Born on This Day: December 5

American president and political organizer who helped build the modern party system.

English poet whose devotional and lyrical works became enduring contributions to Victorian literature.

American cavalry officer whose career and death became central to the history and mythology of western expansion.

American animator and entrepreneur whose studios and theme parks transformed global entertainment.

American senator whose long career shaped Southern politics and the history of segregation and party realignment.

Austrian-American filmmaker whose style and challenges to censorship influenced modern cinema.

American singer and pianist whose explosive style helped define rock and roll.

American writer whose essays and fiction transformed literary journalism and cultural criticism.