Ramón Iglesias i Navarri: A Visionary Co-Prince of Andorra during 1968

                                   

Ramón Iglesias i Navarri was the reigning monarch of Andorra in 1968 and served as the co-prince of the country alongside Charles de Gaulle, the President of France. He was born in 1889 and was the Episcopal Co-Prince of Andorra from 1966 until his death in 1972. During his time as co-prince, Ramón Iglesias i Navarri played an important role in the modernization and growth of Andorra.

Andorra is a parliamentary co-principality, meaning that it is governed by two rulers, one of whom is the Bishop of Urgell in Catalonia, Spain and the other is the President of France. This unique type of monarchy is known as a co-principality, and it is one of the oldest forms of government in the world, having been established in the late 13th century.

In this system of government, the two co-princes serve as joint heads of state, each with equal powers and responsibilities. The Bishop of Urgell is responsible for the internal affairs of Andorra, while the President of France is responsible for the country's foreign affairs and defense. This arrangement has allowed Andorra to maintain its independence and autonomy throughout its history.

Despite the unusual nature of its monarchy, Andorra has been a stable and successful country for centuries. It is known for its beautiful mountain landscapes, ski resorts, and tax-friendly policies, which have made it a popular tourist destination.

Ramón Iglesias i Navarri was a highly respected religious leader and was known for his commitment to the well-being of the people of Andorra. He recognized the importance of modernizing the country in order to continue to grow and develop, and worked with President de Gaulle to secure funding for the construction of new roads, bridges, and other essential infrastructure. This investment in infrastructure was critical to improving the quality of life for Andorrans and helped to establish the country as a more prosperous and modern nation.

In addition to his work on modernization, Ramón Iglesias i Navarri was also committed to improving the relationship between Andorra and France. He recognized that Andorra's independence and autonomy were inextricably linked to the strength of its relationship with France, and he made it a priority to strengthen these ties. He and President de Gaulle worked together to establish cultural exchanges, trade agreements, and other initiatives aimed at improving the relationship between the two countries.

Ramón Iglesias i Navarri was also a strong advocate for preserving Andorra's unique cultural heritage. He supported the establishment of museums, libraries, and other cultural institutions, which helped to promote and preserve the country's rich cultural traditions. He was a passionate supporter of the country's traditional music, dance, and art, and worked to ensure that these cultural treasures were protected and preserved for future generations.

In conclusion, Ramón Iglesias i Navarri was a highly respected and influential co-prince of Andorra who played a critical role in the country's modernization and growth during his time as co-prince. He worked closely with President de Gaulle to improve the relationship between Andorra and France and to secure the funding necessary for the country's infrastructure. He was also a strong advocate for preserving Andorra's cultural heritage and played a key role in promoting and protecting the country's unique cultural treasures. His legacy continues to be remembered and celebrated in Andorra to this day.

Ramón Iglesias i Navarri's photo: by Malagarriga - own archive, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=36786297

1968 King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand: A Beloved Ruler

King Bhumibol Adulyadej, also known as King Rama IX, was the ninth king of Thailand and ruled the country for 70 years. Born on December 5, 1927, he became king on June 9, 1946, after the death of his brother King Ananda Mahidol. King Bhumibol's reign was marked by stability, modernization, and immense popularity among the Thai people.

In 1968, King Bhumibol was well into his reign and had already established himself as a beloved and respected leader. During this time, Thailand was undergoing significant changes, both politically and economically. The country was transitioning from an agricultural-based economy to a more industrialized one, and the king played a significant role in this transformation.

King Bhumibol was a strong supporter of rural development and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the rural poor. He was involved in various projects aimed at improving agricultural productivity and increasing access to education, healthcare, and basic services. One of his most notable initiatives was the Royal Development Projects, which aimed to promote self-sufficiency and provide better living standards for rural communities.

The king was also deeply involved in cultural and environmental conservation efforts. He established the Thai Environmental Institute to promote environmental awareness and research, and was a patron of the arts, particularly Thai classical dance and music. He was also a gifted musician and composer, and his works were widely appreciated by the Thai people.

In 1968, King Bhumibol was widely regarded as a symbol of stability and unity for the Thai people. He was loved and respected by the Thai people for his wisdom, compassion, and commitment to his country and its people. His tireless work on behalf of the Thai people earned him the title "Father of the Nation," and he remains one of Thailand's most beloved monarchs to this day.

