Japanese shōgun
Japanese shōgun
The eighth and final shōgun of Japan's Kamakura shogunate, presiding over its decline and fall in the early 14th century.
Prince Morikuni (1301–1333) was appointed shōgun of the Kamakura shogunate in 1308 as a child, though real authority lay with the Hōjō regents. His tenure was marked by internal strife, economic challenges, and weakening central control. In 1333, imperial forces led by Emperor Go-Daigo successfully overthrew the shogunate in what became known as the Kenmu Restoration. Morikuni was deposed and later died in the same year, bringing the Kamakura period to an end. His reign represents the final chapter of military rule under the Hōjō regents.
1333
Prince Morikuni
French knight
French knight
A French knight renowned for his role in the Hundred Years' War and his legendary judicial duel in 1386.
Jean de Carrouges (1330–1396) was a French knight who served with distinction during the Hundred Years' War under the Count of Anjou. He earned a reputation for bravery in multiple engagements against English forces. In 1386, Carrouges participated in one of France's last legally sanctioned judicial duels against Jacques Le Gris, a trial by combat that captured the public imagination. His victory in the duel affirmed his honor and his wife's allegations. Carrouges continued to fight in subsequent campaigns before his death in 1396, embodying the ideals of chivalric valor.
1396
Jean de Carrouges
French general and admiral
French general and admiral
A French admiral and military commander who modernized naval tactics during the Hundred Years' War.
Jean de Vienne (1341–1396) served as the first Admiral of France and was instrumental in organizing naval defenses against England. He led expeditions that targeted English coastal towns, including raids on Portsmouth and campaigns in the Bay of Biscay alongside Castilian allies. De Vienne introduced innovative ship designs and tactics that strengthened France's naval capabilities. His efforts helped secure vital supply routes and protect French shores during protracted conflict. He died in 1396, leaving a legacy as one of medieval France's most accomplished maritime strategists.
Jean de Vienne
Italian soldier and politician
Italian soldier and politician
A Florentine statesman, soldier, and diplomat who defended the republic's independence during the Italian Wars.
Piero Capponi (1447–1496) was a leading figure of the Florentine Republic, known for his military leadership and diplomatic skill. In 1494, he famously confronted King Charles VIII of France, refusing to yield Florence's liberty and securing more favorable terms for the city. Capponi also commanded Florence's forces in conflicts against neighboring powers to safeguard the republic's interests. His resolute defense of republican ideals made him a celebrated hero among his contemporaries. He died in 1496, leaving a reputation as one of the Renaissance's most principled statesmen.
1496
Piero Capponi
1st Marquis of the Balbases, Italian general and politician, Governor of the Duchy of Milan
1st Marquis of the Balbases
Italian general and politician
Governor of the Duchy of Milan
Ambrogio Spinola, 1st Marquis of the Balbases, was a celebrated Spanish general and Governor of the Duchy of Milan during the early 17th century.
Born in 1569 into a noble Genoese family, Ambrogio Spinola entered Spanish service and quickly gained renown for his military skill. He commanded forces in the Eighty Years' War and achieved a famous victory at the Siege of Breda in 1625. For this feat he was created Marquis of the Balbases by King Philip IV. Spinola later served as Governor of the Duchy of Milan where he managed both military and diplomatic affairs. His leadership combined tactical innovation with careful siegecraft, making him one of the most respected commanders of his age. He died in Genoa on September 25, 1630, remembered as a master of early modern warfare.
1630
Ambrogio Spinola, 1st Marquis of the Balbases
Governor of the Duchy of Milan
1st Duke of Argyll, Scottish general
1st Duke of Argyll
Scottish general
Archibald Campbell, 1st Duke of Argyll, was a Scottish nobleman and general pivotal to the Glorious Revolution in Scotland.
Born in 1658 into the powerful Campbell clan, he succeeded his father as Earl of Argyll and later became the first Duke of Argyll. Campbell supported William of Orange during the Glorious Revolution and commanded royal forces in Scotland. His military leadership helped secure Protestant rule in the kingdom. He held key political positions, including Privy Council member and Governor of Edinburgh Castle. Known for his strategic acumen and loyalty to the new regime, he balanced martial prowess with civic responsibility. He died on September 25, 1703, remembered as a defender of constitutional monarchy.
