Wang Hongwen

Labor activist and politician

Wang Hongwen - Labor activist and politician
Born

1935
90 years ago

Died

August 3rd, 1992
33 years ago — 57 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

China

Links & References

A prominent labor activist and politician, played a significant role in Chinese politics during the Cultural Revolution. Held the position of Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. Served as a key member of the Gang of Four, a political faction that was influential in the final years of Mao Zedong's rule. After Mao's death, faced arrest and was tried for counter-revolutionary activities, which led to a lengthy imprisonment. Contributed to labor movements and industrial policies during a tumultuous period in China's history.

Served as Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress

Was a key member of the Gang of Four

Other People Who Died on August 3rd

Bram Moolenaar

Dutch Software Engineer and Vim Creator
Born
1961 64 years ago
Died
August 3rd, 2023 2 years ago — 62 years old

A software engineer developed Vim, an advanced text editor widely used by programmers. Vim's efficiency and versatility in coding and text editing gained significant traction in the software development community. Moolenaar released multiple versions of Vim, enhancing its functionality and user experience. Contributions included extensive documentation and community engagement, which facilitated the editor's adoption across various platforms. Moolenaar also participated in open-source initiatives, promoting free software principles and ensuring Vim's continuous improvement through community contributions.

Continue Reading

John Hume

Northern Irish politician, Nobel laureate
Born
January 18th, 1937 88 years ago
Died
August 3rd, 2020 5 years ago — 83 years old

An educator and politician from Northern Ireland, played a crucial role in the peace process during the Troubles. Co-founded the Social Democratic and Labour Party, which aimed to represent Irish nationalism through constitutional means. Advocated for non-violent solutions to conflict and worked towards fostering dialogue between communities. Received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1998 alongside David Trimble for efforts in bringing an end to the violence in Northern Ireland. Hume's political career spanned several decades, impacting local and national politics significantly.

Continue Reading

Makarios III

Cypriot archbishop and politician
Born
August 13th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
August 3rd, 1977 48 years ago — 63 years old

An influential archbishop and politician, served as the first President of Cyprus from 1960 until his death in 1977. Instrumental in the fight for independence from British colonial rule and played a major role in the formation of the Republic of Cyprus. Promoted reconciliation among the island's Greek and Turkish communities while navigating political tensions. Advocated for a non-aligned foreign policy and was active in international diplomacy. His leadership saw significant political challenges, including intercommunal conflicts and the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, which resulted in the division of the island.

Continue Reading

Bartholomew de Burghersh

1st Baron Burghersh, English nobleman
Died
August 3rd, 1355 670 years ago — None years old

A prominent English nobleman and military leader during the 14th century, held the title of 1st Baron Burghersh. Participated in the Edwardian wars against Scotland and France, contributing to significant campaigns during this period. Served in various military roles, including as a commander in the campaigns led by Edward III. His nobility was marked by his involvement in the governance of certain regions and his participation in the royal court. Emphasized loyalty to the monarchy and played a role in the political affairs of his time.

Continue Reading

Colette

French novelist and journalist
Born
January 28th, 1873 152 years ago
Died
August 3rd, 1954 71 years ago — 81 years old

A prominent figure in French literature, contributed significantly to the literary scene of the early 20th century. Wrote over 50 novels, with the most notable being "Gigi", which later became a successful musical and film. Explored themes of femininity, love, and relationships through richly drawn characters. Served as a journalist and critic, gaining recognition for insightful commentary on contemporary society. Became the first woman to be elected to the Académie Goncourt, highlighting literary achievements.

Continue Reading

Alfred Schnittke

Composer and creator of polystylism
Born
November 24th, 1934 90 years ago
Died
August 3rd, 1998 27 years ago — 63 years old

Born in Germany and raised in Russia, significant contributions to contemporary classical music included the development of a style termed 'polystylism.' Schnittke's compositions often blended various musical styles and techniques, reflecting a complex relationship with the traditions of both Western and Russian music. His oeuvre encompassed symphonies, concertos, chamber music, and film scores, showcasing innovative structures and emotional depth. Schnittke's work gained international recognition and performed widely in major cultural venues.

Continue Reading