Throughout his reign, King Bhumibol faced numerous challenges, both political and economic, but he remained steadfast in his commitment to his people. He was a stabilizing force during times of political unrest and was seen as a unifying figure for the Thai people.

King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away on October 13, 2016, at the age of 88. His death was mourned by the Thai people, who had grown up with him as their king and had come to love and respect him deeply. His passing marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on, and he remains an inspiration to the Thai people and an embodiment of the best qualities of Thai monarchy.

In conclusion, King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand was a beloved ruler who left a lasting legacy of stability, modernization, and compassion. His reign was a testament to his unwavering commitment to his country and its people, and he remains a revered figure in Thai history. King Bhumibol Adulyadej will always be remembered as a king who dedicated his life to serving his people and making the world a better place.

Leonid Brezhnev - 1968 Ruler of Soviet Union

Leonid Brezhnev was a Soviet politician who played a significant role in shaping the history of the Soviet Union. He served as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1964 to 1982 and as Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet from 1960 to 1964 and again from 1977 to 1982. Brezhnev's 18-year term as General Secretary was second only to Joseph Stalin's in duration.

Brezhnev was born into a working-class family in Kamianske, Ukraine, in 1906. He joined the Communist party's youth league in 1923 and became an official party member in 1929. When Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, he joined the Red Army as a commissar and rapidly rose through the ranks to become a major general during World War II. After the war, he was promoted to the party's Central Committee in 1952 and became a full member of the Politburo by 1957. In 1964, he replaced Nikita Khrushchev as First Secretary of the CPSU, the most powerful position in the country.

Brezhnev's conservative and pragmatic approach to governance was in sharp contrast to Khrushchev's impulsive and often controversial policies. He was known for reaching decisions through consensus and minimizing dissent among the party leadership. Under Brezhnev's leadership, the Soviet Union made significant gains in the international arena, including achieving nuclear parity with the United States and strengthening its control over Central and Eastern Europe. Additionally, his efforts to push for détente between the two Cold War superpowers helped to reduce tensions between the two nations.

However, Brezhnev's disregard for political reform resulted in a period of societal decline known as the Brezhnev Stagnation. The country experienced pervasive corruption, falling economic growth, and a rapidly growing technological gap with the United States. Additionally, the massive arms buildup and widespread military interventionism under Brezhnev's leadership strained the Soviet economy, leading to a period of economic hardship in the latter years of his rule.

Brezhnev's health rapidly declined after 1975, and he increasingly withdrew from international affairs, although he maintained his hold on power. He passed away in 1982 and was succeeded as General Secretary by Yuri Andropov.

Brezhnev's legacy is a mixed one, with some historians viewing his tenure as a time of political stability and foreign policy success, while others see it as a period of corruption, inefficiency, and economic stagnation. Nevertheless, his role in shaping the Soviet Union during one of the most volatile periods of its history cannot be ignored, and he remains a significant figure in the history of 20th-century politics.

1968 Queen of the United Kingdom - HM Queen Elizabeth II

 

Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-reigning current monarch in the world, having ascended to the throne on February 6, 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI. She was born on April 21, 1926, in London, England, as the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York, who later became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.

Elizabeth was educated privately at home and began to undertake public duties during World War II, serving in the Auxiliary Territorial Service. She also served as a mechanic and truck driver, and was the first female member of the royal family to actively serve in the military. In 1947, she married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and they have four children: Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, and Prince Edward.

On February 6, 1952, while on a tour of Kenya, Elizabeth received word of her father's death and her own ascension to the throne. She returned to London immediately, where she was greeted by Prime Minister Winston Churchill and officially ascended to the throne on June 2, 1953, at Westminster Abbey. Her coronation was the first to be televised, and was watched by millions of people around the world.

As Queen, Elizabeth II has undertaken numerous state visits and tours abroad, visiting over 120 countries, and has also played a central role in the development of the Commonwealth of Nations. She has also been a patron of over 600 organizations, including charities and arts bodies. Her role as head of the Commonwealth has been instrumental in promoting peace and understanding among its member countries.

Throughout her reign, Queen Elizabeth II has been a symbol of continuity and stability, and has shown a deep sense of duty and commitment to her role as Queen. She has also been a strong advocate for the arts, education, and charitable causes, and has worked to improve the lives of people both in the UK and around the world. She has also been a strong supporter of the armed forces and has regularly visited troops both at home and abroad.

