Francisco Franco led a successful military rebellion to overthrow Spain's democratic republic in the Spanish Civil War (1936—39), subsequently establishing an often brutal dictatorship that defined the country for decades.

• General, Dictator, Military Leader
  (1892–1975)

Russian author Leo Tolstoy wrote the acclaimed novels 'War and Peace,' 'Anna Karenina' and 'The Death of Ivan Ilyich,' and ranks among the world's top writers.

• Author
  (1828–1910)

The daughter of famous suffragette Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harriot Stanton Blatch continued her mother's work in the women's rights movement.

• Journalist, Women's Rights Activist
  (1856–1940)

Filmmaker Robert Altman is best known for his highly individualistic films and use of simultaneous layers of dialogue.

• Director
  (1925–2006)