vienna to secure his kingdom’s sovereignty. His reign laid the foundations for a modern Bavarian state whose institutions endured long after his death in 1825.

Sir Henry Parkes was born in 1815 in Warwickshire, England, and emigrated to Australia in 1839. Rising from schoolteacher to newspaper editor, he was elected to the New South Wales legislature in 1854. As Premier, a position he held five times, he championed educational reform, public works, and immigration policies. In 1889 he delivered the famous Tenterfield Oration, calling for the federation of Australian colonies. Parkes’s leadership and oratory laid the groundwork for the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901, earning him the title 'Father of Federation.' A tireless reformer, he also advocated for railway expansion and social welfare measures. He died in 1896, leaving a lasting political legacy in the nation he helped shape.

Samuel F. Miller was an American lawyer and Republican politician active during the mid-19th century. He was born in Schoharie County, New York, and studied law before being admitted to the bar in 1849. Miller served as prosecuting attorney for Delaware County and gained recognition for his legal acumen. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for three terms between 1861 and 1871, where he chaired the Committee on Invalid Pensions. After leaving Congress, he returned to his law practice and remained engaged in local affairs. He died in East Meredith, New York, in 1892.

Zenas Ferry Moody was born in Massachusetts and moved west as a surveyor aiding early development of Oregon's infrastructure. After founding the city of The Dalles, he embarked on a political career as a Republican. He served in the Oregon State Senate before being elected governor in 1882. As governor, he focused on expanding the state’s railroad network and improving public education. After his term, he continued to influence state politics and business interests until his death in 1917.

Manuel Teixeira Gomes embarked on a diplomatic career representing Portugal in South America before entering politics. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected as the 7th President of Portugal in 1923 amid political instability. During his presidency, he championed social reforms and sought to stabilize the republic. Facing mounting pressures and military opposition, he chose voluntary exile in 1925, living in France and Spain. Besides his political life, Gomes was an accomplished writer and patron of the arts. He died in Bougie, Algeria, in 1941, leaving behind a complex legacy of literary and political achievements.

Hans Lammers was born in 1879 and pursued a legal career before joining the Nazi Party in 1933. Appointed Chief of the Reich Chancellery in 1933, he became one of Hitler’s closest aides, overseeing the administration of government decrees and correspondence. Lammers wielded significant influence in coordinating policy across ministries and was a defendant at the Nuremberg Trials, where he was sentenced for his role in the Nazi regime. After his release, he lived in obscurity until his death in 1962, leaving a complex legacy intertwined with the workings of totalitarian government.

Born in Roland, Manitoba, Douglas Lloyd Campbell began his career as a schoolteacher and principal before entering politics. He was elected to the Manitoba legislature in 1932 and led the Liberal-Progressive Party as Premier from 1948 to 1958. Campbell championed rural development, balanced budgets, and moderate social reforms, earning broad support among constituents. After leaving the premiership, he continued representing Lakeside until retiring in 1969, marking one of Canada's longest political careers. He lived to be 99, remembered for his steady leadership and commitment to public service.