William Ewart Gladstone

British Prime Minister and statesman

William Ewart Gladstone - British Prime Minister and statesman
Born

December 29th, 1809
215 years ago

Died

May 19th, 1898
127 years ago — 88 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

United Kingdom

Links & References

A significant figure in British politics, served as Prime Minister four times during the late 19th century. Played a major role in the expansion of the British welfare state and introduced several key reforms in education and social policy. Represented the Liberal Party and was a prominent advocate for Irish Home Rule. Influenced economic policies and established various social reforms through budgetary changes and taxation adjustments. His leadership and policies shaped modern British governance.

Served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom four times

Passed the Education Act of 1870

Advocated for Irish Home Rule

Other People Born on December 29th

Francisco Trincão

Portuguese footballer and winger
Born
December 29th, 1999 25 years ago

Started professional career at Braga, contributing significantly to team performance. Transferred to Barcelona, showcasing skills in La Liga. Also represented the Portuguese national team, competing in international tournaments. Gained recognition for impressive dribbling and playmaking abilities at a young age.

Continue Reading

Klaus Fuchs

Physicist and atomic espionage figure
Born
December 29th, 1911 113 years ago
Died
January 28th, 1988 37 years ago — 76 years old

A physicist of German origin, contributions included work on nuclear physics during World War II. Engaged in espionage activities for the Soviet Union, providing critical information about atomic bomb designs. His actions contributed to the development of nuclear capabilities in different nations, notably influencing the Cold War dynamics. After World War II, faced an arrest and trial in the UK in 1950, leading to a prison sentence. Later relocated to East Germany where continued involvement in scientific research occurred.

Continue Reading

Jon Polito

Actor in 'The Big Lebowski' and 'Miller's Crossing'
Born
December 29th, 1950 74 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 66 years old

An American actor with a career spanning several decades, known for roles in both film and television. Featured prominently in films like 'The Big Lebowski' and 'Miller's Crossing', he brought a unique intensity and distinctiveness to his characters. His television appearances included roles in series such as 'Homicide: Life on the Street' and 'The Crow: Stairway to Heaven'. Polito's talent extended to stage performances, showcasing his versatility across different mediums. He was also a prominent figure in independent films and often collaborated with renowned directors.

Continue Reading

Eric Berry

American football player and safety
Born
December 29th, 1988 36 years ago

Played safety in the National Football League (NFL) for the Kansas City Chiefs. Achieved recognition for performance and leadership on the field. Battled and overcame cancer, returning to the sport and continuing to contribute to the team. One of the standout players of his era, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and being named First-Team All-Pro during his career.

Continue Reading

Alan Rusbridger

Journalist and former editor of The Guardian
Born
December 29th, 1953 71 years ago

Served as editor of The Guardian from 1995 to 2015, guiding the publication through significant events such as the coverage of the WikiLeaks documents and the Edward Snowden revelations. Led the newspaper to numerous journalism awards during the period. After stepping down as editor, became Principal of Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford, and took an active role in academia. Contributed to discussions on press freedom and digital journalism.

Continue Reading

Christian Kracht

Swiss author and novelist
Born
December 29th, 1966 58 years ago

An influential author and novelist, contributions include several well-received works exploring themes of identity, history, and culture. The literary career began in the 1990s with a debut that garnered attention. This author achieved widespread recognition in 2012 with a novel that intertwined personal narrative with historical context. Works often reflect on Swiss society and global influences, maintaining a critical perspective on modernity and tradition.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 19th

Luis Ocaña

Cyclist with Tour de France success
Born
1945 80 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1994 31 years ago — 49 years old

A prominent Spanish cyclist who excelled in road racing. Achieved significant success during the early 1970s, particularly in the Tour de France. Won the Tour de France in 1973 while riding for the Moulin-Laurance team. Also secured victories in the Spanish National Road Championships and was a notable competitor in the Vuelta a España, finishing as a runner-up.

Continue Reading

Dmitry Donskoy

Grand Prince of Muscovy and military leader
Born
1350 675 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1389 636 years ago — 39 years old

Served as Grand Prince of Muscovy from 1359 until 1389, leading efforts to strengthen the principality against external threats. Played a pivotal role in the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380, where forces clashed with the Mongol-Tatar invaders, marking a significant moment in Russian history. Engaged in various campaigns to consolidate power and expand influence over neighboring territories. His reign was marked by efforts to solidify centralized authority and assert independence from the Golden Horde.

Continue Reading

Garret FitzGerald

Irish politician and Taoiseach
Born
February 9th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
May 19th, 2011 14 years ago — 85 years old

Served as the 8th Taoiseach of Ireland from 1982 to 1987. Played a significant role in Irish politics and was involved in various government reforms. Worked towards improving relations between Ireland and Northern Ireland and contributed to policy changes related to the economy and social issues. Was a prominent figure in the Fine Gael party and held other important government positions throughout a lengthy career in public service.

Continue Reading

García Hurtado de Mendoza

Royal Governor of Chile
Born
July 21st, 1535 490 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1609 416 years ago — 73 years old

Born in 1535, served as the Royal Governor of Chile from 1557 to 1561. Oversaw the consolidation of Spanish power in the region and the establishment of various settlements. Led military campaigns against indigenous Mapuche populations, particularly noted for the Battle of Valdivia. Instrumental in the development of agriculture and trade in colonial Chile.

Continue Reading

Robert S. Wistrich

Historian and author on Jewish history
Born
1945 80 years ago
Died
May 19th, 2015 10 years ago — 70 years old

An English historian and academic specialized in Jewish history, with a focus on anti-Semitism. Wistrich spent significant years at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where contribution to the understanding of Jewish identity and anti-Jewish sentiment gained recognition. Authored several influential works, including 'Antisemitism: The Longest Hatred' and 'A Lethal Obsession: Anti-Semitism from Antiquity to the Present'. Also contributed to debates on modern Jewish history and provided insights into the social, political, and historical contexts of anti-Semitic thought throughout the ages.

Continue Reading

Philipp Bouhler

German politician and Nazi official
Born
September 11th, 1899 125 years ago
Died
May 19th, 1945 80 years ago — 45 years old

Born in 1899, served as a prominent member of the Nazi Party holding significant positions during the regime. Played a key role in the administration of the T4 program, which involved the forced euthanasia of individuals deemed 'unworthy of life.' Actively participated in the organization of the Nazi government and held various responsibilities influencing policy and operations. Remained involved in the party until its collapse in 1945.

Continue Reading