November 26

Go-Daigo was born in 1288 and ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne in 1318. He launched the Kenmu Restoration in 1333 to reassert imperial authority over the samurai-led bakufu. With support from samurai like Ashikaga Takauji, he overthrew the Kamakura shogunate. His reforms faced opposition, leading to the rise of the Ashikaga shogunate and a divided court. He was later exiled but maintained a rival Southern Court until his death. Go-Daigo died in 1339, leaving a legacy as a persistent advocate for imperial power.

Henry Beaufort was born in 1401 to John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset, and Margaret Holland. He inherited the earldom of Somerset as a young man and took part in the English campaigns in France. He fought alongside King Henry V at Harfleur and in Normandy, demonstrating leadership on the battlefield. Despite his noble birth, his career was cut short when he died without heirs in 1418. His brief tenure as earl illustrated the ongoing struggle of the Beaufort family for favor and influence. He is remembered for his dedication to royal service during a pivotal phase of the Hundred Years' War.

Catherine of Portugal was born in 1436, the eldest daughter of King Edward of Portugal and Eleanor of Aragon. In 1455 she married King Henry IV of Castile, strengthening ties between the Iberian kingdoms. As queen consort, she navigated court intrigues and succession disputes amid a turbulent political climate. Known for her devout faith, she supported monasteries and charitable foundations across Castile. Her gentle nature and piety earned her respect despite ongoing challenges to her husband’s rule. Catherine’s early death in 1463 left a legacy of devotion to both faith and family.

Edward Hastings was born in 1466, the eldest son of William Hastings, 1st Baron Hastings. After his father’s execution, he regained family favor under King Henry VII and inherited the barony. He served as Lord Chamberlain to Queen Elizabeth of York and undertook diplomatic missions in Europe. His investiture as a Knight of the Garter marked his prominence at the Tudor court. He managed extensive estates in Leicestershire, reinforcing his family’s regional influence. Edward’s diplomatic skill and courtly service helped stabilize relations during the dynasty’s early years. He died in 1506, leaving a reputation for loyalty and statesmanship.

Henry Berkeley was born in 1534 to Thomas Berkeley, 6th Baron Berkeley, and his wife Anne Savage. He succeeded to the barony in 1601 and managed the Berkeley estates in Gloucestershire for decades. Appointed Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, he oversaw the county militia and defense preparations. He served as Admiral of the Fleet against the threat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. He held court positions under Queen Elizabeth I and later King James I, reflecting his sustained royal favor. His leadership maintained the Berkeley family’s influence in West Country politics during a transformative era. Berkeley died peacefully in 1613 after a long life of public and military service.

Seonjo of Joseon was born in 1552 and ascended the throne as the 14th king in 1567. His reign witnessed both cultural achievements and the devastation of the Imjin War (1592–1598). He supported Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s naval campaigns, which were crucial in resisting Japanese forces. Despite initial setbacks, Korean defenders preserved sovereignty until the withdrawal of invaders in 1598. Seonjo promoted Confucian scholarship and implemented administrative reforms in the aftermath of war. His leadership during crisis and recovery left a lasting impact on the stability of Joseon Korea. He died in 1608, remembered for his resilience and commitment to his kingdom.

Artemas Ward was an American merchant turned militia officer who became the senior-most commander of colonial forces during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. He organized and led the Massachusetts militia during the Siege of Boston from 1775 to 1776, working alongside General George Washington. After military service, Ward served as a member of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress and was later elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He advocated for veterans’ benefits and the development of infrastructure in Massachusetts. His leadership during the Revolution earned him recognition as one of the first American generals and a founding figure in the new republic.

Zeng Guofan was a scholar-official of the Qing dynasty who rose to prominence by organizing the Xiang Army to quell the Taiping Rebellion. His disciplined military strategies and administrative reforms restored stability to southern China and preserved imperial authority. As Viceroy of Liangjiang, he promoted education, infrastructure projects, and the Self-Strengthening Movement to modernize armaments and industry. Zeng’s writings on governance and Confucian ethics influenced later reformers and politicians. Revered for his integrity and leadership, he remains a complex figure in Chinese history for both his military success and cautious conservatism.

René Goblet was born in Aire-sur-la-Lys and began his career as a journalist advocating republican ideals. He entered politics as a deputy in the National Assembly and held several ministerial positions. In 1886, Goblet became the 52nd Prime Minister of France, steering the government through social reforms and colonial debates. He championed secular education and administrative efficiency during his tenure. After leaving office, Goblet continued to influence public policy as a senator. His contributions to French republicanism and press freedom left a lasting imprint on the Third Republic.

Thomas Playford II was born in Gawler, South Australia, to an English immigrant family and became a successful farmer. He entered politics in 1868 as a member of the House of Assembly and later held the Treasury portfolio. Playford became Premier in 1887, focusing on economic development, railway expansion, and agricultural support. His administration improved infrastructure and attracted immigration to boost the colony’s growth. After his term as Premier ended in 1889, he remained influential in South Australian politics as a senior statesman. Playford’s blend of practical leadership and rural advocacy left a lasting legacy in the region’s governance.

Maud of Wales was born Princess Maud, the daughter of King Edward VII of the United Kingdom. In 1896 she married Prince Carl of Denmark, who later became King Haakon VII of Norway. Upon Norway’s independence in 1905, she became the first Queen consort of the modern Norwegian monarchy. Beloved for her charitable work, she championed women’s education and healthcare initiatives. Her gentle diplomacy and regal presence helped solidify Norway’s national identity. Maud remained Queen consort until her death in 1938, leaving a legacy of grace and service.

Heinrich Brüning was a German Centre Party politician and economist born in 1885. He served as Chancellor of Germany during the Weimar Republic from 1930 to 1932 amid severe economic crisis. Brüning implemented austerity measures to curb hyperinflation and stabilize the government, though they proved controversial. His tenure saw rising political extremism and parliamentary deadlock, setting the stage for the Nazi ascent. After leaving office, he opposed Hitler’s regime and spent years in exile in Great Britain and the U.S. Brüning returned to Germany after World War II but lived quietly until his death in 1970. He is remembered for his fiscal policies and the turbulent politics of his era.