All the People

If you just want to see the people in our database you can browse them here.

Wilhelm Freddie

Danish painter and sculptor
Born
1909 116 years ago
Died
October 26th, 1995 30 years ago — 86 years old

A prominent figure in Danish art during the 20th century, contributed significantly to the Surrealist movement. Worked primarily as a painter and sculptor, creating works that often explored themes of sexuality and fantasy. Exhibited in various galleries, earning recognition for unique visual style and innovative use of materials. Established a distinct presence in the Copenhagen art scene.

Continue Reading

Wilhelm Frick

German politician and federal minister
Born
March 12th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 69 years old

Served as the German Federal Minister of the Interior from 1933 to 1943. Played a significant role in the administrative policies of the Nazi regime, overseeing various aspects of internal affairs and law enforcement. Involved in drafting and implementing numerous laws that facilitated the persecution and expulsion of Jewish citizens and other minority groups during the regime's rule. Contributed to the establishment of police structures that enforced the regime's policies and maintained state security.

Continue Reading

Wilhelm Friedemann Bach

German composer of Baroque music
Born
November 22nd, 1710 314 years ago
Died
July 1st, 1784 241 years ago — 73 years old

A composer during the late Baroque period, contributed significantly to the development of instrumental music and forms. Son of Johann Sebastian Bach, composed in a range of styles and genres, showcasing a unique voice among contemporaries. His works included symphonies, chamber music, and keyboard compositions, many of which reflect complex counterpoint and expressive melodies. Held positions at several courts and churches throughout Germany, cultivated a reputation as a skilled organist.

Continue Reading

Wilhelm Friedrich de Gaay Fortman

Dutch politician and Minister of The Interior
Born
May 8th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
1997 28 years ago — 86 years old

A jurist and politician who served as the Minister of The Interior in the Netherlands. Involved in multiple legislative processes and reforms, aimed at improving governmental structures and public administration. Played a significant role in the Dutch political landscape during the mid-20th century.

Continue Reading

Wilhelm Furtwängler

Conductor acclaimed for conducting Wagner
Born
January 25th, 1886 139 years ago
Died
November 30th, 1954 70 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent German conductor and composer, contributed significantly to the world of classical music during the 20th century. Conducted leading orchestras including the Berlin Philharmonic and the Vienna Philharmonic. Renowned for interpretations of the works of composers such as Beethoven and Wagner. Engaged in music during tumultuous historical periods, including World War II. Continued to perform and record music after the war, emphasizing the importance of the conductor's role in interpreting works. Furtwängler's conducting style and philosophies left a lasting legacy in the classical music community and influenced future generations of conductors.

Continue Reading

Wilhelm Grimm

German anthropologist and author
Born
February 24th, 1786 239 years ago
Died
December 16th, 1859 165 years ago — 73 years old

Contributed significantly to folklore and linguistics. Along with his brother, collected and published fairy tales that became classics, including 'Cinderella' and 'Hansel and Gretel'. Developed important theories in German philology and worked on the German Dictionary project. Involved in the founding of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Volkskunde, promoting the study of folklore.

Continue Reading

Wilhelm Hauff

German poet and author of tales
Born
November 29th, 1802 222 years ago
Died
1827 198 years ago — 25 years old

Born in 1802, a German author and poet produced memorable fairy tales and novels. Writings showcased a blend of folklore, fantasy, and moral lessons. Achieved recognition for contributions to the genre of children's literature. Many of the works published during the early 19th century are still read today, illustrating cultural and social narratives of the time. Died at a young age but left a significant literary legacy.

Continue Reading

Wilhelm Henzen

German philologist and epigraphist
Born
January 24th, 1816 209 years ago
Died
1887 138 years ago — 71 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of philology and epigraphy. Worked extensively on deciphering inscriptions and texts from ancient languages, particularly those related to the Roman Empire. Published various studies on Latin inscriptions and their cultural contexts. His research provided insights into the linguistic and historical aspects of ancient societies.

Continue Reading

Wilhelm Hisinger

Physicist and chemist in Sweden
Born
December 23rd, 1766 258 years ago
Died
1852 173 years ago — 86 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of physics and chemistry in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Conducted research on thermodynamics and mineralogy, and was involved in the study of gases and heat. Collaborated with other scientists and contributed to advancements in chemical processes and materials. Played a role in the establishment of scientific institutions in Sweden, promoting education and research in the sciences.

Continue Reading

Wilhelm Hofmeister

German botanist and plant developer
Born
May 18th, 1824 201 years ago
Died
1877 148 years ago — 53 years old

Contributions to botany included foundational work on plant development and classification. Established the concept of alternation of generations in plant life cycles, influencing modern botanical studies. Conducted extensive research on the reproductive processes of ferns and other plants, contributing to the understanding of their life cycles. Writings provided a framework for plant morphology and taxonomy, shaping future botanical research.

Continue Reading

Wilhelm II

German Emperor and World War I leader
Born
January 27th, 1859 166 years ago
Died
June 4th, 1941 84 years ago — 82 years old

Ruled as the German Emperor and King of Prussia from 1888 until his abdication in 1918. Oversaw the expansion of the German navy and pursued a militaristic foreign policy. The tensions during his reign contributed to the outbreak of World War I. Fled to exile in the Netherlands after the war, where he lived until his death in 1941.

Continue Reading

Wilhelmina

Queen of the Netherlands, WWII leader
Born
August 31st, 1880 145 years ago
Died
1962 63 years ago — 82 years old

Reigned as queen from 1890 to 1948, the longest of any Dutch monarch. Introduced progressive policies, including social welfare reforms and women's rights. Guided the Netherlands during World War II, utilizing radio broadcasts to maintain morale and support resistance efforts against Nazi occupation. Abdicated in favor of her daughter following the war, marking the end of a significant era in Dutch royal history.

Continue Reading