December 13

Frederick III of Sicily was born in 1272 as the eldest son of Peter III and Constance of Sicily. He ascended the throne in 1296 at the age of 24 and ruled for over four decades. He defended his kingdom against Angevin claims and domestic rebellions, maintaining Sicilian independence. His administration fostered economic recovery, maritime trade, and cultural patronage across the island. Frederick's reign left a legacy of consolidated royal authority and relative stability in medieval Sicily.

Eric XIV was born in 1533 as the eldest son of King Gustav I of Sweden. He ascended to the throne in 1560 and pursued administrative centralization and scholarly interests. Eric’s reign was marred by conflicts with nobility, mental health struggles, and military campaigns against Denmark. In 1568 he was deposed by his brother, John III, and later died in captivity. His turbulent rule is remembered for its cultural patronage and tragic downfall.

Henry IV, born in 1553 as Henry of Navarre, became King of France in 1589 after the Wars of Religion. A Huguenot by birth, he converted to Catholicism to secure his throne, famously stating 'Paris is worth a mass'. In 1598 he promulgated the Edict of Nantes, granting rights to Protestants and restoring peace. Henry advanced infrastructure, agriculture, and royal finances, setting the stage for France’s rise under Louis XIII. His assassination in 1610 ended a reign seen as a turning point toward stability and prosperity.

Maximilien de Béthune, born in 1560, was a nobleman who became a close advisor to Henry IV of France. As Duke of Sully and Superintendent of Finances, he restored royal credit and simplified tax systems. Sully invested in infrastructure projects, including roads, canals, and forestry management. He also promoted education and colonization efforts to strengthen the kingdom’s economy. His pragmatic leadership contributed to the stabilization of France after decades of civil war.

Born in 1678 as Yinzhen, he ascended the throne in 1722 following the death of his father, the Kangxi Emperor. The Yongzheng Emperor worked to strengthen the power of the monarchy by restructuring the government and curbing corruption. He implemented land and tax reforms to increase state revenue and support public works. A patron of scholarship and the arts, he commissioned official histories and promoted Confucian learning. Despite his relatively short reign, he laid important groundwork for the stability and prosperity achieved under his successor, the Qianlong Emperor.

Born on December 13, 1804, in Halifax, Howe began his career as a newspaper editor championing freedom of the press. He led the fight for responsible government in Nova Scotia, securing greater autonomy from Britain. Elected Premier in 1860, he worked to improve education, infrastructure, and civil rights in the colony. Renowned for his oratory skills, Howe influenced public opinion through speeches and editorials. Though his stance on Confederation was cautious, he later served as a federal MP and continued advocating for his province's interests. He left a legacy as a founding figure of Nova Scotia's political landscape, dying in 1873.

Born on December 13, 1818, in Lexington, Kentucky, Mary Todd grew up in a prominent political family. She married Abraham Lincoln in 1842 and became First Lady as the nation braced for Civil War. Mary was known for her intelligence, style, and influence within the White House, hosting key dignitaries and supporting her husband's policies. She faced personal tragedies, including the loss of children and her husband's assassination. After the war, Mary struggled with grief and financial hardship, living in Europe for a period. Her life has been studied for its reflections on wartime America, women’s roles, and mental health. She died in 1882, remembered for her resilience and complexity.

Born on December 13, 1864, in Germany and raised in Wisconsin, Seidel apprenticed as a woodcarver before entering politics. He joined the Socialist Party and advocated for workers’ rights, public ownership, and social welfare programs. Elected Mayor of Milwaukee in 1910, he implemented progressive reforms in education, housing, and sanitation. His administration pioneered the concept of the 'sewer socialists', focusing on practical municipal improvements. After his term, Seidel remained active in politics and continued his craft as a woodcarver. He influenced American leftist movements and set a model for urban social democracy. Seidel died in 1947, remembered for his blend of artistry and reformist zeal.

Panagiotis Kanellopoulos was born in Patras, Greece in 1902 and studied law and philosophy at the University of Athens. He entered politics with the Liberal Party and held various ministerial posts in the 1930s and 1940s. Following World War II, he was appointed Prime Minister in April 1945 to oversee postwar reconstruction. An accomplished writer, he published works on history, political theory, and philosophy. Kanellopoulos advocated for democratic institutions and European cooperation. After the 1967 junta, he went into exile and continued his scholarly work until his death in 1986.

B. J. Vorster (1915–1983) was a South African lawyer and politician who became Prime Minister and later State President of South Africa. He was a leading figure in the National Party and oversaw the enforcement of apartheid laws. Vorster's administration pursued strict segregation policies, drawing international condemnation and sanctions. Despite growing unrest and global pressure, he remained committed to his ideology until his resignation. After leaving office, he continued to influence conservative politics behind the scenes.

George P. Shultz (1920–2021) was an American economist and public servant who held four cabinet positions across three administrations. As Secretary of State from 1982 to 1989, he played a pivotal role in negotiating key arms control agreements with the Soviet Union. Shultz also served as Labor Secretary, Treasury Secretary, and Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shaping U.S. economic and foreign policy. He was instrumental in Reagan's diplomatic outreach that contributed to ending the Cold War. After government service, Shultz remained active in academic and policy circles, advocating for international cooperation and education reform.

Cain served as chairman and CEO of Godfather’s Pizza from 1986 to 1996, turning the company into a billion-dollar brand. He later held executive roles at the National Restaurant Association and the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. An outspoken conservative commentator, he became a prominent figure in the Tea Party movement in the late 2000s. In 2011, Cain launched a bid for the Republican nomination for President, proposing the '9-9-9' tax plan. He suspended his campaign in December 2011 and continued as a political activist and radio host. Cain passed away in 2020, leaving a complex legacy in American business and politics.