December 29

Elizabeth Petrovna was born in 1709 as the daughter of Peter the Great and ascended to the Russian throne through a coup in 1741. As Empress, she presided over a period of cultural flourishing, commissioning the Winter Palace and patronizing the arts, architecture, and education. She continued her father’s Westernizing policies, founding the University of Moscow and supporting the Academy of Arts. Under her rule, Russia engaged in the War of Austrian Succession and the Seven Years’ War, solidifying its status in European affairs. Elizabeth’s reign was marked by a lavish court life that became legendary for its splendor. She never married or produced an heir, and her death in 1762 led to a brief succession crisis. Her legacy endures in Russia’s architectural landmarks and cultural institutions.

Saverio Cassar was born in 1746 in Malta and ordained as a Roman Catholic priest. When French forces occupied Malta in 1798, Cassar became a central figure in organizing local resistance. He rallied the people of Gozo, leading them to expel the French and declare Gozo’s independence. Cassar served as the de facto head of state of Gozo, administering justice and seeking British protection. His leadership helped preserve Maltese traditions and autonomy during a turbulent period. He died in 1805, remembered as a patriot and defender of his homeland.

As a former military governor of Tennessee, Andrew Johnson became Vice President under Abraham Lincoln in 1865 and assumed the presidency later that year. He was the first U.S. president to be impeached, facing charges in 1868 over his disagreements with Congress on Reconstruction policies, and was acquitted by a single vote. Johnson's tenure was marked by efforts to restore the Southern states to the Union with lenient terms for former Confederates, which generated significant controversy. Prior to his presidency, he rose from humble beginnings as a tailor to various political offices, including U.S. senator and governor of Tennessee. His political career reflected the turbulent post–Civil War era and the challenges of national reunification. After leaving office, he continued to serve in the U.S. Senate, remaining an active figure in American politics until his death.

George Washington Baines began his career as a teacher and newspaper editor in Texas before entering the Baptist ministry. He served in the Texas Legislature, advocating for educational and social reforms in the young republic. Baines later became president of Baylor University in 1851, overseeing academic programs and institutional growth. He balanced his roles as a religious leader, educator, and public servant with a dedication to community values. His family’s legacy continued when his great-grandson, Lyndon B. Johnson, became the 36th President of the United States. Baines’s efforts helped shape both the educational landscape and religious life of early Texas.

William Ewart Gladstone was a dominant figure in Victorian politics, serving as Prime Minister in four separate terms between 1868 and 1894. He championed policies of free trade, expanded the franchise through successive Reform Acts, and pursued Irish Home Rule as a central pillar of his agenda. Gladstone’s oratory skills and moral earnestness earned him wide acclaim and the nickname 'The Grand Old Man.' Prior to leading the government, he held several key cabinet positions, including Chancellor of the Exchequer. His rivalry with Benjamin Disraeli defined much of the era’s political discourse, highlighting debates over empire, religion, and social justice. Gladstone’s legacy remains integral to the development of modern British liberalism.

Womesh Chunder Bonnerjee was called to the Bar at Lincoln’s Inn and practiced law in Calcutta, earning a reputation as a skilled advocate. In 1885, he joined the founding meeting of the Indian National Congress and was elected its first president at the Bombay session. Bonnerjee guided the nascent organization’s early debates, advocating for moderate constitutional reforms under British rule. He worked to unify diverse Indian voices and establish the Congress as a platform for political discussion and civic engagement. Beyond politics, he contributed to educational and legal institutions, serving on university senates and law councils. His pioneering leadership laid the groundwork for India’s long struggle for self-governance.

Venustiano Carranza was born in 1859 in Coahuila, Mexico. As a leader of the Constitutionalist Army, he issued the Plan of Guadalupe in 1913 to oppose the regime of Victoriano Huerta. Carranza’s forces played a pivotal role in the Mexican Revolution, and he was recognized as head of state in 1917. Under his presidency, the Mexican Constitution of 1917 was promulgated, introducing land reform and labor rights. His government worked to stabilize the nation and modernize its institutions after years of conflict. Carranza’s tenure was marked by both significant reforms and intense political rivalries. In 1920, he was assassinated while traveling through northern Mexico, becoming a martyr of the revolutionary era.

James Lister Hill was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1923 and to the Senate in 1938, where he served until 1969. He played a key role in shaping national health, education, and transportation policy, including support for the Hill-Burton Act that expanded hospital construction. A strong advocate for civil rights legislation and rural development, Hill chaired influential committees and helped secure federal funding for his constituents. He remained active in public affairs until his death in 1984.

Nie Rongzhen was instrumental in building China's modern military and scientific infrastructure. As a senior commander in the Chinese Red Army, he led key campaigns during the Long March and the Chinese Civil War. After 1949, he served as Minister of National Defense and Mayor of Beijing, overseeing urban reconstruction. Nie also championed China's nuclear and aerospace programs. His leadership helped shape China's defense strategy until his death in 1992.

Tom Bradley was an American politician, attorney, and former U.S. Army lieutenant. He made history in 1973 by becoming the first African-American mayor of Los Angeles and went on to serve five terms. Under his leadership, the city saw significant economic growth, improved infrastructure, and greater civic engagement. Bradley gained national attention with his strong performance in the 1982 California gubernatorial election, though he narrowly lost. He was known for his pragmatic leadership style and efforts to bridge diverse communities. Bradley's tenure left a lasting impact on Los Angeles politics and urban development.

Dobrica Ćosić was a prominent Serbian author and political figure. He published influential novels and essays that explored Yugoslav identity and history. In 1992, he was appointed as the first President of the newly formed Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Ćosić played a key role in shaping the political landscape during the country's turbulent post-communist era. His tenure was marked by controversial decisions and debates over national policy. Despite political challenges, his literary contributions remain celebrated in Serbian culture.

Born in South Pyongan Province in 1924, Kim Song-ae married North Korea’s founding leader Kim Il-sung and became First Lady in the 1960s. She led the Central Committee of the Korean Democratic Women’s League, mobilizing women for state-led social policies. During the 1970s, Kim vied for political influence, at times challenging Kim Jong-il’s succession. After being removed from public office in the early 1980s, she lived in seclusion until her death in 2014. Her tenure offers rare insight into the inner workings of North Korea’s ruling family and the role of women in its power structure.