June 14

Ferdinand II was a Habsburg archduke of Further Austria and ruler of Tyrol. Born in Vienna, he was the son of Emperor Ferdinand I. In 1564, he became Archduke, administering Tyrol and Further Austria. He reorganized the military and improved fortress defenses. Ferdinand patronized mining and commerce in his domains. His reign saw economic reforms that stabilized regional finances. He supported the Counter-Reformation and strengthened Catholic institutions. Ferdinand's governance set the stage for his nephew's later imperial rule.

Born in 1798 in Prague, František Palacký is considered one of the most important figures in Czech historiography. He wrote a comprehensive multi-volume history of the Bohemian nation. He played a leading role in the 1848 revolutions and served in the Austrian parliament. Palacký's political activities helped shape Czech national identity in the 19th century. His scholarly works remain influential in Central European studies. He passed away in 1876, leaving a monumental legacy as a historian and statesman.

Born in 1819, Henry Gardner built a successful career as a merchant before entering politics. He was a member of the Know Nothing party and was elected Governor of Massachusetts in 1855. During his term, he focused on fiscal reforms and improving public education in the state. Gardner navigated the political tensions of pre-Civil War America, balancing nativist sentiments and state governance. After leaving office, he returned to private business and continued civic involvement. He died in 1892, remembered for his leadership during a turbulent era in Massachusetts politics.

Born in 1838 in the Chōshū Domain, Yamagata Aritomo was instrumental in the Meiji Restoration. He studied Western military techniques and helped transform Japan’s feudal forces into a modern Imperial Army. As Prime Minister from 1889 to 1891 and again from 1898 to 1900, he shaped Japan’s political and military policies. Yamagata was also a leading figure in establishing the conscription system and strengthening national defense. His leadership laid the foundation for Japan’s emergence as a major world power in the early 20th century. He died in 1922, honored as one of Japan’s great military and political architects.

Born in 1855, Robert M. La Follette rose from a career in law to become one of America’s leading Progressive politicians. He served as Governor of Wisconsin from 1901 to 1906, implementing primary elections and tax reforms. Elected to the U.S. Senate in 1906, he championed anti-corruption measures, labor protections, and greater government accountability. Known as Fighting Bob, he confronted powerful corporate interests and promoted direct democracy. In 1924, he led the Progressive Party presidential campaign, advocating for national reform. La Follette's legacy endures in the institutions and policies that strengthened American democracy.

Born in 1870 into the Prussian royal family, Princess Sophia married the future King of Greece and served as Queen consort in the early 20th century. She supported charitable causes and cultural patronage amid political upheavals, including the Balkan Wars and World War I. Sophia navigated tensions between her German birth and Greek allegiance, fostering diplomatic ties through her royal networks. She championed healthcare and education projects, leaving a social legacy beyond ceremonial duties. In exile after the monarchy's deposition, she continued philanthropic work for displaced Greeks. Sophia died in 1932, remembered for her resilience and civic dedication.

Marie-Adélaïde was the first reigning Grand Duchess of Luxembourg. She ascended to the throne in 1912 at the age of 18. Her reign encompassed the tumultuous years of World War I and German occupation. Known for her sympathetic stance toward her people, she provided support during wartime hardships. Controversy over her perceived closeness to German authorities led to her abdication in 1919. After stepping down, she retired to a religious life in Belgium. Marie-Adélaïde's brief reign marked a significant chapter in Luxembourg's history.

Pierre Salinger began his journalism career at the San Francisco Chronicle. He was appointed White House Press Secretary in 1961, serving Presidents Kennedy and Johnson until 1964. After his government service, he became a correspondent for ABC News, reporting from Vietnam and other hotspots. Salinger wrote several political books and was known for his eloquent commentary. He ran for the U.S. Senate in California in 1964 and narrowly contested the results. Later, he served on the California State Board of Equalization and remained active in Democratic politics. Salinger's contributions bridged journalism and public service, and he passed away in 2004.

Born in Rosario, Argentina, Ernesto 'Che' Guevara studied medicine at the University of Buenos Aires. He traveled across South America and witnessed social injustices that influenced his political views. Guevara joined Fidel Castro's 26th of July Movement in Cuba in 1956, playing a key role in the revolution. After the victory, he held positions in Cuba's government, overseeing industrial and agrarian reform. He documented his battlefield experiences in 'The Motorcycle Diaries' and other writings. In later years, Guevara attempted to spark revolutions abroad, including in the Congo and Bolivia. Captured and executed in Bolivia in 1967, he became an enduring symbol of rebellion and anti-imperialism.

Born in 1939 in New York City, Hoyer earned his law degree from Georgetown University. He was first elected to Congress from Maryland’s 5th district in 1980 and has served continuously since 1981. Hoyer held key leadership roles, including House Majority Leader and Whip, guiding legislative strategy. He played a pivotal role in passing major bills on education, healthcare, and economic stimulus. Known for his bipartisan approach, he has worked to build consensus on Capitol Hill. Hoyer’s long tenure and leadership have made him one of the most influential figures in modern American politics.

Born on June 14, 1946 in Queens, New York, Donald J. Trump graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1968. He transformed his family’s real estate business into a global brand, developing landmark properties such as Trump Tower and leading major casino and hotel ventures. Trump gained wider fame as the star of NBC’s reality show The Apprentice. In 2016, he was elected the 45th President of the United States and served one term, during which he pursued ambitious trade and immigration policies and was impeached twice. After losing the 2020 election, he remained an influential figure in American politics. In 2024, he won a second term as the 47th President, continuing to shape the national agenda.

Roger Liddle, Baron Liddle, was born on June 14, 1947 and educated in the UK before focusing his career on European affairs. He served as a special adviser to Prime Minister Tony Blair, shaping the UK’s relationship with the European Union. Liddle also held senior roles within the European Commission and advised multiple UK governments on social and foreign policy. In 2010, he was appointed to the House of Lords, where he continues to influence policy debates. As chair of Policy Network, he leads discussions on progressive policy solutions. Liddle is known for his deep expertise in European integration and his commitment to social democratic principles.