Frederick William I of Prussia
King of Prussia; Soldier King
Born
Died
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
Germany
Links & References
Ruled as King of Prussia from 1713 until 1740. Revolutionized military organization, establishing a strong Prussian army. Implemented fiscal policies that strengthened the state. Focused on maintaining a frugal court and expanded the territories of Prussia through diplomatic means. Fostered a sense of nationalism among the Prussian people.
Established the 18th-century Prussian army as a powerful force.
Promoted policies that enhanced Prussian state finances.
Expanded Prussia's territories through strategic diplomacy.
Other People Born on August 14th
Cupid Childs
Baseball player, World's Champion 1890
Born
August 14th, 1867 158 years ago
Died
1912 113 years ago — 45 years old
Debuted in Major League Baseball in 1889 with the Cleveland Spiders. Played as an outfielder and became a notable player in the National League during the 1890s. Contributed to the Philadelphia Phillies and the St. Louis Browns, where remarkable performance included high batting averages and numerous runs. Achieved the distinction of being a member of the 1890 Pennsylvania State League championship team. Retired from professional baseball after several seasons, recognized for significant contributions to the sport.
Continue ReadingCatherine of York
English princess and political figure
Born
August 14th, 1479 546 years ago
Died
November 15th, 1527 498 years ago — 48 years old
Daughter of Edward IV, played a significant role in the political landscape of 15th century England. Married Henry VII, contributing to the union of the Houses of York and Lancaster. Produced several offspring, including future monarchs. Engaged in political alliances and navigated the complexities of court life during a tumultuous period in English history.
Continue ReadingAlexander H. Bailey
American lawyer and politician
Born
August 14th, 1817 208 years ago
Died
April 20th, 1874 151 years ago — 56 years old
Appointed to the United States District Court for the District of Illinois, serving as a judge. Engaged in legal practice and represented numerous clients throughout a lengthy career. Elected to the Illinois State Senate, contributing to legislative processes and public policy. Actively involved in various legal and political organizations during tenure.
Continue ReadingWillie Dunn
Canadian singer-songwriter and producer
Born
August 14th, 1942 83 years ago
Died
August 5th, 2013 12 years ago — 70 years old
Active in the folk music scene, contributed to the Canadian music landscape with a blend of traditional and contemporary styles. Released influential albums, showcasing themes of Indigenous rights and environmentalism. Notable for the song 'I Pity the Country' which critiques the degradation of natural environments. Participated in various festivals and initiatives promoting cultural awareness and Indigenous issues.
Continue ReadingFrancis Ford
American actor and director of films
Born
August 14th, 1881 144 years ago
Died
1953 72 years ago — 72 years old
An accomplished actor, director, producer, and screenwriter, this individual played a significant role in the early development of American cinema. In the early 1900s, directed and produced numerous silent films, contributing to the establishment of Hollywood as a film capital. Worked in collaboration with many prominent figures in the industry, creating a legacy through storytelling and film production. Directed critically acclaimed projects that focused on compelling narratives and innovative filmmaking techniques.
Continue ReadingMargret Boveri
Journalist and author of critical essays
Born
August 14th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
1975 50 years ago — 75 years old
A German journalist active in the 20th century, contributed significant writings during turbulent historical periods. Focused on political issues, societal changes, and individual rights. Engaged in journalism during the rise of the Nazi regime, advocating for freedom of expression. Authored several books and essays, providing critical insights into contemporary events. Conducted interviews and reported on socio-political matters, becoming a respected figure in journalism and literature.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 31st
Leopold Staff
Ukrainian-Polish poet and academic
Born
November 14th, 1878 147 years ago
Died
May 31st, 1957 68 years ago — 78 years old
A prominent poet and academic, contributed significantly to Polish literature in the 20th century. Associated with the Skamander group, which promoted modernist poetry in Poland. Published collections such as 'The Taming of the Wind' and 'The Chariot of Fire' while also exploring themes of nature, love, and existentialism. Held various academic positions, influencing numerous students and writers. Recognized for his literary work and received multiple accolades for contributions to poetry.
Continue ReadingJane Frank
American painter and sculptor
Born
July 25th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
May 31st, 1986 39 years ago — 67 years old
An influential American artist active in the mid-20th century, primarily recognized for contributions to abstract art. Frank's works often reflected a blend of painting and sculpture, showcasing unique textures and vibrant colors. She studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and later at the University of Mexico, which contributed to her distinct artistic style. Her art gained significant attention within the American art scene, leading to numerous exhibitions across the United States. Frank also participated in the Federal Art Project during the Depression, further embedding her into the tapestry of American art history. Her innovative approaches helped shape the understanding of modern art during her active years.
Continue ReadingLouise Bourgeois
Sculptor and painter; Maman sculpture
Born
December 25th, 1911 113 years ago
Died
May 31st, 2010 15 years ago — 98 years old
A prominent sculptor and painter active in the modern art scene. Her work frequently explored themes of feminism, memory, and the unconscious. Bourgeois created large-scale sculptures, with 'Maman,' a spider structure, becoming among her most recognizable works. The artist's childhood experiences heavily influenced her creations. Her art engaged with personal and psychological narratives, often exhibiting complex emotions and relationships.
Continue ReadingBilly Strayhorn
American jazz composer and pianist
Born
November 29th, 1915 110 years ago
Died
May 31st, 1967 58 years ago — 51 years old
A prominent jazz composer and pianist, contributions include a lengthy partnership with Duke Ellington, writing many notable pieces that became staples of the jazz repertoire. Strayhorn's arrangements infused the band with sophistication and depth. He developed a unique style characterized by intricate melodies and harmonies. Despite struggles with health and recognition, his work stood out in jazz circles. His piece 'Take the 'A' Train' became one of Ellington's signature works, even though Strayhorn did not receive the acclaim he deserved during his lifetime. Many of his compositions are still performed and celebrated in contemporary jazz.
Continue ReadingArlene Francis
Television personality and actress
Born
October 20th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
May 31st, 2001 24 years ago — 93 years old
Born in 1907, Arlene Francis was an American actress and television personality. She became a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, particularly in the mid-20th century. Francis gained fame as a panelist on the game show "What's My Line?", which aired from 1950 to 1967. Her career spanned theater, film, and television, showcasing her versatility. In addition to her work on television, she appeared in Broadway productions and films such as "The Devil and Daniel Webster" and "The Manchurian Candidate." Frances was recognized for her contributions to the arts and entertainment sector.
Continue ReadingRaymond Davis Jr.
Chemist and physicist, Nobel laureate
Born
October 14th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
May 31st, 2006 19 years ago — 91 years old
Born in 1914, a significant figure in the field of physics and chemistry. Developed techniques for detecting neutrinos, which contributed to the understanding of solar processes. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2002 for groundbreaking work in experimental particle physics. His research provided crucial insights into neutrino emissions from the sun and helped confirm theories regarding solar energy production.
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