William Randolph Hearst (1863-1951) WHO S/HE WAS: William Randolph Hearst was an American newspaper magnate and leading newspaper publisher who played an active role in late 19th century politics. WHAT S/HE SAID: In the run-up to the Spanish-American War, Hearst sent the legendary illustrator Frederick Remington to Cuba to cover the insurrection. Finding nothing to report, Remington cabled Hearst saying there was no war to cover. Hearst allegedly replied: Please remain. You furnish the pictures. I’ll furnish the war. WHY S/HE MATTERED: Hearst’s New York City newspaper, the _New York Morning Journal_, became known for sensationalist writing and for its agitation in favor of the Spanish-American War. The term yellow journalism (a pejorative reference to scandal-mongering, sensationalism, jingoism and similar practices) was derived from a color comic strip, The Yellow Kid. The above quote, possibly apocryphal, was a response to war correspondent, Frederick Remmington, whom he had dispatched to Cuba

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Victoriano Huerta (1854-1916) WHO S/HE WAS: General Victoriano Huerta was a military leader, counter-revolutionary, and dictatorial President of Mexico for seventeen months, beginning in 1913. WHY S/HE MATTERED: Although Huerta’s military government took control over civilian life, he significantly increased spending for education particularly for indigenous Mexicans, set up an agricultural ministry, favored British oil interests (they recognized his regime) over those of the U.S., and established a National Labor Office. Some of the roots of subsequent administrations can be found during the 17 months of Huerta’s tenure..

Rudyard Kipling (1865-1836) WHO HE WAS: Rudyard Kipling was a prolific British author and poet known for his literary contributions that captured the essence of the British Empire. His works, including “The Jungle Book” and “If-,” offered insights into themes of imperialism, national identity, and human nature. WHAT S/HE SAID: “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you, if you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, but make allowance for their doubting too…” WHY S/HE MATTERED: Rudyard Kipling’s writings reflected the complexities of his time, engaging with issues of colonialism and identity. His legacy invites reflection on the impact of literature in shaping perceptions and fostering dialogue about society and culture.

Queen Liliuokalani (1838-1917) WHO S/HE WAS: Queen Liliuokalani was the last monarch and only queen regnant of the Kingdom of Hawaii. She assumed the monarchy after the death of her brother, King David Kalakaua, in 1891. WHAT S/HE SAID: Hawaii for Hawaiians WHY S/HE MATTERED: Queen Lilíuokalani was the sitting monarch at the time of a coup which, ultimately, resulted in a new government. The administration of Grover Cleveland commissioned the Blount Report, and based on its findings, concluded that the queen’s overthrow was illegal, and that U.S. Minister Stevens and American military troops had acted inappropriately in support of those who carried out the overthrow. Nonetheless, Lilíuokalani was imprisoned in 1895 and ultimately abdicated her throne in return for the release of her jailed supporters.

Francisco Madero (1873-1913) WHO S/HE WAS: Mexican revolutionary and president of Mexico (1911–13), who successfully ousted the dictator Porfirio Díaz by temporarily unifying various democratic and anti-Díaz forces. He proved incapable of controlling the reactions from both conservative and revolutionaries that his moderate reforms provoked, however. WHY S/HE MATTERED: In death Madero’s name became a symbol of revolutionary unity in the continuing struggle against military despotism—now embodied in the Huerta regime. His martyrdom, if not his career, made him an inspiration to the democratic forces of the Mexican Revolution.