Jules Ferry

French Prime Minister and education reformer

Jules Ferry - French Prime Minister and education reformer
Born

April 5th, 1832
193 years ago

Died

March 17th, 1893
132 years ago — 60 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

France

Links & References

Served as Prime Minister of France during two terms in the late 19th century. Played a significant role in establishing public education policies. Advocated for compulsory education and secular schools. His reforms aimed to reduce the influence of the church in education and promote civic values. Contributed to the expansion of France's colonial empire, influencing French policy in Tunisia and Indochina. Supported the idea of French colonial expansion as a means of national pride and economic growth.

Established free, mandatory schooling in France

Advocated for the separation of church and state

Expanded French colonial influence in Asia and Africa

Other People Born on April 5th

Al-Nuwayri

Egyptian Muslim historian and scholar
Born
April 5th, 1279 746 years ago
Died
1333 692 years ago — 54 years old

A prominent historian and scholar active during the 14th century in Egypt. Authored the comprehensive work 'Nihayat al-Arab fi Funun al-Adab', which encompasses various topics including history, geography, and literature. This encyclopedic writing synthesized knowledge of many earlier scholars and contributed significantly to the fields of historiography and Arabic literature. Al-Nuwayri's work captured a wealth of information on the cultural, political, and social aspects of his time, reflecting the rich intellectual tradition of the period.

Continue Reading

Clas Thunberg

Speed skater and Olympic medalist
Born
April 5th, 1893 132 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1973 52 years ago — 80 years old

Competed in speed skating during the early 20th century. Achieved significant success in international competitions, particularly in the 1924 and 1928 Winter Olympics. Won a total of five Olympic medals, including three golds and two silvers, establishing a reputation as one of the top speed skaters of the time. Dominated European Championships and won several titles, including the 5000 meters at the 1924 Olympics. Contributed to the popularity of speed skating in Finland and was a pivotal figure in the sport's history.

Continue Reading

Elihu Yale

Merchant and philanthropist; Yale University
Born
April 5th, 1649 376 years ago
Died
July 8th, 1721 304 years ago — 72 years old

A merchant and philanthropist, this individual was instrumental in founding Yale University through substantial donations. Born in America and later residing in England, involvement in the British East India Company significantly influenced wealth accumulation. Contributions included funding the establishment of a college in Connecticut, which was later named Yale College in recognition of generosity. Additionally, actively engaged in various business ventures, which increased influence and financial standing.

Continue Reading

Virendra Sharma

Indian-English politician and lawyer
Born
April 5th, 1947 78 years ago

Born in 1947, a career spanned law and politics in the UK. Elected to the House of Commons as a member of the Labour Party, served as Member of Parliament for Ealing Southall since 2007. Engaged in numerous community and social issues, particularly focusing on health, education, and local government matters.

Continue Reading

Isabella of Hainault

Queen consort of England; treaty negotiator
Born
April 5th, 1170 855 years ago
Died
1190 835 years ago — 20 years old

Born in 1170, played a significant role as Queen consort of England through marriage to King John. Influenced political dynamics by negotiating treaties and alliances, particularly during the turbulent reign marked by conflicts with barons and the loss of territories in France. Actively participated in the governance of England and played a pivotal role in the Magna Carta negotiations, aiding in the establishment of a constitutional framework. Died in 1240.

Continue Reading

Vincenzo Viviani

Mathematician and physicist; barometer work
Born
April 5th, 1622 403 years ago
Died
September 22nd, 1703 322 years ago — 81 years old

Born in 1622, contributions to mathematics and physics date back to the 17th century. Worked with Galileo and documented his discoveries. Conducted experiments with pendulums and studied the laws of motion. Made significant advancements in understanding the principles of hydrostatics and mechanics. Published several works, including 'Ragionamento dell'uso di diverse sorte di strumenti per misurare il peso e la grandezza delle cose'. His observations and contributions laid groundwork for future scientific inquiries.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on March 17th

Gilbert Burnet

Scottish bishop and historian
Born
September 18th, 1643 382 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1715 310 years ago — 71 years old

Burnet served as a bishop in the Church of England and is recognized for his historical writings. His work, 'The History of My Own Time,' chronicles the political and religious changes in England during the late 17th century. Additionally, he was instrumental in the establishment of the Church of Scotland and engaged in significant theological debates, particularly concerning the powers of bishops. Burnet played a crucial role during the Glorious Revolution and was a prominent figure in the discussions surrounding the theological issues of his time. His contributions to historical scholarship and church governance were notable during this period in British history.

Continue Reading

Franz Brentano

German philosopher and psychologist
Born
January 16th, 1838 187 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1917 108 years ago — 79 years old

Contributed significantly to philosophy and psychology. Developed the concept of intentionality, which influenced later philosophical thought. Served as a professor at the University of Würzburg and the University of Vienna. His works laid the foundation for phenomenology and were pivotal in the development of modern psychology.

Continue Reading

Christian Doppler

Physicist known for the Doppler effect
Born
November 29th, 1803 221 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1853 172 years ago — 49 years old

An Austrian physicist and mathematician contributed significantly to the field of wave theory and sound. The Doppler effect, named after, describes the change in frequency or wavelength of waves in relation to an observer moving relative to the source of the waves. This concept has applications across various fields, including astronomy, meteorology, and engineering. His research laid foundational principles that enhanced the understanding of sound and light. In addition to wave theory, conducted investigations in color theory and formed a basis for future studies in optics. Held a position at the University of Prague and engaged in various scientific inquiries, fostering developments in physics.

Continue Reading

Philomène Belliveau

Canadian artist with Acadian themes
Born
July 20th, 1854 171 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1940 85 years ago — 85 years old

An influential Canadian artist, specialized in painting with a focus on Acadian culture and history. Active primarily during the early 20th century, produced works that illustrated the life, landscapes, and traditions of Acadians. Played a significant role in promoting Acadian heritage through art and was involved in various artistic communities. Participated in exhibitions that showcased Canadian art and contributed to the recognition of Acadian identity within the broader Canadian cultural landscape.

Continue Reading

George F. Kennan

Diplomat and historian; Long Telegram
Born
February 16th, 1904 121 years ago
Died
March 17th, 2005 20 years ago — 101 years old

Born in 1904, a prominent American diplomat and historian contributed significantly to U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War era. As the United States Ambassador to the Soviet Union, articulated the strategy of containment, aiming to prevent the spread of communism. This approach was foundational in shaping U.S. relations with the Soviet Union throughout the Cold War. His influential Long Telegram in 1946 outlined the U.S. approach towards the Soviet Union and argued against appeasement, advocating for a firm stance against communism. Further work included academic writings and influential policy recommendations during his tenure.

Continue Reading

Terry Stafford

American singer-songwriter with hit single
Born
November 22nd, 1941 83 years ago
Died
March 17th, 1996 29 years ago — 54 years old

A singer-songwriter achieved recognition in the music industry during the 1960s and 1970s. Gained popularity with the hit single "Suspicion," which reached the top of the charts. Collaborated with various artists and continued to write songs throughout the years, showcasing a talent for blending rock and pop influences. Maintained a presence in the music scene, contributing to multiple albums and performances until death.

Continue Reading