Caspar Weinberger
Secretary of Defense under Reagan
Served as the 15th United States Secretary of Defense from 1981 to 1987. Oversaw a significant military buildup during the Cold War. Played a crucial role in shaping defense policies, including the Strategic Defense Initiative. Prior to this role, practiced law and held various positions in government and business, including Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. His tenure in defense was marked by a focus on modernizing U.S. military capabilities.
Oversaw U.S. military during Cold War
Implemented Strategic Defense Initiative
Served as Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare
Other People Born on August 18th
Antonio Salieri
Italian composer and conductor of opera
Born
August 18th, 1750 275 years ago
Died
May 7th, 1825 201 years ago — 74 years old
A prominent composer and conductor of the late 18th century, contributions to the development of opera were significant. Salieri served as court composer in Vienna and developed a reputation for his operatic works. He composed several successful operas, including 'Wolkenschtz, Venus and Adonis, and Tarare'. His influence extended to his role as a teacher, mentoring many notable composers such as Franz Schubert and Ludwig van Beethoven. Additionally, he was known for his rivalry with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, which has been depicted in various cultural interpretations, notably in Peter Shaffer's play 'Amadeus'. Salieri's legacy includes a substantial body of orchestral and operatic music, demonstrating his artistry and the musical style of his time.
Continue ReadingOtto Ernst Remer
German general during World War II
Born
August 18th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
October 4th, 1997 28 years ago — 85 years old
Served as a general in the German army during World War II. Became widely recognized for his role in quelling the July 20, 1944, assassination attempt against Adolf Hitler. Commanded the 56th Panzer Corps and participated in various military campaigns on the Eastern Front. After the war, engaged in far-right political activities and founded the National Democratic Party of Germany in the 1960s.
Continue ReadingBaji Rao I
First Peshwa of Maratha Empire
Born
August 18th, 1700 325 years ago
Died
1740 286 years ago — 40 years old
Born in 1700, Baji Rao I served as the first Peshwa of the Maratha Empire, significantly expanding its territory and influence in India. His leadership spanned from 1720 until his death in 1740. Baji Rao I displayed military prowess throughout multiple campaigns, establishing the Maratha Empire as a dominant power. His strategic vision and innovative military tactics reshaped the political landscape of the region. He played a crucial role in the Deccan and defeated several regional powers, consolidating Maratha control over many territories. Baji Rao I also laid the groundwork for the expansion of the empire beyond its traditional boundaries.
Continue ReadingVirginia Dare
First English child born in America
Born
August 18th, 1587 438 years ago
Born on August 18, 1587, Virginia Dare became the first child born to English parents in the Americas, specifically in the Colony of Roanoke. Her birth marked a significant event in the early history of English colonization. The colony, established by Sir Walter Raleigh, faced many challenges, including supply shortages and tensions with Indigenous peoples. Virginia Dare's existence was noted in historical records, and she became a symbol of the early colonial attempts. The fate of Virginia Dare and the Roanoke colony remains one of the enduring mysteries of early American history, as the colony famously vanished without a trace.
Continue ReadingFrancesco Canova da Milano
Italian composer of Renaissance music
Born
August 18th, 1497 528 years ago
Died
January 2nd, 1543 483 years ago — 45 years old
A significant figure in the development of Renaissance music, contributed to the lute repertoire and composed numerous pieces for various instruments and voices. Created a style that blended both improvisation and written music, influencing future composers and musicians. His works are characterized by intricate melodies and harmonic exploration, contributing to the richness of the Renaissance musical landscape. Continued to have relevance in music history due to the complexity and artistry of the compositions.
Continue ReadingLouis Henri
Duke of Bourbon
Born
August 18th, 1692 333 years ago
Died
January 27th, 1740 286 years ago — 47 years old
Duke of Bourbon served as a French noble and military leader during the 17th century. Held significant influence as the head of the Bourbon family, playing a pivotal role in French politics and military affairs. Participated in various campaigns and contributed to the establishment of Bourbon dominance in France. His notable lineage established the connection between the Bourbon dynasty and the French monarchy.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 28th
Pope Martin IV
Pope with papacy during the 13th century
Died
March 28th, 1285 741 years ago — None years old
Served as pope from 1281 until death in 1285. Elected following the papacy's return to Rome, focused on restoring order within the church and consolidating papal power. Engaged in political maneuvering to counteract the influence of powerful families in Italy, particularly in Rome and Sicily. Advocated for church reform and addressed issues related to clerical misconduct during tenure as pope. His papacy also coincided with conflicts involving Charles I of Anjou and the ongoing struggles for control in Sicily.
Continue ReadingGeorge E. P. Box
Statistician; inventor of Box-Jenkins models
Born
1919 107 years ago
Died
March 28th, 2013 13 years ago — 94 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of statistics and was a prominent educator. Developed methods for time series analysis, particularly the Box-Jenkins method, which improved forecasting in various applications. Served at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and authored several influential books on statistics, including 'Statistics as a Language'. Promoted the use of graphical methods in data analysis and emphasized the importance of model building in statistical practice.
Continue ReadingPro Hart
Australian painter and artist
Born
May 30th, 1928 98 years ago
Died
March 28th, 2006 20 years ago — 77 years old
An influential Australian painter, recognized for contributions to the art community and distinctive style. Focus shifted towards landscapes and rural Australian life, often incorporating elements of surrealism into works. Achieved widespread acclaim through both exhibitions and commercial success. Engaged in producing a blend of artistic work that included painting and sculpture, with a prominence in regional and national art scenes.
Continue ReadingEmperor Go-Toba
Emperor of Japan and poet
Born
August 6th, 1180 845 years ago
Died
March 28th, 1239 787 years ago — 58 years old
Emperor Go-Toba reigned over Japan during the late Heian period and early Kamakura period. Ascending to the throne in 1183, his reign was marked by political strife and the rise of the warrior class. Go-Toba witnessed the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate, which led to a significant shift of power away from the imperial court. He was an accomplished poet and patron of the arts, contributing to the flourishing of Japanese poetry during his time. Go-Toba also attempted to regain imperial power through various political maneuvers but faced resistance from the shogunate. After his abdication in 1198, he continued to influence the court and the arts until his death in 1239.
Continue ReadingLorenzo Semple Jr.
Screenwriter for Batman (1966) TV series
Born
1923 103 years ago
Died
March 28th, 2014 12 years ago — 91 years old
A prominent American screenwriter and producer, contributed significantly to the film and television industry. Best recognized for the 1960s television series 'Batman,' which blended camp humor and superhero action. Worked on various projects, including adaptations and original screenplays for television and film, bringing a unique style to the works. Collaborated with notable directors and writers throughout a prolific career, leaving a lasting legacy in screenwriting.
Continue ReadingGene Saks
American actor and theater director
Born
1921 105 years ago
Died
March 28th, 2015 11 years ago — 94 years old
An influential figure in American theater, played a significant role in numerous Broadway productions. Directed several acclaimed plays, particularly those written by Neil Simon. Achieved success as both an actor and director, working on various productions across different genres. Contributions to theater spanned decades, leaving a lasting legacy in dramatic arts.
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