Anders Svensson
Swedish footballer and sportscaster
Played as a midfielder primarily for the club Southampton in the English Premier League and was a key player for the Swedish national team. Made significant contributions to the national team's success in various international tournaments, including the UEFA European Championship. Transitioned to a career in sports broadcasting after retiring from professional football, providing expert analysis and commentary.
Played for Southampton in the Premier League
Represented Sweden in multiple UEFA Championships
Other People Born on July 17th
John Jacob Astor
Businessman and fur trader
Born
July 17th, 1763 262 years ago
Died
March 29th, 1848 177 years ago — 84 years old
A prominent businessman, built a fortune primarily through the fur trade in North America during the early 19th century. Established the American Fur Company in 1808, which became the largest fur trading business in the United States. Invested in real estate in New York City, contributing significantly to the city's development. Astor was a key figure in the early American economy, known for his role in the expansion of the fur industry and real estate ventures. His wealth made him one of the first multimillionaires in the United States.
Continue ReadingMohammad Hasan Sharq
Afghan politician and former prime minister
Born
July 17th, 1925 100 years ago
Served as prime minister of Afghanistan during a critical period in the 1960s. Focused on modernization and development initiatives aimed at improving the Afghan economy and infrastructure. Oversaw significant changes in education and health sectors. Played a key role in the establishment of diplomatic relations with several countries, enhancing Afghanistan's international presence. Worked within a challenging political landscape, navigating tensions with both external powers and internal factions.
Continue ReadingEphraim Shay
Engineer who designed Shay locomotive
Born
July 17th, 1839 186 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1916 109 years ago — 76 years old
An engineer developed the Shay locomotive, a type of steam engine that proved vital for logging and freight transport on mountainous terrain. This innovative design featured a unique gear-driven system, providing better traction and stability on steep grades. The Shay locomotive became widely used in the timber industry, significantly impacting the efficiency of lumber transport. The manufacturing of Shay locomotives continued long after the initial design, with production spanning several decades.
Continue ReadingGordon Gould
Physicist and laser inventor
Born
July 17th, 1920 105 years ago
Died
September 16th, 2005 20 years ago — 85 years old
An American physicist and academic, contributed to the field of optics and photonics. Invented the laser in the 1950s and coined the term 'laser', standing for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Although the invention faced patent disputes, secured a patent in 1977 after several legal battles. Served as a professor and held various academic positions throughout his career.
Continue ReadingLucio Tan
Businessman and educator, airlines mogul
Born
July 17th, 1934 91 years ago
Born in 1934, a Chinese-Filipino businessman founded the LT Group, which has interests in various sectors including beverage, tobacco, and banking. Established Philippine Airlines, serving as an influential figure in the country's aviation industry. Also engaged in education, supporting various institutions and initiatives. Tan's business acumen and strategic investments contributed to the growth of several industries in the Philippines, making a significant economic impact.
Continue ReadingXianfeng Emperor
Emperor of China during Qing Dynasty
Born
July 17th, 1831 194 years ago
Died
1861 165 years ago — 30 years old
Ruled as the Xianfeng Emperor from 1850 to 1861 during a tumultuous period in the Qing Dynasty. His reign was marked by internal strife, including the Second Opium War against Britain and France, which resulted in significant territorial losses and the Treaty of Tientsin. Encountered challenges from various uprisings, notably the Taiping Rebellion, which posed a serious threat to the dynasty's stability. The emperor's efforts to modernize the military and government structures were limited by conservative resistance and external pressures.
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