Wang Dongxing
Chinese Commander and Politician
Born
1916
110 years ago
Died
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
China
Links & References
Served as a key military and political figure in China during the late 20th century. Played a significant role in the Communist Party's leadership and government, holding various important positions. Notably participated in the Cultural Revolution and played a part in the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. Contributed to the organizational structure of the People's Liberation Army and the Central Military Commission, influencing military policy and party governance.
Served as Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission
Played a key role in the Cultural Revolution
Influenced military policies in the late 20th century
Other People Who Died on August 21st
Benjamin Thompson
Physicist and politician, Under-Secretary
Born
March 26th, 1753 273 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1814 211 years ago — 61 years old
Born in the British Colonies, a physicist and politician contributed significantly to the understanding of heat and energy. Served as Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies during a period of political turmoil and change. Emigrated to France, where involvement in scientific communities continued. Collaborated with notable figures and engaged in political matters that shaped colonial policies.
Continue ReadingCelso Piña
Mexican singer and accordionist
Born
1953 73 years ago
Died
August 21st, 2019 6 years ago — 66 years old
An accomplished singer, composer, and arranger, this musician specialized in cumbia music and became a prominent figure in the genre. Transitioning from a local artist in Monterrey to a national sensation, he blended traditional cumbia with various musical styles, creating a unique sound that gained wide popularity. The artist collaborated with numerous musicians and recorded many albums throughout his career. His innovative approach helped to revive and enhance interest in cumbia music in Mexico and beyond.
Continue ReadingTeodoro de Villa Diaz
Filipino guitarist and songwriter
Born
April 1st, 1963 63 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1988 37 years ago — 25 years old
Teodoro de Villa Diaz was a Filipino guitarist and songwriter. He has a significant contribution to the Filipino music scene. His ability to blend traditional Filipino music with modern guitar techniques helped to shape contemporary sounds. He was also involved in various music collaborations that highlighted his innovative approach to guitar playing. His work has been recognized within local music circles and contributed to the growth of the genre in the Philippines.
Continue ReadingJohn MacCulloch
Geologist and academic from Scotland
Born
October 6th, 1773 252 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1835 190 years ago — 61 years old
Born in Scotland in 1773, this individual made significant contributions to the field of geology. Graduating from the University of Edinburgh, he published extensively on geological formations and mineralogy. His work included detailed studies of the geology of Scotland, particularly in relation to the Highland region. He held various academic positions, including a professorship of geology at King's College, London. This individual also served as a member of the Geological Society of London and was involved in the establishment of geological education in the UK.
Continue ReadingClaude-Louis Navier
French physicist and engineer
Born
February 10th, 1785 241 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1836 189 years ago — 51 years old
Contributions to fluid mechanics and elasticity theory significantly advanced engineering and physics. Developed the Navier-Stokes equations which describe the motion of viscous fluid substances. Worked extensively on structural engineering and made notable advancements in bridge design. Served as a professor at the Collège de France, influencing future generations of engineers and scientists.
Continue ReadingDavid B. Steinman
Engineer, designer of Mackinac Bridge
Born
1886 140 years ago
Died
August 21st, 1960 65 years ago — 74 years old
An engineer specialized in bridge design and construction, notable for the design of the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan. The bridge, connecting Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas, was completed in 1957 and recognized as one of the longest suspension bridges in the world at the time. Beyond the Mackinac Bridge, contributions to the field included innovations in bridge engineering techniques and materials.
Continue Reading