Joseph II

Holy Roman Emperor and Reformer

Joseph II - Holy Roman Emperor and Reformer
Born

March 13th, 1741
284 years ago

Died

February 20th, 1790
235 years ago — 48 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Austria

Links & References

Ruled as Holy Roman Emperor from 1765 until death in 1790. Engaged in numerous administrative and social reforms aimed at modernizing the empire. Advocated for religious tolerance and the reduction of the power of the Catholic Church. Implemented policies that centralized governance and promoted education. His reign was characterized by conflicts with various territories and resistance to reforms from traditional structures.

Issued the Edict of Toleration in 1781

Abolished serfdom in 1781

Other People Born on March 13th

Neil Wagner

Cricketer, New Zealand Test Player
Born
March 13th, 1986 39 years ago

Born in South Africa, a professional cricketer represented New Zealand in international cricket. Played as a left-arm fast-medium bowler. Made his Test debut in 2012 against India and quickly established himself in the national team. Achieved significant success in tours, particularly against Australia and South Africa, becoming a crucial member of the bowling attack. Known for his resilience on the field and ability to take wickets in challenging conditions.

Continue Reading

Lucy Fry

Actress in 'Wolf Creek' and 'The Prey'
Born
March 13th, 1992 33 years ago

An Australian actress entered the film industry with a variety of roles in television and film. Gained recognition through a leading role in the television series 'Wolf Creek', an adaptation of the horror film of the same name. Later starred in the film 'The Prey', further establishing a presence in the genre of thriller and horror. Portrayed various characters across different mediums, contributing to the landscape of contemporary Australian cinema.

Continue Reading

Thomas Dearden

Rugby league player, Queensland Maroons
Born
March 13th, 2001 24 years ago

A professional rugby league player from Australia, made significant contributions as a halfback. Started the career with the Melbourne Storm, then joined the Brisbane Broncos, where showcased skills and versatility. Earned a position on the Queensland Maroons during the State of Origin series, participating in high-level competitions and gaining recognition for performance on the field.

Continue Reading

Enrico Toselli

Italian pianist and composer, Amor di patria
Born
March 13th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
January 15th, 1926 99 years ago — 42 years old

An accomplished pianist and composer, contributed significantly to the early 20th-century music scene in Italy. Toselli's compositions were characterized by their lyrical melodies and romantic style. One of the most notable works is the waltz 'Amor di patria,' which showcased his talent and gained popularity both in Italy and internationally. His musical talents led him to perform across Europe, where his works were celebrated for their emotional depth and melodic appeal. Throughout his career, he worked in various capacities within the music community, influencing both his contemporaries and future generations of musicians.

Continue Reading

Johan Santana

Baseball pitcher, two-time Cy Young Award winner
Born
March 13th, 1979 46 years ago

A prominent baseball pitcher, achieved significant success in Major League Baseball (MLB). Played for the Minnesota Twins and the New York Mets during a career spanning from 2000 to 2012. Won the Cy Young Award twice, in 2004 and 2006, recognized for exceptional performance on the mound. Recorded a no-hitter for the Mets in 2012, marking a historic moment as the first in franchise history. Santana's pitching style included a powerful fastball and a signature changeup, contributing to his effectiveness against hitters.

Continue Reading

William J. Casey

American politician and CIA director
Born
March 13th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
May 6th, 1987 37 years ago — 74 years old

Served as the 13th Director of Central Intelligence from 1981 to 1987. Played a significant role in shaping U.S. intelligence policies during the Cold War and was involved in key operations in various international conflicts. Worked closely with several Administrations and was a critical figure in the intelligence community.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on February 20th

Anthony Asquith

Film director and screenwriter, 'The Browning Version'
Born
November 9th, 1902 122 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1968 57 years ago — 65 years old

A significant figure in British cinema, contributed to the film industry as a director and screenwriter. Worked on various notable films during the 20th century, including adaptations of classic literature. Pioneered techniques in storytelling through film, focusing on emotional depth and character development. Received critical acclaim for a number of works, cementing a legacy in British film history.

Continue Reading

Ernest Ansermet

Swiss conductor and orchestral leader
Born
November 11th, 1883 141 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1969 56 years ago — 85 years old

A Swiss conductor and pivotal figure in 20th-century classical music. Ansermet founded the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande in 1918 and served as its principal conductor for over four decades. He was integral in introducing contemporary works to the concert repertoire, championing composers such as Igor Stravinsky and Arthur Honegger. The conductor was also noted for his interpretations of classical repertoire and contributions to recordings, helping popularize the Swiss orchestra on an international stage. Ansermet's conducting style and interpretations influenced a generation of musicians and conductors.

Continue Reading

Takiji Kobayashi

Japanese writer of proletarian literature
Born
1903 122 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1933 92 years ago — 30 years old

A significant figure in Japanese literature, this writer focused on social issues and the lives of workers during the early 20th century. His notable works include the novel 'Kani Kōsen', which illustrated the struggles of a crab factory worker and critiqued the conditions of the working class. This writer was associated with the proletarian literature movement, aiming to raise awareness of social inequality in Japan. The impact of the work extended beyond literature, contributing to the discourse surrounding labor rights and class struggles in pre-war Japan.

Continue Reading

Kathryn Kuhlman

Healing evangelist and Holy Spirit advocate
Born
1907 118 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1976 49 years ago — 69 years old

A prominent healing evangelist, dedicated her ministry to promoting faith healing and the work of the Holy Spirit. Established a significant following through evangelistic meetings and services that emphasized miracles and personal testimonies. Founded the Kathryn Kuhlman Foundation and promoted her beliefs through television broadcasts and literature, expanding her influence beyond live events. Conducted numerous healing services, which attracted thousands across the United States, particularly in the mid-20th century. Her legacy continues through the foundation and in various religious circles.

Continue Reading

Maria Goeppert-Mayer

Nobel-winning physicist specializing in nuclear structure
Born
1906 119 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1972 53 years ago — 66 years old

An accomplished physicist and academic, contributions to the field of nuclear structure led to a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1963. Worked on the development of the shell model of the nucleus, which provided significant insights into the arrangement of protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus. Taught at several prestigious institutions, including the University of California, San Diego, and played a pivotal role in advancing knowledge in theoretical physics.

Continue Reading

Steve Hewlett

British journalist and broadcaster
Born
1958 67 years ago
Died
February 20th, 2017 8 years ago — 59 years old

Contributed significantly to British media, primarily through journalism and broadcasting. Worked as editor for The Observer and as a presenter on BBC Radio 4's Media Show. Provided critical analysis on media-related issues and explored topics concerning the future of journalism. Actively engaged in discussions about the impact of technology on traditional media.

Continue Reading