Queen Elizabeth II has also seen great changes in her reign, including the end of British colonialism and the emergence of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and the ongoing issue of the constitutional status of Northern Ireland. She has also seen the United Kingdom become a more diverse and multicultural society, and has been a vocal advocate for tolerance and understanding.

In 2012, the Queen celebrated her Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years on the throne, making her the second British monarch after Queen Victoria to celebrate such an event. The jubilee was marked by a series of events and celebrations, both in the UK and around the Commonwealth, and was attended by leaders and representatives from around the world. In 2017, she became the first British monarch to celebrate a Sapphire Jubilee, marking 65 years on the throne.

Queen Elizabeth II continues to undertake a busy schedule of engagements, both in the UK and abroad, and is widely respected and admired both at home and around the world. She is also known for her strong sense of duty and commitment to her role, as well as her sense of humor and down-to-earth nature. Despite her many years on the throne, she remains an important and active figure in the public life of the United Kingdom, and is a symbol of continuity and stability in an ever-changing world.

Queen Elizabeth II died on 8 September 2022 at the age of 96. She was queen regnant of 32 sovereign states during her lifetime, and was head of state of 15 realms at the time of her death. Her reign of 70 years and 214 days was the longest of any British monarch and the longest verified reign of any female monarch in history.

In 1968 - Queen Elizabeth II began 1968 with a state visit to France, where she met with President Charles de Gaulle and participated in a variety of ceremonies and events. The visit was marked by a state banquet at the Elysée Palace, a visit to the Palace of Versailles, and a tour of the city of Paris. The Queen and the President also discussed issues of mutual concern, including the ongoing Cold War and the European Economic Community.

In March of that year, the Queen opened the new British Trade Fair in London. The fair was an important event for the British economy, as it showcased the latest products and services from British companies and aimed to promote trade and investment between the UK and other countries. The Queen toured the fairgrounds and met with representatives from various businesses and organizations.

In April 1968, Queen Elizabeth II made a state visit to West Germany, where she met with President Heinrich Lübke and participated in a variety of ceremonies and events. The visit included a state banquet at the Presidential Palace, a tour of the city of Bonn, and a visit to the German Parliament. The Queen and the President also discussed issues of mutual concern, including the ongoing Cold War and the European Economic Community.

In June 1968, the Queen opened the new British Library in London. The library was a major project that had been in the works for several years, and it was designed to be a world-class research facility. The Queen toured the library, met with staff and researchers, and officially declared it open.

In July 1968, Queen Elizabeth II made a state visit to Canada, where she participated in the country's centennial celebrations. The visit included a tour of the country, with stops in cities such as Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto. The Queen also participated in a number of events and ceremonies, including a state banquet at the Governor General's residence and a visit to the Canadian Parliament.

In October 1968, the Queen opened the new Royal Opera House in London. The opera house had been rebuilt after a fire destroyed the original building in the late 1950s, and it was now one of the most modern and technologically advanced opera houses in the world. The Queen was given a tour of the facility, met with staff and performers, and officially declared it open.

In November 1968, Queen Elizabeth II made a state visit to Mexico, where she met with President Gustavo Díaz Ordaz and participated in a variety of ceremonies and events. The visit included a state banquet at the Presidential Palace, a tour of the city of Mexico City, and a visit to the Mexican Congress. The Queen and the President also discussed issues of mutual concern, including the ongoing Cold War and trade relations between the two countries.

Throughout the year, Queen Elizabeth II also carried out various engagements within the United Kingdom, including opening new buildings, visiting schools and hospitals, and hosting state visits from foreign dignitaries.

Overall, 1968 was a busy year for Queen Elizabeth II, as she carried out a variety of engagements both at home and abroad, and represented the United Kingdom on the international stage. The Queen visited a number of different countries, met with various leaders and dignitaries, and participated in many important events and ceremonies. Her visits and engagements were aimed at promoting the interests of the United Kingdom, both domestically and internationally.

Young Photo of the Queen taken by Dorothy Wilding for The Royal Family & Latest photo - courtesy of tfp.at

1968 King of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

  

Photo Source: Wikipedia

Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was a prominent figure in the history of Saudi Arabia, known for his leadership and contributions to the country's development. He played a key role in the modernization of Saudi Arabia, and was instrumental in the country's economic and social development during his tenure as king.

Faisal was born on 14 April 1906 in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. He was the third son of King Abdulaziz, the founder of modern Saudi Arabia. Growing up, Faisal was known for his intelligence and strong sense of responsibility, qualities that would serve him well later in life.

