William Lyon Mackenzie King

Canadian Prime Minister and economist

William Lyon Mackenzie King - Canadian Prime Minister and economist
Born

December 17th, 1874
150 years ago

Died

July 22nd, 1950
74 years ago — 75 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Canada

Links & References

Served as the tenth Prime Minister of Canada, holding office during three separate terms between 1921 and 1948. King was a prominent figure in Canadian politics, advocating for social policies and working towards national unity during a time of global upheaval. Organized Canada's response during World War II, focusing on wartime economy and international relations. Contributed to the founding of the United Nations as a delegate. His leadership style was noted for its focus on consensus and careful negotiation.

Led Canada during World War II

Served as Prime Minister for over 21 years

Played a key role in establishing the United Nations

Other People Born on December 17th

Joseph Henry

American physicist and engineer known for electromagnetism
Born
December 17th, 1797 227 years ago
Died
May 13th, 1878 146 years ago — 80 years old

A prominent American physicist and engineer, contributed significantly to the field of electromagnetism. His research laid foundational principles for the development of the telegraph and other electrical devices. Henry made substantial advancements in the understanding of self-induction and mutual induction, which are crucial for the operation of inductors in electrical circuits. He also served as the first Director of the National Institute for the Promotion of Science, now part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology. An influential figure in the scientific community, engaged in extensive correspondence with contemporaries such as Michael Faraday.

Continue Reading

Fernando Lopes-Graça

Portuguese composer and conductor
Born
December 17th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
November 27th, 1994 30 years ago — 87 years old

A prominent figure in Portuguese music, contributed significantly to the national music scene. Composed numerous orchestral works, choral pieces, and songs drawing from Portuguese folk traditions. Served as a conductor and championed the works of other composers. Engaged in music education and the dissemination of cultural heritage through music. Established institutions that supported Portuguese music education and performance.

Continue Reading

Émilie du Châtelet

Mathematician and physicist, contributed to energy
Born
December 17th, 1706 318 years ago
Died
September 10th, 1749 275 years ago — 42 years old

Contributions to mathematics and physics included significant work on kinetic energy and the conservation of energy. Translated and commented on Isaac Newton's 'Principia Mathematica', expanding its reach and accessibility. Developed a mathematical framework for understanding energy which laid groundwork for later scientific developments. Engaged in philosophical discourse, advocating for women's education and scientific inquiry.

Continue Reading

Chelsea Manning

American soldier and intelligence analyst
Born
December 17th, 1987 37 years ago

Served as an Army intelligence analyst and leaked classified military documents to WikiLeaks. The leaked materials included the Collateral Murder video, which showed a 2007 Apache helicopter attack in Baghdad that killed multiple civilians. Detained for her actions, faced a court-martial and was convicted in 2013, receiving a 35-year prison sentence. The conviction later resulted in a commutation by President Obama in 2017.

Continue Reading

Luis Alfageme

Argentinian footballer from Boca Juniors
Born
December 17th, 1984 40 years ago

Played as a midfielder in professional football, beginning a career in 2002. Spent significant time at clubs in Argentina, including Boca Juniors, where he developed a reputation for technical skill and tactical awareness. Also had stints in the lower divisions of Argentine football and played abroad in leagues outside of Argentina. Notably, contributed to the successes of the teams during his tenure, demonstrating consistency in performance on the pitch.

Continue Reading

Loren Murchison

American sprinter, Olympic medalist
Born
December 17th, 1898 126 years ago
Died
1979 46 years ago — 81 years old

Competed in athletics as a sprinter, participated in the 1920 Summer Olympics in Antwerp. Contributed to the United States' track and field success, achieving notable records during the early 20th century. Murchison excelled in the 100-meter dash and served as a prominent figure in American sprinting history, showcasing remarkable speed and technique on the track.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on July 22nd

Dennis Farina

Actor from Law & Order and Midnight Run
Born
February 29th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
July 22nd, 2013 11 years ago — 69 years old

Worked as a police officer in Chicago before transitioning to an acting career. Debuted in the film 'Midnight Run' in 1988. Gained prominence through the television series 'Law & Order' portraying Detective Joe Fontana. Active in both film and television throughout the 1990s and 2000s, appearing in various projects including 'Get Shorty' and 'Snatch'. Recognized for his distinctive voice and demeanor, contributing to a successful career in crime dramas and comedies.

Continue Reading

Joseph Forlenze

Ophthalmologist and surgeon
Born
February 3rd, 1757 268 years ago
Died
July 22nd, 1833 191 years ago — 76 years old

An Italian ophthalmologist and surgeon, contributed significantly to the field of eye surgery in the 18th century. Developed techniques that advanced cataract surgery, laying groundwork for modern ophthalmological practices. Published works on eye diseases and surgical methods, influencing future generations of surgeons in Italy and beyond.

Continue Reading

Cees de Wolf

Dutch footballer and coach
Born
1945 80 years ago
Died
July 22nd, 2011 13 years ago — 66 years old

A professional footballer played primarily as a defender. Developed a career in the Dutch football leagues and later transitioned into coaching roles. Contributed to various teams during the playing career, including FC Twente. After retiring, focused on coaching and developing young talent in the sport.

Continue Reading

Carl Sandburg

American poet and historian
Born
January 6th, 1878 147 years ago
Died
July 22nd, 1967 57 years ago — 89 years old

Born in 1878, this American poet and historian contributed significantly to literature and the understanding of American history. His works often reflected the struggles and triumphs of everyday people. Sandburg gained recognition for a unique style that combined free verse with vivid imagery and natural speech patterns. His most renowned collection, 'Chicago Poems', illustrated the dynamics of urban life in America. In addition to poetry, he authored a comprehensive biography of Abraham Lincoln, which received critical acclaim for its detailed portrayal of the 16th president's life and times.

Continue Reading

George Armitage Miller

Cognitive psychologist, founded psycholinguistics
Born
1920 105 years ago
Died
July 22nd, 2012 12 years ago — 92 years old

An American psychologist contributed significantly to the understanding of cognitive psychology and linguistics. Founded the field of psycholinguistics, studying the interaction between language and cognition. Developed the concept of the 'magical number seven, plus or minus two', which describes the capacity of working memory. Played a pivotal role in the establishment of the cognitive revolution in psychology during the 1950s and 1960s. Served as president of the American Psychological Association in 1969 and published extensively, influencing the areas of cognitive science and language processing.

Continue Reading

Dika Newlin

Composer and singer, 'The Warrior's Song'
Born
November 22nd, 1923 101 years ago
Died
July 22nd, 2006 18 years ago — 82 years old

An American composer and singer, contributed significantly to music throughout the 20th century. Burgeoning interest in both classical and popular music genres led to the creation of multiple compositions and performances. Recognized for the single 'The Warrior's Song', which captured the essence of military struggles and heroism. Engaged in academia, teaching music theory and composition at several universities, thereby influencing the next generation of musicians. Her work encompassed both vocal and instrumental compositions, showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary styles.

Continue Reading