Mariano Ignacio Prado
Peruvian general and President
A prominent military figure and politician, this individual served as President of Peru during critical periods in the nation's history. Governance occurred during two separate terms, with significant focus on modernization and infrastructure development. A general by training, participated in various military campaigns to maintain national stability. Held the presidency during the War of the Pacific, which shaped relations with neighboring countries. Efforts included reforms that addressed economic and social issues within Peru.
Served as President of Peru twice
Led Peru during the War of the Pacific
Other People Born on December 18th
Joan Wallach Scott
Historian and author on gender studies
Born
December 18th, 1941 84 years ago
Specializes in gender and women's history within academic discourse. Contributed to the development of the field, particularly through the analysis of gender's role in history and society. Authored important works, including The Gender of History, which explores the intersections of gender and historical narratives. Served as a professor at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey.
Continue ReadingCharles Griffin
American general during Civil War
Born
December 18th, 1825 200 years ago
Died
1876 150 years ago — 51 years old
Served as a Union general in the American Civil War. Commanded troops during significant battles such as the Battle of Gettysburg and the Battle of the Wilderness. Held the rank of Brigadier General and contributed to several military campaigns in the war.
Continue ReadingJules Dassin
Director of classic film 'Rififi'
Born
December 18th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
March 31st, 2008 17 years ago — 96 years old
An American director, producer, screenwriter, and actor, made significant contributions to the film industry throughout a career that spanned several decades. Emigrating to Europe during the McCarthy era, worked in France and Greece, directing a range of films across various genres. Gained acclaim for innovative storytelling and strong visual style, especially in crime and drama films. The heist film 'Rififi' garnered notable recognition and is considered a classic in the genre. Other films such as 'Night and the City' and 'Topkapi' showcased adeptness in creating suspenseful narratives while earning critical praise.
Continue ReadingCharles Wesley
English missionary and hymn writer
Born
December 18th, 1707 318 years ago
Died
March 29th, 1788 237 years ago — 80 years old
A prominent figure in the Methodist movement, contributed extensively to the development of Christian hymnody. Served as a missionary, spreading the teachings of Methodism while promoting social reform. Authored numerous hymns and poems that emphasized spirituality and devotion. Collaborated closely with his brother, John Wesley, to establish the Methodist Church, which emphasized personal piety and direct experience of God.
Continue ReadingArchduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria
Austrian archduke and military leader
Born
December 18th, 1863 162 years ago
Died
1914 112 years ago — 51 years old
Born in 1863, served as the heir presumptive to the Austro-Hungarian throne. Held the title of Archduke of Austria and was involved in military matters, significantly shaping military strategy. His visit to Sarajevo in 1914 led to his assassination, an event that triggered World War I. His death had profound implications for European politics and stability.
Continue ReadingJalen Johnson
Basketball player, Atlanta Hawks forward
Born
December 18th, 2001 24 years ago
Professional basketball player played for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA. Developed skills during college basketball at Duke University, where contributed significantly to the team's performance. Entered the NBA Draft in 2021, showcasing abilities as a versatile forward. Participated in league games as part of the Hawks' roster, building reputation as an emerging talent.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 5th
Millie Small
Jamaican singer known for 'My Boy Lollipop'
Born
October 6th, 1947 78 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2020 5 years ago — 72 years old
Born in Jamaica, a singer-songwriter gained prominence in the 1960s with the release of the ska hit 'My Boy Lollipop'. The song became an international success, contributing to the popularity of ska music outside of Jamaica. Small's unique voice and catchy melodies helped to popularize reggae and ska genres. Throughout the years, performed and recorded various songs, but 'My Boy Lollipop' remained the defining track of the career. Her contributions to music have left a lasting legacy, influencing future generations of artists.
Continue ReadingSarah Kirsch
German poet and author of 'The Last Garden'
Born
April 16th, 1935 90 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2013 12 years ago — 78 years old
A significant figure in German literature, contributed to the post-World War II literary scene. Published numerous poetry collections and prose works, exploring themes of nature, identity, and the human experience. Early works reflected on the impact of political changes in Germany. Spent time in East Germany, where her writing was influenced by the political climate. Later moved to West Germany, where she gained wider recognition. Also engaged in translation, introducing German literature to international audiences.
Continue ReadingCésar Luis Menotti
Football manager, 1978 World Cup champion
Born
October 22nd, 1938 87 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2024 1 years ago — 85 years old
An Argentine football manager and former player, celebrated for leading the national team to victory in the 1978 FIFA World Cup. Menotti emphasized a creative and attacking style of play, shaping generations of players. His managerial career included clubs such as Rosario Central and Boca Juniors, as well as the Argentine national team. Under Menotti's guidance, Argentina adopted a tactical approach that focused on individual skill and teamwork.
Continue ReadingYosef Merimovich
Footballer and manager, led Hapoel Tel Aviv
Born
1924 102 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2011 14 years ago — 87 years old
A footballer and manager from Israel, played for Hapoel Tel Aviv and was part of the team that won the Israel State Cup in 1975. Transitioned to coaching, taking charge of several teams including Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Petah Tikva. Contributed to the development of Israeli football and trained younger players to achieve career success.
Continue ReadingBret Harte
Short story writer and poet
Born
August 25th, 1836 189 years ago
Died
May 5th, 1902 123 years ago — 65 years old
This American writer gained prominence during the 19th century for his contributions to literature, particularly in the genre of short stories and poetry. Harte's works often depicted life in the Western United States and captured the spirit of the Gold Rush era. His most famous work includes 'The Luck of Roaring Camp.' Harte also served as the editor of several periodicals and wrote essays and poems reflecting on society and frontier life.
Continue ReadingClaude Choules
English-Australian soldier and veteran
Born
March 3rd, 1901 125 years ago
Died
May 5th, 2011 14 years ago — 110 years old
Born in England, a soldier served in the British Army during World War I. Emigrated to Australia in 1926 and enlisted in the Royal Australian Navy during World War II. Choules witnessed significant naval events, including the sinking of the German ship SMS Emden and the final surrender of German troops. Became the last known military veteran of World War I, passing away in 2011 at the age of 110.
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