In 1953, Faisal was appointed as Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, and he served in this position until he became king in 1964, following the death of his half-brother King Saud. During his time as Crown Prince, Faisal played a key role in the country's administration, and was responsible for many important decisions that helped to shape the future of Saudi Arabia.

In his role as king, Faisal focused on modernizing Saudi Arabia and promoting economic and social development. He implemented a number of policies and initiatives that aimed to improve the lives of citizens and spur economic growth. One of his most notable achievements was the introduction of the "Faisalization" program, which aimed to improve the education, health, and welfare of Saudi citizens. He also played a key role in the establishment of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which helped to establish Saudi Arabia as a major player in the global oil market.

In addition to his domestic accomplishments, Faisal was also a respected statesman and diplomat on the international stage. He was known for his efforts to promote peace and stability in the region, and worked to improve relations between Saudi Arabia and other countries.

Sadly, Faisal's reign was cut short when he was assassinated on 25 March 1975. His death was a significant loss to Saudi Arabia and the world, as he had become a respected and influential leader who had played a vital role in the development of his country. Nevertheless, his legacy lives on, and his contributions to the modernization of Saudi Arabia will be remembered for years to come.

1968 President of Singapore

Yusof bin Ishak (12 August 1910 – 23 November 1970) was an eminent Singaporean politician and the first President of Singapore. His portrait appears on the Singapore Portrait Series currency notes introduced in 1999.

Yusof was well known both as a journalist and the founder of the Malay newspaper Utusan Melayu prior to becoming head of state of Singapore. He was married to Noor Aishah.

He first served as Yang di-Pertuan Negara (head of state) between 1959 and 1965, remaining in office during the time that Singapore was part of the Federation of Malaysia between 1963 and 1965. Following Singapore's departure from Malaysia in 1965, he served as the first President of the Republic until his death in 1970.

Yusof is buried at Kranji State Cemetery.

1968 French Republic President

Charles André Joseph Marie de Gaulle (22 November 1890 – 9 November 1970) was a French general and statesman who led the Free French Forces during World War II. He later founded the French Fifth Republic in 1958 and served as its first President from 1959 to 1969. The 18th President of French Republic and Co-Prince of Andora

As President, Charles de Gaulle ended the political chaos that preceded his return to power. A new French currency was issued in January 1960 to control inflation and industrial growth was promoted. Although he initially supported French rule over Algeria, he controversially decided to grant independence to that country, ending an expensive and unpopular war but leaving France divided and having to face down opposition from the white settlers and French military who had originally supported his return to power.

De Gaulle oversaw the development of French atomic weapons and promoted a pan-European foreign policy, seeking independence from U.S. and British influence. He withdrew France from NATO military command - although remaining a member of the western alliance - and twice vetoed Britain's entry into the European Community. He travelled widely in Eastern Europe and other parts of the world and recognised Communist China. On a visit to Canada he gave encouragement to Quebec Separatism.

During his term, de Gaulle also faced controversy and political opposition from Communists and Socialists. Despite having been re-elected as President, this time by direct popular ballot, in 1965, in May 1968 he appeared likely to lose power amidst widespread protests by students and orkers, but survived the crisis with an increased majority in the Assembly. However, de Gaulle resigned after losing a referendum in 1969. He is considered by many to be the most influential leader in modern French history.

1968 ruler of Abu Dhabi of UAE

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (Arabic: زايد بن سلطان آل نهيان‎)‎, (1918 – 2 November 2004), the principal architect of United Arab Emirates (UAE), was the ruler of Abu Dhabi and president of the UAE for over 30 years (1971-2004).

Zayed was the youngest son of Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the traditional ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1922 to 1926. He was named after his famous grandfather, Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, who ruled the emirate from 1855 to 1909. On August 6, 1966 he succeeded his brother, Sheikh Shakhbut Bin-Sultan Al Nahyan, as emir of Abu Dhabi after the latter was deposed in a bloodless palace coup. Zayed was first appointed (by the other six Sheikhs on the Supreme Council) to the presidency of the UAE in 1971 and was reappointed on four further occasions: 1976, 1981, 1986, and 1991. He was considered a relatively liberal ruler, and permitted private media. However, they were expected to practice self-censorship and avoid criticism of Zayed or the ruling families.

He was the ruler of the Eastern Region form 1946 before becoming the ruler of the whole Abu Dhabi.

