November 25

Bilge Khagan reigned as the khagan of the Göktürk Empire from 717 until his assassination in 734. He strengthened ties with Tang China, securing peace and promoting trade along the Silk Road. Under his leadership, the Turkic script was standardized, and monumental inscriptions were erected to record his achievements. He implemented legal reforms and fostered a cultural renaissance among the Turkic peoples. His reign left a legacy of stability and artistic flourishing before his violent death in the Khangai Mountains.

Ascending to the throne in 1005, Malcolm II consolidated power in the Scottish highlands and lowlands. He secured a significant victory at the Battle of Carham, extending Scottish control into Northumbria. Through strategic marriages and alliances, he strengthened the royal line and laid the groundwork for future dynastic stability. Malcolm introduced legal reforms and presided over a period of relative peace and growth. His death in 1034 marked the end of the direct male line of the House of Alpin, ushering in a new era of succession challenges.

Born in 1103, William Adelin was groomed to inherit the English crown and solidify Norman rule. His marriage and travels across Europe strengthened diplomatic ties with Brittany and Anjou. In 1120, William boarded the White Ship off the Normandy coast, which sank, drowning him and most of the nobility aboard. His untimely death left England without a clear male heir, leading to a period of civil war known as The Anarchy. William’s demise dramatically altered English history by challenging dynastic succession and royal authority.

Installed as shōgun in 1266 at the age of two, Koreyasu’s authority was controlled by the powerful Hōjō clan regents. His tenure saw the consolidation of regency power and administrative reforms that shaped the shogunate’s governance. Although he bore the title of military leader, real power rested with his regents in Kamakura. Koreyasu was deposed in 1289 and later lived in retirement under house arrest. His life reflects the complex dynamics of ceremonial leadership and regent authority in medieval Japan.

Born in 1329 into the House of Anjou, Philip II inherited the Principality of Taranto and claims to the Latin Empire. He served as Prince of Achaea and acted as regent during periods of dynastic transition in Naples. Philip engaged in diplomatic negotiations with Byzantine and Western powers to assert his imperial rights. His tenure included cultural patronage and military expeditions in the eastern Mediterranean. He died in 1374, leaving a contested legacy of ambition and regional influence.

Stephanus Van Cortlandt was a colonial American lawyer and political figure from a prominent Dutch family. He was admitted to the bar and held various local offices before becoming New York City's 10th Mayor in 1686. He later served in the New York General Assembly and as a member of the provincial council. Van Cortlandt played a key role in establishing municipal governance and navigating the transition of New Amsterdam to English rule. His family's influence endured in colonial politics for generations.

Richard Glover was an English poet best remembered for his 1737 epic 'Leonidas', celebrating Spartan heroism. He served as a Member of Parliament for Weymouth and Melcombe Regis, blending literary activity with public service. Glover wrote essays, dramas, and political pamphlets that engaged with contemporary debates on liberty and governance. His poetry enjoyed popularity throughout the 18th century and influenced later writers. As a politician, he advocated for economic and parliamentary reforms. Glover's career reflects the vibrant interplay between letters and politics in Georgian England.

Thomas A. Hendricks was a prominent 19th-century American politician and lawyer. He served as a U.S. Representative and Senator from Indiana before being elected Vice President under Grover Cleveland in 1884. Hendricks advocated for states' rights and a limited federal government throughout his career. He also served as Governor of Indiana and engaged in several gubernatorial and presidential campaigns. Hendricks died in office in 1885, just months after assuming the vice presidency. His oratory and political acumen left a lasting impact on post-Civil War American politics.

Alfonso XII was King of Spain from 1874 until his death in 1885, marking the restoration of the Bourbon dynasty. Son of the exiled Queen Isabella II, he returned from exile after a military coup ended the First Spanish Republic. His reign saw the adoption of the 1876 Constitution, balancing monarchical authority with parliamentary governance. Alfonso promoted economic modernization, infrastructure development, and stabilization of Spain's colonial interests. His moderate policies and personal charisma helped heal divisions after years of republican and Carlist conflicts. Dying at age 27, his legacy influenced Spain's constitutional monarchy into the 20th century.

Edward P. Allen (1839-1909) served as a sergeant major in the Union Army during the American Civil War, returning home to pursue a career in law. After being admitted to the bar in 1866, he held several local offices including prosecuting attorney and mayor of Port Huron. Allen later represented Michigan's 7th district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1887 to 1891. A dedicated public servant, he was known for his advocacy of veterans' affairs and infrastructure development. His leadership contributed to the growth of Michigan's legal and political landscape in the late 19th century.

Born in 1869, Prince George was the second son of King George I of Greece and Grand Duchess Olga of Russia. He pursued a naval career in the Hellenic Navy, rising to the rank of Rear Admiral. Known for his dedication to charitable causes and patronage of the arts, he played a significant role in Greece's naval development. Married to Grand Duchess Marie of Russia, he forged strong ties between Greek and Russian royal families. Beyond his military service, he was an accomplished diplomat and stood out for his philanthropic efforts. He died in London in 1957, remembered as a cultured and compassionate member of European royalty.

Born in Burma in 1909, he trained as a lawyer and entered the colonial civil service. He joined the United Nations Secretariat in 1947 and rose through diplomatic ranks. After Dag Hammarskjöld’s death, he became acting Secretary-General in 1961 and was elected to the post later that year. He managed crises such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and facilitated decolonization efforts across Africa and Asia. Under his leadership, UN peacekeeping missions expanded and the organization’s global profile grew. He retired in 1971 and passed away in 1974, leaving a legacy of measured diplomacy and international cooperation.