1703
Archibald Campbell, 1st Duke of Argyll
Canadian-English general
Canadian-English general
John Bradstreet was a British colonial general renowned for his campaigns during the French and Indian War in North America.
Born in 1714 in Massachusetts, Bradstreet embarked on a military career in the British colonial forces. He served with distinction in the French and Indian War, leading expeditions into the Ohio Valley and capturing Fort Frontenac in 1758. Bradstreet also participated in later campaigns under General Amherst and Lord Howe. After military service, he remained active in colonial administration and land development in Canada. His leadership in frontier warfare combined diplomacy with martial skill, earning him respect from both British and Native American allies. He died on September 25, 1774, leaving a record of ambitious and often perilous military endeavors.
1774
John Bradstreet
American soldier and publisher
American soldier and publisher
William Bradford was an American soldier and newspaper publisher active in colonial Pennsylvania during the 18th century.
Born in 1719 in Pennsylvania, William Bradford established one of the colonies' first printing presses and published newspapers that kept colonists informed. He served as an officer in the Pennsylvania militia during the French and Indian War, undertaking expeditions along the frontier. Bradford's newspapers became a platform for political debate and dissemination of news prior to the American Revolution. After his military service, he returned to journalism and helped shape public opinion during a turbulent era. His dual career bridged media and military service, marking him as a versatile colonial leader. He died on September 25, 1791, leaving a legacy in both publishing and defense of the frontier.
1791
William Bradford
American general and politician, 15th Governor of Illinois
American general and politician
15th Governor of Illinois
John M. Palmer (1817–1900) was an American Civil War general and politician who served as the 15th Governor of Illinois.
Born in Virginia and raised in Illinois, Palmer studied law before the outbreak of the Civil War.
He rose to the rank of major general in the Union Army, commanding troops at key battles such as Fort Donelson and Shiloh.
After the war, he entered politics as a Republican, serving as Governor of Illinois from 1869 to 1873.
Palmer later held a U.S. Senate seat and ran for president in 1896 as a National Democratic candidate.
His career bridged military leadership and public service during a transformative era in American history.
John M. Palmer
Governor of Illinois
English general and politician, Governor of Malta
English general and politician
Governor of Malta
Arthur Fremantle (1835–1901) was an English general and colonial administrator who served as Governor of Malta.
Commissioned into the British Army in the mid-19th century, Fremantle advanced through various leadership posts.
He took on both military and civil responsibilities in key garrison towns before his appointment as Governor of Malta in 1893.
During his governorship, he focused on strengthening the island's defenses and improving local administration.
Fremantle's tenure blended strategic defense initiatives with community engagement, reflecting his dual expertise.
He retired after a distinguished career, leaving an organized and fortified colonial outpost.
1901
Arthur Fremantle
Governor of Malta
Irish Republican Brotherhood volunteer and rebel commander. Died as a result of forced feeding while on hunger strike.
Irish Republican Brotherhood volunteer and rebel commander. Died as a result of forced feeding while on hunger strike.
Thomas Ashe (1885–1917) was an Irish nationalist and commander in the Irish Republican Brotherhood, who died on hunger strike after forcible feeding while imprisoned.
Born in Loughill, County Limerick, Ashe joined the Irish Republican Brotherhood in his youth.
He played a leading role in the 1916 Easter Rising as commander of the 5th battalion in Dublin.
Captured by British forces, he was sentenced to death, later commuted to penal servitude.
On hunger strike in Mountjoy Prison, Ashe was subjected to forcible feeding and died from complications in 1917.
His death galvanized public opinion and fueled support for the Irish independence movement.
1917
Thomas Ashe
Irish Republican Brotherhood
Russian general
Russian general
Mikhail Alekseyev (1857–1918) was a Russian general who served as Chief of Staff during World War I and co-led the White movement in the Russian Civil War.
Born into a military family in Smolensk, Alekseyev graduated from the Nicholas General Staff Academy.
He served in the Russo-Turkish War and later as Chief of Staff to Grand Duke Nicholas in World War I.
Following the 1917 Revolution, he refused to join the Bolsheviks and organized the Volunteer Army against them.
As a founder of the White movement, he sought to restore order during the Russian Civil War.
Alekseyev's efforts made him a central figure in early anti-Bolshevik campaigns until his death in exile in 1918.
1918
Mikhail Alekseyev