Cornelis de Witt
Dutch politician and statesman
Served as a prominent politician in the Dutch Republic during the 17th century. Played a significant role in the governance of the Republic, particularly in its foreign policy and political maneuvers. Held the office of Grand Pensionary of Holland, the highest position in the Dutch political system at the time. Advocated for the interests of the Republic against various adversaries, including England in the Second Anglo-Dutch War. His political career ended tragically due to his assassination during a civil unrest.
Served as Grand Pensionary of Holland
Influenced Dutch foreign policy during conflicts
Other People Born on June 15th
François Tombalbaye
Chadian politician, 1st President of Chad
Born
June 15th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
April 13th, 1975 50 years ago — 56 years old
Served as the first President of Chad from 1960 until 1975. Initially a schoolteacher, engaged in various academic roles before entering politics. Held positions within the Chadian government and worked to establish independence and modern governance structures. His administration faced significant challenges, including internal conflict and opposition. Tombalbaye's rule ended with his assassination in 1975, marking a pivotal moment in Chad's political landscape.
Continue ReadingAntoine François
French chemist and entomologist
Born
June 15th, 1755 270 years ago
Died
December 16th, 1809 216 years ago — 54 years old
Contributed to the advancement of chemistry and entomology. Authored several papers on chemical processes and insect taxonomy. Played a significant role in the establishment of chemistry as a distinct scientific discipline in France during the late 18th century. Assisted in the development of the classification system for invertebrates and emphasized the importance of empirical observation in scientific research.
Continue ReadingErik Erikson
Psychologist known for psychosocial theory
Born
June 15th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1994 31 years ago — 91 years old
Contributed to the field of psychology and psychoanalysis with a focus on human development. Developed the psychosocial stages of development theory, which outlines eight key conflicts that shape personality across the lifespan. Worked with Anna Freud and contributed to ego psychology. Authored influential books including 'Childhood and Society' and 'Identity: Youth and Crisis', which explored identity development and the impact of society on personal growth. Taught at prestigious institutions including Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley, influencing a generation of psychologists.
Continue ReadingYuri Andropov
Former Soviet General Secretary
Born
June 15th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
February 9th, 1984 41 years ago — 69 years old
A prominent figure in Soviet politics, held the position of General Secretary of the Communist Party from 1982 until death in 1984. Served as Chairman of the KGB from 1967 to 1982, overseeing major national security and intelligence operations. Advocated for reforms within the Communist Party and attempted to address economic issues during tenure. Introduced measures aimed at modernizing the Soviet economy and improving relations with the West.
Continue ReadingJohn Fenn
American chemist, Nobel laureate
Born
June 15th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
December 10th, 2010 15 years ago — 93 years old
Contributed significantly to the field of chemistry, particularly in mass spectrometry. Developed electrospray ionization, a method that revolutionized the analysis of biomolecules. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2002 for advancements made in the development of methods of identification and structure analyses of biological macromolecules. Held academic positions at various institutions throughout a distinguished career.
Continue ReadingDavid Rose
Pianist and conductor of television scores
Born
June 15th, 1910 115 years ago
Died
August 23rd, 1990 35 years ago — 80 years old
A pianist, composer, and conductor, contributed significantly to the television music landscape. Rose composed and conducted the theme music for the long-running television series "Little House on the Prairie" and was associated with numerous other shows during his career. His prolific output included popular songs and scores that reflected the changing music scene of the mid-20th century. In addition to television, he worked with orchestras and produced albums that showcased his talents as a musician and arranger.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 20th
Phyllis Diller
Comedian and voice artist in 'The Jetsons'
Born
July 17th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2012 13 years ago — 95 years old
An American actress and comedian, gained recognition for a unique comedic style characterized by self-deprecating humor and eccentric persona. Started a career in the 1950s and made significant contributions to both stand-up comedy and television. Appeared in films such as 'The Pruitts of Southampton' and voiced the character of the hag in the animated series 'The Jetsons'. Diller also became a regular guest on various talk shows and entertained audiences with her distinctive laugh and energetic performances.
Continue ReadingEdmund Szoka
American cardinal and Vatican official
Born
September 14th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2014 11 years ago — 86 years old
Ordained a priest in 1955, served in various capacities within the Archdiocese of Detroit. Appointed the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Kalamazoo in 1981, and subsequently became the 11th archbishop of Detroit in 1990. Elevated to cardinal in 1994, played a significant role in various Vatican congregations and councils. Instrumental in church reforms and leadership within the Catholic Church during his tenure. Retired in 2006 and continued service in various capacities until death in 2014.
Continue ReadingĐặng Phong
Vietnamese economist and historian
Born
1937 89 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2010 15 years ago — 73 years old
Contributed significantly to the understanding of Vietnam's economic history and socialist transformation. Served as a professor at the National University of Vietnam, specializing in economic history. Conducted extensive research on the historical development of Vietnam's economy from the colonial period to post-war reconstruction. Authored several influential works that examined the impact of governmental policies on economic growth and social change.
Continue ReadingMeles Zenawi
Ethiopian Prime Minister and revolutionary leader
Born
May 9th, 1955 70 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2012 13 years ago — 57 years old
Served as the Prime Minister of Ethiopia from 1995 until 2012. Played a significant role in the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front, which controlled the government after the overthrow of Mengistu Haile Mariam. Implemented economic reforms that spurred growth and attracted foreign investment. Also participated in regional politics, including peace negotiations in the Horn of Africa. Advocated for the role of the African Union in addressing continental issues.
Continue ReadingDom Mintoff
Maltese politician and Prime Minister
Born
August 6th, 1916 109 years ago
Died
August 20th, 2012 13 years ago — 96 years old
Served as the 8th Prime Minister of Malta and was a prominent figure in the Maltese Labour Party. Played a significant role in Malta's independence from the UK. Mintoff advocated for a strong welfare state and pursued policies that aimed to enhance the social and economic wellbeing of Maltese citizens. Also served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Works, focusing on infrastructure development. His tenure was marked by efforts to transform Malta into a more self-sufficient nation.
Continue ReadingJuan Bautista Ceballos
President of Mexico in 1853
Born
May 13th, 1811 214 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1859 166 years ago — 48 years old
Ceballos served as President of Mexico in 1853 during a period marked by political instability. His presidency was brief and occurred amidst turmoil in the Mexican government. Ceballos faced significant challenges, including opposition from various factions. His administration is often overshadowed by the events surrounding other leaders and the larger conflicts of the era. After his short tenure, he returned to a background role in public life. Details of his subsequent activities are less documented, as his presidency did not lead to further significant political involvement.
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