July 12

Born into the royal family of Laon, she married Pippin the Short and became queen of the Franks. As mother of Charlemagne and Carloman, she wielded significant influence at court and supported ecclesiastical reforms. Known as "Bertha Broadfoot," she managed dynastic alliances that shaped the future of medieval Europe. Her patronage of religious institutions helped strengthen ties between the Carolingian rulers and the Church. Her legacy endured through the achievements of her children.

Born in 919, he ascended the throne of Later Shu at a young age following his father's death. Meng Chang is remembered for his patronage of the arts, encouraging poetry and painting at his court. Despite cultural achievements, his reign faced internal strife and external threats. In 965, Later Shu was conquered by the Song dynasty, ending Meng Chang's rule. His life illustrates the fragility of regional regimes in medieval China.

Ashikaga Yoshinori ascended to the position of shōgun in 1429 during the Muromachi period. He sought to strengthen shogunal authority by enforcing laws and reclaiming lands from powerful daimyōs. Yoshinori opened diplomatic and trade relations with Ming China, promoting foreign exchange. His rule ended abruptly when he was assassinated in 1441 during a rebellion by disaffected lords. His tenure highlights the challenges of governing feudal Japan and the tensions between central and regional powers.

Bahlul Lodi rose from an Afghan noble family to establish the Lodi dynasty in 1451. As Sultan of Delhi, he consolidated control over northern India, restoring stability after decades of conflict. He implemented administrative reforms and patronized artisans and scholars at his court. Under his leadership, the Afghan Pashtuns gained prominence in the Sultanate's politics. His reign laid the groundwork for the Lodi dynasty's rule until the advent of the Mughal Empire.

Born into the Bourchier family in 1557, William Bourchier inherited the Earldom of Bath and became a prominent member of the English peerage. He managed extensive estates in the southwest of England and held influence in local and national affairs. As a member of the House of Lords, he supported the monarchy of James I during a period of political consolidation. He was known for his patronage of local churches and charitable endeavors. His tenure as Earl was marked by his dedication to family legacy and regional governance. He died on July 12, 1623, leaving the title to his descendants.

Richard Cromwell was born in 1626, the third son of Oliver Cromwell, the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England. Educated at Cambridge, he served as a Member of Parliament and developed a reputation for moderation compared to his father. Upon Oliver’s death in 1658, Richard succeeded as Lord Protector but lacked the political and military support needed for the role. His brief tenure saw growing unrest and factional conflict, leading to his resignation in 1659. After the Restoration of the monarchy, he withdrew from public life and lived quietly in England and abroad. He died on July 12, 1712, remembered for his gentle nature and the challenges of succeeding a towering historical figure.

Born in 1671, Charles de la Boische, Marquis de Beauharnois, began his career in the French navy before transitioning to colonial administration. In 1726, he was appointed Governor General of New France, where he oversaw defense, trade, and relations with Indigenous nations. Under his leadership, the colony’s fur trade expanded, new forts were constructed, and diplomatic alliances were strengthened. He navigated challenges posed by British encroachment and internal disputes, maintaining relative stability. His tenure contributed to the growth of French influence in North America. He returned to France in 1746 and died on July 12, 1749, remembered as a key figure in colonial governance.

Alexander Hamilton was born around 1755 in the Caribbean and rose to prominence as an aide-de-camp to General George Washington during the American Revolutionary War. After the war, he became a leading advocate for a strong federal government and was a principal author of the Federalist Papers. In 1789, he was appointed the first Secretary of the Treasury, where he established the nation’s financial system, founding the First Bank of the United States and managing national debt. His policies laid the groundwork for American economic growth and institutional development. Engaged in politics and law, he remained a central figure in early U.S. affairs. He died on July 12, 1804, following a duel with Aaron Burr.

William David Coleman was born in 1842 in Fayette County, Kentucky, and moved to Liberia as a child. He entered politics and was elected vice president before assuming the presidency upon the death of President Joseph James Cheeseman. Coleman led Liberia during a period of economic challenges and sought to strengthen ties with both indigenous communities and foreign powers. His administration worked on infrastructure projects and educational reforms. After leaving office in 1900, Coleman continued to influence Liberian politics and society. He is remembered for his efforts to modernize Liberia and navigate complex diplomatic relations.

Theodore Roosevelt Jr. was born in 1887 in New York as the eldest son of President Theodore Roosevelt. He distinguished himself as an aide in World War I, earning the Distinguished Service Cross for bravery at the Battle of Belleau Wood. After the war, he entered politics and was appointed Governor of Puerto Rico from 1929 to 1932 before serving as Governor General of the Philippines. Known for his integrity and leadership, he bridged military and political careers with notable success. He died of a heart attack in 1944 shortly before the Normandy landings, leaving a lasting legacy of service.

Douglas Hyde was born in 1860 in County Roscommon, Ireland, and co-founded the Gaelic League in 1893 to revive the Irish language and culture. An accomplished scholar of Irish folklore and language, he lectured widely to promote Gaelic heritage. After Ireland's Free State was established, he was unanimously elected as the non-partisan first President under the 1937 Constitution. He served from 1938 to 1945, emphasizing national unity and cultural identity during a tumultuous period. Hyde's dedication to Irish traditions endured beyond his death in 1949.

John Hayes (1868–1956) served as Tasmania’s 25th Premier during the 1920s. Representing the electorate of Bass, he prioritized regional development and infrastructure improvements. His administration oversaw expansions of rural roads and public works to support farming communities. Hayes championed agricultural initiatives and worked to stimulate economic growth in the postwar era. His pragmatic leadership style and commitment to public service left a positive mark on Tasmanian governance.