All the People

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

Wilhelm Miklas

Austrian politician, 3rd President of Austria
Born
October 15th, 1872 153 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 84 years old

Served as the third President of Austria from 1945 to 1950. Held the position during the early years of the Second Austrian Republic. Contributed to the rebuilding of Austria post-World War II and played a significant role in its reconstruction efforts. Prior to his presidency, worked as an educator and politician, holding various positions within the Austrian government. Involved in the political landscape during a time of significant change in the country.

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Wilhelm Mohnke

German general during WWII
Born
1911 114 years ago
Died
August 6th, 2001 24 years ago — 90 years old

Served as a general in the German Army during World War II. Mohnke commanded troops during significant battles, including the defense of Berlin in 1945. He was involved in various military strategies and operations throughout the war. After the war, he was taken prisoner by Allied forces and spent several years in captivity before being released.

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Wilhelm Ostwald

Nobel Prize-winning chemist
Born
September 2nd, 1853 172 years ago
Died
April 4th, 1932 93 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent chemist and academic, significant contributions were made to physical chemistry and the concept of catalysis. Emphasized the importance of chemical thermodynamics and reaction kinetics. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1909 for work on catalysis, specifically the theory that explained activation energy in chemical reactions. Contributed to the development of colorimetry and classification of chemical equilibria.

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Wilhelm Peterson-Berger

Swedish composer and music critic
Born
February 27th, 1867 158 years ago
Died
1942 83 years ago — 75 years old

A notable composer and music critic, contributions spanned orchestral, choral, and piano music. The composition 'Vårvindar friska' gained recognition and remains a popular piece in the Swedish musical repertoire. Active in the early 20th century, his work reflected the landscape and culture of Sweden, often incorporating folk elements into compositions. Served as a music critic for various publications, influencing the discourse on contemporary music.

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Wilhelm Pieck

Politician & 1st President of East Germany
Born
January 3rd, 1876 149 years ago
Died
September 7th, 1960 65 years ago — 84 years old

A carpenter by trade, played a significant role in the establishment of the German Democratic Republic after World War II. Served as a member of the Communist Party of Germany, contributing to the development of socialist policies. Elected as the first President of the German Democratic Republic in 1949, overseeing its formation and early governance. Contributed to the establishment of a one-party state and the implementation of state control over key sectors of the economy. Held the presidency until his death in 1960.

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Wilhelm Raabe

German author known for literary works
Born
September 8th, 1831 194 years ago
Died
November 15th, 1910 115 years ago — 79 years old

Born in 1831, this individual became a significant figure in German literature and painting. He authored numerous novels, stories, and essays, often exploring themes of social issues and human behavior. His writing style blended realism with a profound understanding of character development. Works such as 'Chronik der Sperlingsgasse' and 'Der Schinderhannes' reflect the cultural and societal structures of his time. Aside from literature, his passion for painting further contributed to his artistic profile. This individual spent much of his life in various cities across Germany, influencing the literary scene until his death in 1910.

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Wilhelm Ramsay

Geologist, professor and pioneer in geology
Born
January 20th, 1865 160 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1928 97 years ago — 62 years old

A prominent geologist and professor, contributed significantly to the understanding of geological formations. Developed new theories in the field of geomorphology and mineralogy, influencing both academic research and practical applications. His research encompassed various aspects of geology, including the study of rock formations and their implications for understanding Earth's history. Held academic positions at leading institutions and mentored numerous students, fostering future generations of geologists.

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Wilhelm Rediess

SS officer during World War II
Born
1900 125 years ago
Died
May 8th, 1945 80 years ago — 45 years old

Served as an SS officer during World War II, Rediess held a significant position within the Nazi regime. His responsibilities included overseeing various operations related to the enforcement of Nazi policies. With the collapse of Nazi Germany, he was involved in military activities until Germany's surrender in May 1945. Following the war's end, Rediess faced the consequences of his actions as the Allied forces took control of Germany.

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Wilhelm Reich

Psychotherapist and academic researcher
Born
March 24th, 1897 128 years ago
Died
November 3rd, 1957 68 years ago — 60 years old

Austrian-American psychotherapist and academic contributed significantly to psychoanalysis, particularly in exploring the relationship between emotions and physical health. Developed the concept of orgone energy, positing that a universal life force affects human behavior and health. Authored several influential texts, including 'The Function of the Orgasm' and 'Character Analysis', which discussed the impact of character structures on mental health. Engaged in therapeutic practices aimed at resolving emotional blockages and established the Orgone Institute in the United States. His controversial theories led to scrutiny and legal challenges, particularly regarding orgone therapy and its applications.

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Wilhelm Ritter von Leeb

German field marshal in World War II
Born
September 5th, 1876 149 years ago
Died
April 29th, 1956 69 years ago — 79 years old

Served as a German field marshal during World War II. Commanded Army Group North on the Eastern Front, focusing on the Siege of Leningrad. Led successful operations in the early years of the war before his eventual withdrawal due to mounting losses. Received the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross for military leadership and achievement.

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Wilhelm Röntgen

Physicist, Nobel Prize in Physics
Born
March 27th, 1845 180 years ago
Died
February 10th, 1923 102 years ago — 77 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of physics, particularly in the study of X-rays. Discovered X-rays in 1895, revolutionizing medical imaging and diagnostics. Received the first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901 for this groundbreaking work. Served as a professor at several institutions, including the University of Würzburg, where major research was conducted. His discovery marked the beginning of a new era in medical technology.

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Wilhelm Rudolph Fittig

German chemist and organic synthesis expert
Born
December 6th, 1835 189 years ago
Died
November 19th, 1910 114 years ago — 74 years old

Born in 1835, a German chemist contributed significantly to organic chemistry. Worked extensively on the synthesis of various organic compounds and made important advancements in aromatic chemistry. Developed the Fittig reaction, which is utilized in organic synthesis for forming biaryl compounds. Held academic positions at universities and collaborated with notable chemists of the time.

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