Mikhail Gorbachev

Last leader of the Soviet Union

Mikhail Gorbachev - Last leader of the Soviet Union
Born

March 2nd, 1931
94 years ago

Died

August 30th, 2022
3 years ago — 91 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Russia

Links & References

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

Roger Walkowiak

French Cyclist, 1956 Tour de France Winner
Born
March 2nd, 1927 98 years ago
Died
2017 8 years ago — 90 years old

Competed as a professional cyclist during the mid-20th century. Achieved prominence in the cycling world by winning the 1956 Tour de France. Contributed to the sport through participation in various races post-Tour victory and continued involvement in cycling events. Alongside a successful cycling career, worked as an economist.

Continue Reading

Dr. 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 Reading

Mel Ott

Baseball player and Hall of Famer
Born
March 2nd, 1909 116 years ago
Died
November 21st, 1958 66 years ago — 49 years old

Played professional baseball as a right fielder for the New York Giants from 1926 to 1947. Managed the Giants for part of the 1948 season. Worked as a sportscaster after retiring from playing. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1951, recognized for a prolific career and a significant number of home runs at a time when the game was dominated by pitchers.

Continue Reading

James Purnell

English Politician, Secretary of State
Born
March 2nd, 1970 55 years ago

Served as a prominent figure in British politics with significant roles in the Labour Party. Held the position of Secretary of State for Work and Pensions from 2007 to 2009, overseeing various welfare reforms. Engaged in various governmental functions and contributed to discussions on social policy. Represented the Stalybridge and Hyde constituency as a Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2010.

Continue Reading

Mark Evanier

American author and screenwriter
Born
March 2nd, 1952 73 years ago

An author and screenwriter focused on the realms of comics and television. Contributions include work on animated series and comic books, with a strong association with the industry. Collaborated with prominent figures in comic storytelling and produced notable works that shaped the narrative landscape.

Continue Reading

Godfried Bomans

Dutch television host and author
Born
March 2nd, 1913 112 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1971 53 years ago — 58 years old

Born in the Netherlands, a prominent figure in Dutch literature and television, focused on children's literature and television programming. Achievements include hosting various cultural programs and engaging audiences with entertaining educational content. Additionally, authored several books that contributed to Dutch literature, notably in the genre of fantasy and stories for young readers. The popularity extended to radio, where engaging storytelling was a hallmark. Emphasis on the importance of literature in education characterized much of the work.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on August 30th

Guy Burgess

English-Russian spy during Cold War
Born
April 16th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
August 30th, 1963 62 years ago — 52 years old

Burgess served as an important figure in espionage during the Cold War. Initially working for the British Foreign Office, he was a member of the Cambridge Five, a group of spies who passed information to the Soviet Union. In 1951, amid heightened scrutiny and suspicion, Burgess defected to the Soviet Union with fellow spy Donald Maclean, ultimately settling in Moscow. His actions contributed to significant intelligence leaks during a critical period in history, causing widespread alarm within British intelligence circles. He lived in the Soviet Union until his death in 1963, continuing to work in various capacities for the Soviet government.

Continue Reading

Eddy de Neve

Footballer and soldier
Born
1885 140 years ago
Died
August 30th, 1943 82 years ago — 58 years old

Eddy de Neve played as a footballer in the Dutch league before World War II. In addition to his football career, served as a lieutenant during the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies. De Neve's military service was marked by significant challenges and ultimately led to his death in 1943. His legacy remains tied to both sports and military service.

Continue Reading

Killer Kowalski

Professional Wrestler and Trainer
Born
October 13th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
August 30th, 2008 17 years ago — 81 years old

Started wrestling career in the 1940s. Gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s due to a unique persona and in-ring abilities. Competed in various promotions, achieving notable success in the World Wide Wrestling Federation. Transitioned into a training role, influencing the careers of several future wrestling stars. Retired in the late 1980s, but remained involved in the wrestling community until death in 2008.

Continue Reading

William C. Campbell

American Golfer and Masters Champion
Born
May 5th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
August 30th, 2013 12 years ago — 90 years old

Campbell played professional golf primarily during the 1940s and 1950s. He won numerous tournaments, with the pinnacle being the victory at the 1964 Masters Tournament. Campbell was a prominent figure in amateur golf, becoming the first amateur to win the prestigious Masters since 1935. He also represented the United States in multiple Walker Cups and received an induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1990. His contributions to the sport of golf extended into promoting the game, mentoring younger players, and fostering the growth of golf as a competitive sport.

Continue Reading

Charles Bowden

Non-fiction author and journalist
Born
July 20th, 1945 80 years ago
Died
August 30th, 2014 11 years ago — 69 years old

An American non-fiction author, journalist, and essayist recognized for deep explorations into the American Southwest and issues surrounding the drug trade. Contributed extensively to publications such as 'The New York Times,' 'Harper's Magazine,' and 'The Nation.' Authored over 20 books, including 'Juárez: The Laboratory of Our Future,' which examined the sociopolitical climate of Ciudad Juárez. His work often focused on the intersection of violence, culture, and the environment in the region.

Continue Reading

Peshwa Narayan Rao

Prime Minister of Maratha Empire
Died
August 30th, 1773 252 years ago — None years old

Served as Prime Minister of the Maratha Empire from 1772 until assassination in 1773. Assumed the role during a politically turbulent period and faced significant challenges, including threats to his leadership from rival factions within the Empire. Assassination marked a pivotal moment in the power dynamics of the Maratha hierarchy. Despite a brief tenure, policies and decisions during the administration shaped the subsequent developments within the Empire.

Continue Reading