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1326 – The Treaty of Novgorod sets borders between Russia and Norway in Finnmark. 1839 – In Humen, China, Lin Tse-hsü destroys 1,200 tonnes of opium confiscated from British merchants, providing Britain with an excuse to commence hostilities, the First Opium War. More at: History

Which revered historical figure was nonetheless criticised by many during his lifetime for his use of executive powers to rule by proclamation, and his imprisonment of suspected opponents without trial?