Luigi Chinetti
Race car driver and Ferrari team manager
Born
Died
Category
Athletes & Sports Figures
Country
United States
Links & References
An Italian-American race car driver, achieved success in sports car racing during the mid-20th century. Won the 1949 24 Hours of Le Mans, driving a Ferrari 166MM. Played a significant role in popularizing Ferrari in the United States, serving as the first official Ferrari importer. Established the North American Racing Team (NART), which contributed to Ferrari's success in North America during the 1960s.
Winning the 1949 24 Hours of Le Mans
Founding North American Racing Team (NART)
Served as Ferrari's official importer in the U.S.
Other People Born on July 17th
Lucio Tan
Businessman and educator, airlines mogul
Born
July 17th, 1934 92 years ago
Born in 1934, a Chinese-Filipino businessman founded the LT Group, which has interests in various sectors including beverage, tobacco, and banking. Established Philippine Airlines, serving as an influential figure in the country's aviation industry. Also engaged in education, supporting various institutions and initiatives. Tan's business acumen and strategic investments contributed to the growth of several industries in the Philippines, making a significant economic impact.
Continue ReadingJohn Jacob Astor
Businessman and fur trader
Born
July 17th, 1763 263 years ago
Died
March 29th, 1848 178 years ago — 84 years old
A prominent businessman, built a fortune primarily through the fur trade in North America during the early 19th century. Established the American Fur Company in 1808, which became the largest fur trading business in the United States. Invested in real estate in New York City, contributing significantly to the city's development. Astor was a key figure in the early American economy, known for his role in the expansion of the fur industry and real estate ventures. His wealth made him one of the first multimillionaires in the United States.
Continue ReadingCory Doctorow
Author and activist focused on digital rights
Born
July 17th, 1971 55 years ago
An author and activist, contributed extensively to discussions on technology, copyright, and digital rights. Founded the website Boing Boing and served as a co-editor of the site. Wrote several novels, including 'Little Brother' and 'Homeland', which explore the implications of surveillance and authoritarianism in the digital age. Engaged in advocacy for open access and progressive copyright reform through various organizations. Regularly speaks on issues surrounding technology and civil liberties.
Continue ReadingMohammad Hasan Sharq
Afghan politician and former prime minister
Born
July 17th, 1925 101 years ago
Served as prime minister of Afghanistan during a critical period in the 1960s. Focused on modernization and development initiatives aimed at improving the Afghan economy and infrastructure. Oversaw significant changes in education and health sectors. Played a key role in the establishment of diplomatic relations with several countries, enhancing Afghanistan's international presence. Worked within a challenging political landscape, navigating tensions with both external powers and internal factions.
Continue ReadingXianfeng Emperor
Emperor of China during Qing Dynasty
Born
July 17th, 1831 195 years ago
Died
1861 165 years ago — 30 years old
Ruled as the Xianfeng Emperor from 1850 to 1861 during a tumultuous period in the Qing Dynasty. His reign was marked by internal strife, including the Second Opium War against Britain and France, which resulted in significant territorial losses and the Treaty of Tientsin. Encountered challenges from various uprisings, notably the Taiping Rebellion, which posed a serious threat to the dynasty's stability. The emperor's efforts to modernize the military and government structures were limited by conservative resistance and external pressures.
Continue ReadingChristian Karl Reinhard of Leiningen-Dachsburg-Falkenburg-Heidesheim
Noble statesman and military commander
Born
July 17th, 1695 331 years ago
Died
1766 260 years ago — 71 years old
Born in 1695, a member of the House of Leiningen-Dachsburg, held positions of significance within the Holy Roman Empire. Served as a military commander during various European conflicts in the early 18th century. Engaged in political affairs and represented his territory in diplomatic missions, impacting local governance and military strategy during turbulent times. His lineage continued to influence regional politics in Central Europe.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 17th
Ira Gershwin
American songwriter with classic lyrics
Born
December 6th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1983 43 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent American songwriter, contributed lyrics to many celebrated songs and musicals. Collaborated extensively with composer George Gershwin, creating lasting works in American music. Wrote lyrics for iconic songs such as 'Summertime', 'I Got Rhythm', and 'Someone to Watch Over Me'. Lyricist for the Broadway musicals 'Porgy and Bess' and 'Lady, Be Good!', which showcased the Gershwin brothers' talents. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970, further solidifying a legacy in American songwriting.
Continue ReadingWilliam Jervois
Governor of South Australia
Born
September 10th, 1821 205 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1897 129 years ago — 75 years old
Born in England, served as an engineer and politician. Held the position of the 10th Governor of South Australia from 1877 to 1883. Prior to governance, contributed to military engineering in various locations, including significant work on fortifications. Oversaw the development of infrastructure and governance frameworks during tenure in South Australia.
Continue ReadingEmperor Go-Fukakusa
Emperor of Japan during the Kamakura period
Born
June 28th, 1243 783 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1304 722 years ago — 61 years old
Became emperor of Japan in 1246 and reigned until 1259. During the reign, significant administrative changes took place within the imperial court. Following abdication, served as a retired emperor, influencing politics behind the scenes. The period saw ongoing conflicts between the imperial court and warrior clans, impacting the political landscape of the time. His reign was part of the Kamakura era, marked by the emergence of the samurai class and a shift in power dynamics.
Continue ReadingWolfgang Leonhard
German historian and author
Born
April 16th, 1921 105 years ago
Died
August 17th, 2014 12 years ago — 93 years old
A German historian and author focused on the history of communism and the Eastern Bloc. Born in 1921, early experiences in the USSR influenced later scholarly work. Emigrated to West Germany in 1948, contributing to the understanding of East Germany and communism in Europe. Wrote extensively, with significant titles including 'The War Within the German Communist Party' and 'Child of the Revolution'.
Continue ReadingArthur Fox
English-American fencer and Olympian
Born
September 9th, 1878 148 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1958 68 years ago — 79 years old
Competed in fencing during the early 20th century. Achieved significant recognition in the 1908 Summer Olympics held in London. Contributed to the fencing community through coaching and advocacy for the sport. His techniques and methodologies influenced future generations of fencers, both in America and abroad.
Continue ReadingConrad Aiken
American poet and novelist
Born
August 5th, 1889 137 years ago
Died
August 17th, 1973 53 years ago — 84 years old
Born in 1889, a prominent American poet, novelist, and critic, contributed significantly to 20th-century literature. Aiken's literary career spanned multiple genres, with poetry as the primary focus. A published author from a young age, received a Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1930 for the collection 'Selected Poems.' Aiken explored themes of consciousness and emotion in works such as the novel 'Apprenticeship' and the short story collection 'Great Circle.' His influence extends to various literary movements, and he was associated with the objectivist movement. In his writing, Aiken often employed innovative techniques, blending elements of modernism and romanticism.
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