July 10

Born in 1419 and enthroned at age nine after the death of his predecessor. His reign saw significant court factionalism and the Ōnin War. He served as a figurehead under the Ashikaga shogunate. Abdicated in favor of his son in 1464 after a 36-year reign. Retired emperor status allowed him to influence court affairs until his death in 1471. His era names included Eikyō, Kakitsu, Bun'an, and Ōnin, marking turbulent times.

Born in 1451 and crowned king at age eight after his father's death. He fostered Renaissance culture through architecture and court arts. Pursued administrative reforms to strengthen royal authority. Faced constant rebellion from powerful Scottish nobles and distrust at court. Defeated and killed by insurgent lords at the Battle of Sauchieburn in 1488. He was succeeded by his son, James IV, ushering in a new era for Scotland.

Born in 1515 into a noble Castilian family. Appointed Viceroy of Peru in 1569 by King Philip II. Implemented comprehensive reforms in colonial governance and justice. Regulated the encomienda system and protected indigenous communities from abuses. Established the Real Audiencia of Lima as the highest colonial court. Promoted silver mining and agricultural development to boost royal revenues. Strengthened coastal defenses and quashed local revolts. Died in 1582, remembered as one of Spain's most effective colonial administrators.

Born in 1533 in Verona, Italy; entered the Society of Jesus in 1558. Served as papal nuncio to Poland, Muscovy, and Sweden. Negotiated the Peace of Jam Zapolski between Poland and Russia in 1582. Worked to implement the Council of Trent's reforms in Eastern Europe. Advised monarchs and church leaders on religious and political affairs. Authored scholarly works on theology, history, and travel observations. His diplomacy bolstered Catholic influence during the Counter-Reformation. Died in 1611, leaving a legacy of Jesuit scholarship and international negotiation.

Born in 1614 into an Anglo-Irish noble family. Supported Parliament during the English Civil War and the Commonwealth. Served as Secretary for Irish Affairs under Oliver Cromwell. After the Restoration, appointed Lord Privy Seal and Treasurer of the Navy. Created Earl of Anglesey in 1661 by King Charles II. Advocated for Irish interests at the English court and in Parliament. Known for his adaptability and administrative acumen across regimes. Died in 1686, remembered as a skilled diplomat and politician.

Sir William Blackstone was a seminal English lawyer, judge, and Tory politician whose 'Commentaries on the Laws of England' became the most influential legal text in the English-speaking world. Published between 1765 and 1769, these four volumes systematically described English common law and shaped legal education in Britain and America. Blackstone served as a Member of Parliament for Hindon and Salisbury, advocating for the rights of property and the rule of law. Appointed as the first Vinerian Professor of English Law at Oxford in 1758, he established a formal curriculum for legal studies. As a judge of the Court of King’s Bench from 1770, he presided over notable cases and defended civil liberties. Blackstone’s clear, accessible writing continues to influence legal systems and scholarship globally.

David Humphreys was a multifaceted American leader who served as an aide-de-camp to General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Rising to the rank of colonel, he commanded light infantry regiments at decisive battles such as Monmouth. After the war, Humphreys embarked on diplomatic missions to Portugal and Spain, negotiating trade agreements as the United States’ first foreign minister abroad. He later became a successful entrepreneur, importing Merino sheep to improve American wool production and co-founding the Hartford bank. Humphreys was also a published poet and cultural advocate, promoting American arts and letters. His wide-ranging talents in military, diplomacy, business, and literature made him a key figure in the early Republic.

St. George Tucker was a distinguished United States federal judge and legal scholar, famed for his Americanized edition of Blackstone’s 'Commentaries', which incorporated U.S. constitutional principles and case law. Born in Bermuda and educated at the College of William & Mary, he served as a militia officer during the Revolutionary War before being appointed to Virginia’s General Court. In 1804, President Jefferson nominated him to the federal bench in Virginia, where he authored influential decisions on property rights and slavery. Tucker’s legal writings, including 'Tucker’s Blackstone' and 'Regulae Juris', shaped early American jurisprudence. He also taught law at William & Mary, mentoring future leaders such as Henry St. George Tucker. His contributions to American legal scholarship and courtroom practice endure in modern casebooks.

George Mifflin Dallas was the 11th Vice President of the United States, serving from 1845 to 1849 under President James K. Polk. A skilled attorney, he studied law in Philadelphia and became the city’s district attorney before entering national politics. Dallas chaired the House Ways and Means Committee, where he influenced tariff legislation and fiscal policy. As Vice President, he presided over the Senate during debates on the annexation of Texas and the Mexican-American War. After leaving office, he served as U.S. Minister to Russia and the United Kingdom, strengthening diplomatic ties. Dallas advocated for westward expansion and economic development throughout his career.

Louis-Napoléon Casault was born in Beaumont, Lower Canada, and trained as a lawyer at Université Laval. He was appointed a judge of the Quebec Superior Court before entering politics. In 1867, he was elected to the House of Commons and later served in the Senate of Canada. Casault played a role in shaping Canada's early legal and political institutions after Confederation. He advocated for judicial reforms and provincial rights within the new Dominion. His career spanned both the judiciary and legislature, reflecting his commitment to public service.

Austin Chapman was born in New South Wales and began his career in agriculture and business. Elected to the Australian House of Representatives in 1901, he represented Eden-Monaro for over two decades. Chapman was appointed Minister for Defence from 1903 to 1904 under Prime Minister Alfred Deakin. He advocated for the development of Australia’s naval and military infrastructure during the Edwardian era. Chapman also served as Postmaster-General, overseeing the expansion of Australia’s postal and telegraph networks. His contributions helped shape Australia’s early federal defense and communications policies.

Prince Maximilian of Baden was born into German nobility and served in the Prussian Army. He was appointed Chancellor of Germany in October 1918 amid defeat in World War I. Maximilian negotiated the armistice with the Allies, leading to the end of hostilities on November 11, 1918. He attempted to implement liberal reforms and preserve monarchy, but abdicated following revolution. After the war, he lived in Switzerland, advocating for European reconciliation and moderate politics. His brief chancellorship marked a pivotal moment in German history, bridging imperial and republican eras.