Mikhail Gorbachev
Last leader of the Soviet Union
Served as the 8th and final leader of the Soviet Union from 1985 until its dissolution in 1991. Implemented significant reforms, known as perestroika (restructuring) and glasnost (openness), which aimed to revitalize the Soviet economy and promote more transparency in government. Played a crucial role in ending the Cold War and reducing nuclear tensions through multiple arms reduction treaties. Resigned as president in December 1991, marking the end of Soviet governance.
Implemented perestroika and glasnost
Negotiated the INF Treaty
Led the dissolution of the Soviet Union
Other People Born on March 2nd
René Vallon
French aviator and aircraft designer
Born
March 2nd, 1880 145 years ago
Died
May 6th, 1911 114 years ago — 31 years old
Became a prominent figure in early aviation, contributing to the development of various aircraft designs. Participated in several air shows and competitions, gaining recognition for flight performance and technical innovation. Engaged in aviation promotion and education, influencing future generations of aviators and aircraft engineers. Was instrumental in showcasing the capabilities of early aviation technology in France and beyond.
Continue ReadingCarl Schurz
German-American politician and general
Born
March 2nd, 1829 196 years ago
Died
May 14th, 1906 119 years ago — 77 years old
Born in Germany, a prominent general fought in the American Civil War. Served as a U.S. Senator from Missouri and the 13th Secretary of the Interior under President Rutherford B. Hayes. Advocated for civil service reform and worked towards the rights of Native Americans and the African American community. After retirement from politics, contributed to journalism and wrote extensively on political issues, emphasizing liberty and justice.
Continue ReadingBasil Hume
English cardinal and leader of the Church
Born
March 2nd, 1923 102 years ago
Died
June 17th, 1999 26 years ago — 76 years old
Served as the Archbishop of Westminster from 1976 until death in 1999. Contributed to the Catholic Church's dialogue with other religions and promoted social justice issues. Participated in the Second Vatican Council, influencing modern Catholic doctrine and practices. Had a significant role in the Church's response to contemporary social issues, advocating for the poor and marginalized in society.
Continue ReadingDr. Seuss
Children's book writer and illustrator
Born
March 2nd, 1904 121 years ago
Died
September 24th, 1991 34 years ago — 87 years old
A children's book writer, poet, and illustrator of American descent. Earning a degree from Dartmouth College, began a career in writing and illustrating children's books in the 1930s. Created memorable characters and whimsical stories that appealed to children and adults alike. Achieved widespread recognition for a unique style combining rhyming text and imaginative illustrations. Works have been translated into multiple languages, further increasing their reach and popularity.
Continue ReadingArike Ogunbowale
Professional basketball player, WNBA star
Born
March 2nd, 1997 28 years ago
Born in 1997, a professional basketball player gained recognition during college at Notre Dame, where led the team to the 2018 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship. Achieved a buzzer-beater in the national title game, earning accolades for her performance. Drafted third overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2019 WNBA Draft and has established a reputation as a scoring leader in the league. Played in the WNBA All-Star Game and was named the 2021 WNBA Most Improved Player. Contributed significantly to her team's successes in both college and professional basketball.
Continue ReadingTua Tagovailoa
Professional football quarterback, NFL star
Born
March 2nd, 1998 27 years ago
Born in 1998, this individual is a professional football quarterback. Played college football at the University of Alabama, where significant achievements included winning the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2017. Drafted by the Miami Dolphins as the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, continued to build a professional career in the NFL. Gained recognition for leadership on the field and offensive skills.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 30th
M. M. Kalburgi
Indian scholar and academic author
Born
1938 88 years ago
Died
August 30th, 2015 10 years ago — 77 years old
An influential scholar and academic focused on Kannada literature and philosophy. Authored several notable works that addressed various aspects of literature and cultural critique. Contributed to the academic community through teaching at multiple institutions. Participated in intellectual discourses regarding social issues and literary traditions, enhancing the understanding of Kannada heritage. His work engaged with themes of social reform and ethics within literature.
Continue ReadingEdward Fadeley
American lawyer and politician
Born
1929 97 years ago
Died
August 30th, 2015 10 years ago — 86 years old
Served as a member of the Indiana House of Representatives. Held the position of Chair of the Indiana Democratic Party. Participated in various legal practices and contributed to local legal matters. Engaged in community service and local governance. Advocated for Democratic values during his political career.
Continue ReadingBernard D. H. Tellegen
Dutch engineer and academic innovator
Born
1900 126 years ago
Died
August 30th, 1990 35 years ago — 90 years old
An engineer and academic contributed significantly to engineering and telecommunications. Developed the Tellegen's theorem, which is pivotal in network theory. Engaged in academic pursuits, influencing future generations of engineers through teachings and publications. His works have been referenced in various engineering disciplines, particularly in circuit theory and signal processing.
Continue ReadingAlain Corneau
French film director and screenwriter
Born
August 7th, 1943 82 years ago
Died
August 30th, 2010 15 years ago — 67 years old
Significant contributions to French cinema included directing feature films, often blending genres and exploring complex narratives. Gained recognition for the film 'Tous les matins du monde,' which was a critical and commercial success in France. Focused on themes of music, personal relationships, and psychological depth in storytelling. Directed several other notable works throughout the 1980s and 1990s, establishing a personal style characterized by careful pacing and atmospheric visuals.
Continue ReadingDonald Davidson
Philosopher and academic in the USA
Born
March 6th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
August 30th, 2003 22 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent philosopher and academic, contributed significantly to the fields of philosophy of language, philosophy of mind, and action theory. Developed the theory of radical interpretation, which focused on understanding language and meaning through the context of speaker intentions. Also known for the principle of event semantics, linking actions and mental states to the events they describe. Published influential works that shaped contemporary philosophical discussions, particularly through essays and books such as 'Actions, Reasons, and Causes' and 'Truth and Meaning'.
Continue ReadingTūheitia Paki
Māori King and community leader
Born
1955 71 years ago
Died
August 30th, 2024 1 years ago — 69 years old
As the Māori King since 2006, led the Kīngitanga movement, which aims to unite Māori people and uphold their sovereignty. Paki worked to strengthen Māori culture and promote social justice issues. Engaged in various initiatives focusing on education, health, and economic development within Māori communities. Actively participated in national discussions regarding treaty rights, cultural preservation, and self-determination for Māori. His leadership emphasized the importance of cultural identity and community empowerment, guiding the Māori through contemporary challenges while honoring traditional values.
Continue Reading