Patrick Smith
Irish politician and agriculture minister
Born
Died
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
Ireland
Links & References
Served as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in Ireland. Engaged in agricultural policy and legislation during a pivotal time for the farming community. Played a significant role in addressing the needs of Irish farmers, focusing on food production and sustainability. Contributed to various initiatives that impacted the agricultural landscape of Ireland. His tenure included efforts aimed at enhancing the agricultural sector and supporting local farmers.
Served as Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Addressed agricultural policy challenges in Ireland
Other People Born on July 17th
Ismail I of Iran
Shah of Persia and founder of Safavid dynasty
Born
July 17th, 1487 539 years ago
Died
1524 502 years ago — 37 years old
Birth occurred in 1487. Ascended to power at the age of 14, establishing the Safavid dynasty in Persia. Implemented Shia Islam as the state religion, thus shaping the religious landscape of Iran. Conquered vast territories and solidified Persian identity through cultural and religious reforms. Defeated rival forces, including the Uzbeks and Ottomans, which expanded the Safavid realm. Engaged in significant battles to secure territorial claims while fostering trade and arts.
Continue ReadingGordon Gould
Physicist and laser inventor
Born
July 17th, 1920 106 years ago
Died
September 16th, 2005 21 years ago — 85 years old
An American physicist and academic, contributed to the field of optics and photonics. Invented the laser in the 1950s and coined the term 'laser', standing for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Although the invention faced patent disputes, secured a patent in 1977 after several legal battles. Served as a professor and held various academic positions throughout his career.
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 ReadingJames Cagney
American actor and dancer in film noir
Born
July 17th, 1899 127 years ago
Died
March 30th, 1986 40 years ago — 86 years old
Cagney was a prominent American actor and dancer who gained fame during the Golden Age of Hollywood. He emerged as a major star in the 1930s, particularly through his roles in gangster films and musicals. Cagney's breakthrough came with the role in 'The Public Enemy' in 1931, which established him as a leading man. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a wide range of acting abilities, playing both tough characters and more light-hearted roles. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' in 1942, showcasing his talent as a performer and dancer. Cagney's lively performances and unique style left a lasting influence on film and theater.
Continue ReadingLucie Arnaz
American actress and singer from 'Here’s Lucy'
Born
July 17th, 1951 75 years ago
Born in 1951, Lucie Arnaz gained recognition as an actress and singer. Arnaz starred in the television series 'Here's Lucy' alongside her mother, Lucille Ball. She continued to perform in various stage productions and musicals, showcasing her talents in both acting and singing. Arnaz's work extended to directing and producing, contributing to various projects throughout her career.
Continue ReadingJames Somerville
English admiral and politician
Born
July 17th, 1882 144 years ago
Died
March 19th, 1949 77 years ago — 66 years old
An English admiral and politician served notably as Lord Lieutenant of Somerset. Played a crucial role during both World Wars, particularly in naval operations. Actively involved in military strategy and command, influencing several key engagements and outcomes. Contributed to political discussions surrounding military affairs in the post-war period.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on March 18th
Jean-Baptiste Bréval
Cellist and composer of chamber music
Born
1753 273 years ago
Died
March 18th, 1823 203 years ago — 70 years old
Contributed to the repertoire for cello and piano, along with writing works for string quartets. Established a style that blended classical forms with expressive melodies, significantly influencing cello performance. Active during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, engaged with prominent musicians of the time and developed a pedagogical approach to teaching cello.
Continue ReadingAnselm of Lucca
Italian bishop and theologian
Born
1036 990 years ago
Died
March 18th, 1086 940 years ago — 50 years old
Served as the bishop of Lucca and was an influential theologian during the 11th century. Contributed significantly to the development of scholasticism and wrote various works on faith and reason. Played a vital role in the church's relationship with the state, particularly during the Investiture Controversy. His theological writings emphasized the importance of faith and reason in understanding divine mysteries.
Continue ReadingUmberto II of Italy
Last King of Italy
Born
September 15th, 1904 122 years ago
Died
March 18th, 1983 43 years ago — 78 years old
Reigned as the last King of Italy in 1946 for a brief period. His reign followed the fall of fascism and culminated in a referendum that abolished the monarchy. After the monarchy was abolished, lived in exile in Switzerland until death in 1983. The political climate during his reign marked a significant transition for Italy as the monarchy was replaced by a republic.
Continue ReadingMarcellin Berthelot
French chemist and politician
Born
October 25th, 1827 199 years ago
Died
March 18th, 1907 119 years ago — 79 years old
Born in 1827, this individual made significant contributions to the field of chemistry. Authoring numerous works, he explored organic chemistry, synthesizing various compounds and studying thermochemistry. Earning a reputation as a leading chemist, he also served as a politician, becoming a member of the French Assembly. His dual career bridged scientific inquiry and public service, marking a notable presence in 19th-century France.
Continue ReadingR. A. Lafferty
American author of speculative fiction
Born
November 7th, 1914 112 years ago
Died
March 18th, 2002 24 years ago — 87 years old
An author contributed significantly to speculative fiction, particularly known for intricate narratives and complex characters. Works featured elements of fantasy, science fiction, and sometimes absurdism, showcasing a distinct style. Various short stories and novels earned recognition for originality. Often blended mythological and historical references into narratives, creating unique worlds. Made a lasting contribution to the genre through published works.
Continue ReadingYuri I of Galicia
Ruler of Galicia-Volhynia triarch
Died
March 18th, 1308 718 years ago — None years old
Ruled the principality of Galicia-Volhynia during the late 13th and early 14th centuries. Engaged in conflicts against neighboring princely states and pursued alliances to strengthen the territory. The reign featured significant integration of local governance and territorial expansion amid political fragmentation in the region. Yuri I's leadership is marked by attempts to maintain autonomy against external pressures from Poland and Hungary.
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