1968 Prime Minister of Japan

Eisaku Satō (Satō Eisaku?, March 27, 1901 – June 3, 1975) was a Japanese politician and the 61st, 62nd and 63rd Prime Minister of Japan, elected on November 9, 1964, and re-elected on February 17, 1967, and January 14, 1970, serving until July 7, 1972. He was the longest serving prime minister in the history of Japan.

1968 was a pivotal year for Japan, as it marked the beginning of Eisaku Sato's tenure as Prime Minister. Sato, who served as Prime Minister from November 9, 1964 to December 25, 1972, is considered one of Japan's most important and influential leaders of the 20th century.

During his tenure, Sato implemented a number of important policies that helped to solidify Japan's position as a major economic power. One of his most notable achievements was the introduction of the "Japan-US Joint Communique" which normalized the relationship between the two countries and set the stage for Japan's economic growth. He also focused on domestic policies, such as the improvement of living standards of citizens and the promotion of science and technology to spur economic development.

Sato also played a key role in Japan's foreign policy during this time period, particularly in its relations with the United States and Southeast Asia. He established diplomatic relations with a number of Southeast Asian countries and worked to improve relations between Japan and its former colonies.

Sato's tenure as Prime Minister also saw the rise of the student movement and protests for democratic reforms, which he handled with great care and tact. He was able to maintain stability and order while also pushing for political and social reforms.

In recognition of his contributions to Japan's development, Sato was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1974, becoming the first Japanese Prime Minister to receive the award. He was recognized for his efforts to promote peace in Asia and for his contributions to the improvement of Japan-US relations.

Overall, Eisaku Sato played a crucial role in shaping Japan's economic and political landscape during his tenure as Prime Minister in 1968 and his legacy continues to be felt to this day.

1968 Indonesia's President

Suharto (8 June 1921 – 27 January 2008) was the second President of Indonesia. He held the office from 1967 following Sukarno's removal up to his resignation in 1998.

Suharto was born in a small village near Yogyakarta, during the Dutch colonial controera. His Javanese peasant parents divorced not long after his birth, and for much of his childhood he was passed between foster parents. During the Japanese occupation of Indonesia, Suharto served in Japanese-organised Indonesian security forces. During Indonesia's independence struggle, he joined the newly-formed Indonesian army. Following Indonesian independence, Suharto rose to the rank of Major General. An attempted coup on 30 September 1965 was countered by Suharto-led troops, was blamed on the Indonesian Communist Party. An army led anti-communist purge, killed over half a million people, and Suharto wrested power from Indonesia's founding president, Sukarno. He was appointed acting president in 1967 and President the following year. Support for Suharto's presidency eroded following the hardship of 1997–98 Asian financial crisis. He was forced to resign from the presidency in May 1998 and he died in 2008.

The legacy of Suharto's 32-year rule is debated both in Indonesia and abroad. Under his "New Order" administration, Suharto constructed a strong, centralised and military-dominated government. An ability to maintain stability over a sprawling and diverse Indonesia and an avowedly anti-Communist stance won him the economic and diplomatic support of the West during the Cold War. For most of his presidency, Indonesia experienced significant economic growth and industrialisation, dramatically improving health, education and living standards. Indonesia's 24-year occupation of East Timor during Suharto's presidency, resulted in at least 100,000 deaths. By the 1990s, the New Order's authoritarianism and widespread corruption was a source of discontent. In the years since his presidency, attempts to try him on charges of corruption and genocide failed because of his poor health.

Like many Javanese, Suharto had only one name. In religious contexts, he is sometimes called “Haji” or “el-Haj Mohammed Suharto”, but this Islamic title is not part of his formal name or generally used. The spelling "Suharto" reflects current Indonesian spelling, but people's names were always exempt from this. The English-language press generally uses the spelling 'Suharto', but Suharto and his family, as well as the Indonesian government and media, use 'Soeharto'.

1968 Prime Minister of Australia

On 10 January 1968, Sir John Grey Gorton, (September 1911 – 19 May 2002), Australian politician, became the 19th Prime Minister in unusual circumstances. He was elected Liberal Party leader to replace Harold Holt, who had disappeared the previous month while swimming off the Victorian coast, and was presumed dead. Gorton also left the job in unusual circumstances – he declared himself out of office after a tied party vote of confidence in his leadership on 10 March 1971.

Prime Minister John Gorton with Indonesian President Soeharto in Djakarta during the Gorton’s visit in 1968.