Josip Jelačić was a prominent Croatian politician and military leader in the 19th century. Born on October 16, 1801, he became the Ban of Croatia in 1848, a position that made him a key figure in the struggle for Croatian autonomy within the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Jelačić is known for his efforts to modernize Croatia and promote national identity. He is also recognized for his role in the Revolution of 1848, where he fought against Hungarian dominance. Jelačić's legacy includes the establishment of a more unified Croatian state and his statue in Zagreb, which remains a symbol of Croatian nationalism.