October 02

Born at Fotheringhay Castle in 1452, he was the second son of Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, and Cecily Neville. He became King of England in 1483 after the death of his brother Edward IV amid controversy over his nephews' fate. His reign focused on legal reforms and strengthening royal authority during the Wars of the Roses. He was killed in 1485 at the Battle of Bosworth Field, ending the Plantagenet dynasty and ushering in Tudor rule. Shakespeare's 'Richard III' immortalized him as a cunning and tragic figure, shaping his legacy for centuries.

Born in 1470 as the eldest daughter of the Catholic Monarchs, she was betrothed to Portuguese royalty to secure a dynastic union. Her marriage furthered ties between Castile and Portugal as both kingdoms embarked on maritime exploration. As a princess at the Portuguese court, she supported charitable works and promoted religious devotion. Her early death in 1498 at age 28 limited her direct political influence but underscored the risks of dynastic marriages. Her life illustrates the diplomatic power of royal alliances in late 15th-century Europe.

Born in 1527 into a prominent Norfolk family, Drury embarked on a career in law and public service. He represented Norfolk in the English Parliament and gained a reputation as an effective legislator. In 1573, he was appointed Lord President of Munster, overseeing the enforcement of English rule in Ireland. His administration focused on implementing legal reforms and managing conflicts with local Irish lords. Drury died in 1579, leaving a legacy as a bridge between English and Irish governance.

Born in 1768 into an Anglo-Irish family, Beresford entered the British Army in 1783 and quickly distinguished himself as a capable officer. He served under the Duke of Wellington, commanding Portuguese forces at key battles such as Bussaco and Albuera. For his service, he was created Viscount Beresford in 1814 and later sat in the British Parliament as MP for Westminster. As Governor of Jersey, he oversaw the island's defenses and civil administration, earning respect for his leadership. He died in 1854, leaving a reputation for military skill and public service.

Born in Turin in 1798, Charles Albert ascended to the throne of Sardinia in 1831 after the death of his cousin. He introduced moderate liberal reforms, culminating in the Albertine Statute of 1848, which established a constitutional monarchy. He sympathized with Italian nationalist movements and declared war on Austria in 1848, initiating the First Italian War of Independence. After suffering defeats, he abdicated in favor of his son, Victor Emmanuel II, in 1849 and lived his final years in exile. His reign set the stage for the eventual unification of Italy under his successor.

Born into slavery in Virginia in 1800, Turner developed a reputation as a spiritual leader among his fellow enslaved people. Believing he received divine visions, he organized and led a revolt in August 1831 that resulted in the deaths of dozens of white settlers. The rebellion was suppressed within days, and Turner was captured, tried, and executed later that year. His actions provoked widespread fear in the South and led to harsher slave laws, while inspiring abolitionists in the North. Turner's legacy remains a powerful symbol of resistance against oppression.

Born in Ireland in 1815, Agnew emigrated to Tasmania where he studied law and became a barrister. He was elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly and held key portfolios including Attorney-General and Treasurer. In 1886, he served as Premier of Tasmania, focusing on railway expansion and economic development. After his premiership, he continued to influence local governance through legislative work and legal practice. He died in 1901, remembered for his dedication to the political and social progress of Tasmania.

Charles Floquet was a prominent figure in the French Third Republic and a key leader of the Opportunist Republicans. He began his career as a lawyer and gained a reputation fighting corruption and defending press freedom. Floquet served as Deputy and briefly held the office of President of the Chamber of Deputies before becoming Prime Minister in 1888. His tenure focused on social reforms, secular education, and strengthening republican institutions. He played a significant role in the events leading up to the exclusion of General Boulanger and the stabilization of French democracy.

Paul von Hindenburg gained fame for his decisive victory at the Battle of Tannenberg in 1914. He rose to become Chief of the German General Staff and led the German army during key World War I campaigns. After the war, Hindenburg retired but was elected President of the Weimar Republic in 1925. As president, he appointed Adolf Hitler as Chancellor in 1933, a controversial decision that shaped Germany's future. His leadership bridged Germany's imperial and Nazi eras, making him a pivotal figure in early 20th-century history.

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was the foremost leader of the Indian independence movement. He pioneered the philosophy of satyagraha, or nonviolent resistance, against colonial rule. Gandhi led landmark campaigns such as the 1930 Salt March and the Quit India Movement. His emphasis on self-reliance, simple living, and communal harmony inspired global civil rights movements. Gandhi's principles of peace and justice continue to influence leaders and activists around the world.

Cordell Hull served as U.S. Secretary of State under President Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933 to 1944. He championed the Good Neighbor Policy, improving relations with Latin American countries. Hull was instrumental in the creation of the United Nations and its foundational charter. In recognition of his role in establishing the UN, he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1945. He holds the record as the longest-serving Secretary of State in American history.

Stephen Warfield Gambrill (1873–1924) was an American lawyer turned politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Virginia. After earning his law degree, he established a successful legal practice before entering politics. Elected to Congress in 1912, he served two terms, advocating for agrarian interests and infrastructure improvements in his district. Known for his measured approach to governance, he played a key role in legislative committees on banking and commerce. Following his congressional career, he returned to law and remained active in state affairs until his death in 1924.