Born in 1840
American Horse
A prominent Native American leader, contributed to the education of Native youth and advocated for their rights. Served as a leader of the Oglala Lakota tribe, playing a crucial role in the preservation of cultural heritage and traditions. Efforts included the establishment of institutions aimed at improving educational opportunities for Native Americans, emphasizing the importance of cultural identity alongside academic success. Actively participated in discussions concerning Native American welfare and land rights.
Continue ReadingChief Joseph
As a leader of the Nez Perce tribe, played a crucial role during the Nez Perce War of 1877. Advocated for the rights and land of his people, seeking peaceful coexistence with American settlers. Following the war, led his people in a long and arduous retreat towards Canada, which gained significant attention. Served as a spokesman for the Nez Perce, bringing awareness to their plight and advocating for their rights until death.
Continue ReadingJohn Clayton Adams
A landscape painter active during the 19th century, he specialized in the depiction of rural scenes and natural beauty of the English countryside. His works often featured atmospheric effects and detailed portrayals of landscapes. Elected as a member of the Royal Academy, he exhibited widely throughout his career, contributing significantly to the genre of landscape painting. His style reflected the influence of Romanticism, focusing on the interplay of light and nature. Additionally, he produced notable works that garnered attention in various exhibitions.
Continue ReadingGustave Le Bon
Contributed significantly to social psychology and sociology. Developed the concept of the collective mind, which explored how individuals in groups can behave differently than when alone. Authored 'The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind', which analyzed mob behavior and social influence. His work laid the groundwork for modern crowd psychology and social sciences.
Continue ReadingOtto Mears
Established a successful career in the development of railroads and steamship lines in the western United States. Played a significant role in the construction of the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad and the Rio Grande Southern Railroad. Contributed to the expansion of transportation infrastructure in Colorado and New Mexico during the late 19th century. Engaged in various ventures that included real estate and mining, further enhancing economic growth in the regions served by his railroads. Was an influential figure in the business community, fostering economic ties between industries.
Continue ReadingJohn Philip Holland
An engineer from Ireland, focused on submarine design. Developed the first successful submarine, HMS Holland 1, which was commissioned by the British Royal Navy. The design featured a torpedo-launching system, marking a significant advancement in naval warfare technology. Holland's innovations laid the groundwork for future submarine development and influenced naval engineering practices.
Continue ReadingCarl Menger
An economist and academic who established the foundations of the Austrian School of Economics. Developed the theory of marginal utility, which transformed economic analysis. Published 'Principles of Economics' in 1871, which laid out the principles of subjective value and utility. Contributed to the critique of socialism and was involved in debates with contemporary economists. Engaged in academic discourse and served as a professor, influencing future generations of economists.
Continue ReadingFranz Mertens
A mathematician and academic contributed significantly to the fields of mathematics and number theory. Mertens held academic positions in various universities where he advanced mathematical research and education. The Mertens conjecture, which addressed the asymptotic behavior of the sum of the reciprocals of prime numbers, is among his notable contributions. Published works included textbooks that became integral to mathematical studies.
Continue ReadingAbraham Goldfaden
A significant figure in Yiddish theater, played a crucial role in its development in the late 19th century. Founded the first professional Yiddish theater in Romania, which helped to popularize the genre. Authored several plays that remain influential in Yiddish literature, including 'Bar Kochba.' Goldfaden's work reflected the cultural and social issues of Jewish communities, and he often infused dramatic narratives with humor and poignancy.
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