Wilfrid Laurier
Canadian Prime Minister and lawyer

Born
November 20th, 1841
183 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1919
106 years ago — 77 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
Canada
Links & References
Served as the 7th Prime Minister of Canada from 1896 to 1911. Led the country during a time of significant national growth and fostered the expansion of Canadian confederation. Advocated for a liberal and progressive vision of Canada, promoting immigration and economic development. His government implemented policies expanding railways and offered support for the growth of the west. Laurier also played a crucial role in navigating Canada's relationship with Britain and the United States during his tenure.
Served as Prime Minister for 15 years
Promoted Canadian nationalism and unity
Oversaw the establishment of the Canadian Navy
Other People Born on November 20th
Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym
Born in 1980, a Thai boxer competed in the super bantamweight division. Achieved prominence by winning the WBA Super Bantamweight title. After starting boxing in his early teens, he turned professional in 2002 and earned recognition in the boxing community. Fought in multiple high-stakes matches, displaying skill and determination throughout the career. Remains a notable figure in Thai boxing history, contributing to the sport’s popularity in the country.
Continue ReadingGyeongjong of Joseon
Ruled as the 20th king of the Joseon Dynasty from 1720 to 1724. Focused on consolidating royal power and administrating reforms within the government. His reign followed that of his father, King Sukjong. He attempted to stabilize the monarchy during a time of political strife. His short reign is noted for efforts to manage conflict among factions within the court and promote scholarly pursuits.
Continue ReadingStéphane N'Guéma
Born in Gabon, a professional footballer played as a forward. Developed a career primarily in the Gabon Premier League. Also represented the national team, contributing to various international competitions. Competed in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
Continue ReadingFranz Miklosich
Contributed significantly to the field of linguistics and philology, specializing in the Slavic languages. Focused on comparative linguistics and etymology, exploring the historical development of the Slovene language. Published multiple works that analyzed the phonetic and morphological properties of Slavic languages, including the important work 'Grammatica Slavica'. Engaged in the study of dialects, documenting various Slovene dialects and their variations. Was instrumental in the early scholarly development of Slovene language studies.
Continue ReadingChester Gould
An American cartoonist, contributed significantly to the field of comic strips through the creation of Dick Tracy. The character debuted in 1931 and quickly gained national popularity. The comic strip featured innovative storytelling and a police procedural format, appealing to a wide audience. Gould's work on Dick Tracy continued for over 40 years, showcasing his creativity and commitment to the series until his retirement in 1977. His influence on the detective genre in comic strips is evident, and Dick Tracy remains an iconic figure in American culture.
Continue ReadingPeng Liyuan
A prominent Chinese folk singer, involvement in the Chinese music scene began at an early age. Gained recognition through performances at various national events and military celebrations, showcasing traditional Chinese music. Achieved significant acclaim for the interpretation of folk songs and classical pieces, contributing to cultural heritage. Held the title of first lady of China, participating in various diplomatic efforts and cultural exchanges. Engaged in charitable activities emphasizing education and health.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 17th
Ferdinando I de' Medici
Grand Duke of Tuscany from 1587 until death in 1609. Played a significant role in the consolidation of the Medici family's power in Italy. Promoted the arts and sciences, supporting notable figures like Galileo Galilei. Oversaw the expansion of the Florentine economy and strengthened ties with Spain through strategic marriages.
Continue ReadingNicolaas Govert de Bruijn
Contributed significantly to the fields of topology and combinatorial mathematics. Developed de Bruijn sequences, an important concept in combinatorics and information theory. Published numerous papers, advancing understanding of number theory and its applications. Held a long-term position at the Delft University of Technology, influencing the next generation of mathematicians.
Continue ReadingPeter Florin
A German politician and diplomat, served as President of the United Nations General Assembly from 1979 to 1980. Engaged in various international relations throughout his career, promoting dialogue and cooperation among countries. His work focused on peacekeeping and conflict resolution. Additionally held significant roles within the German government, influencing foreign policy and international diplomacy. Worked with various international organizations to enhance global governance.
Continue ReadingWilliam Gargan
An American actor gained recognition primarily for work in films and television during the mid-20th century. Started career on Broadway, transitioned to the screen with notable roles in movies such as 'The Enchanted Cottage' and 'The Dark Mirror'. Involved in radio shows, most notably as the title character in the detective series 'Barry Craig, Confidential Investigator'. Gargan's contributions to American cinema and television left a lasting legacy.
Continue ReadingFriday Hassler
Competed in auto racing during the mid-20th century. Achieved success in the United States Auto Club (USAC) circuit. Won the USAC National Championship in 1955. Participated in various prestigious races, demonstrating skill and competitiveness. His career included experiences driving for several notable teams in the racing community.
Continue ReadingJanani Luwum
Served as the Archbishop of Uganda from 1974 until his death in 1977. Advocated for human rights and the welfare of his congregation during a period of political turmoil under the rule of Idi Amin. Arrested in February 1977 due to his outspoken criticism of the government. Died in police custody under suspicious circumstances, leading to his recognition as a martyr in the Anglican Communion.
Continue Reading