What Happened This Year 1856

Born in 1856

Jürgen Kröger

Architect noted for urban design
Born
November 16th, 1856 168 years ago
Died
1928 97 years ago — 72 years old

Born in Germany in 1856, an architect focused on urban design and public buildings. Contributed to significant architectural developments in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Engaged in projects that emphasized functionality and aesthetic appeal. Led initiatives in urban planning that influenced urban landscapes.

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Grand Duke Nicholas Nikolaevich of Russia

Russian Grand Duke and military leader
Born
November 18th, 1856 168 years ago
Died
1929 96 years ago — 73 years old

Born in 1856, a member of the Romanov dynasty, led Russian forces during World War I. Served as commander-in-chief of the Russian Army from 1914 to 1915. Resigned from the position due to significant military failures. Played a crucial role in various battles including the Battle of Galicia. After the Russian Revolution, lived in exile and engaged in various charitable activities.

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Theobald von Bethmann Hollweg

German Chancellor during World War I
Born
November 29th, 1856 168 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1921 104 years ago — 64 years old

Served as the Chancellor of Germany from 1909 to 1917 during a tumultuous period leading up to and during World War I. As a member of the German Conservative Party, focused on promoting the interests of Germany in a time of great political upheaval. Oversaw significant military decisions and was involved in diplomatic efforts with other nations. Resigned in the wake of military setbacks and growing dissatisfaction with the government, particularly following the failure of the Hindenburg Program.

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George Leake

Politician, 3rd Premier of Western Australia
Born
December 3rd, 1856 168 years ago
Died
June 24th, 1902 122 years ago — 45 years old

Held the position of Premier during a crucial period in Western Australia's development. Advocated for various infrastructural projects aimed at boosting the state's economy and improving public services. His tenure was marked by efforts to enhance education and transport within Western Australia. Oversaw policies that affected land distribution and immigration, impacting the growth of the population and settlement in the region.

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Georgi Plekhanov

Russian Marxist philosopher and theorist
Born
December 11th, 1856 168 years ago
Died
May 30th, 1918 106 years ago — 61 years old

Contributed significantly to Marxist theory and the development of revolutionary ideas in Russia. Played a key role in establishing the Russian Social Democratic Labor Party. Authored influential texts, including 'Fundamentals of Marxism' and 'The Development of the Monist View of History'. Advocated for the integration of Marxist philosophy with Russian social conditions and emphasized the importance of social movements in achieving revolutionary change.

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Svetozar Boroević

Croatian-Austrian field marshal
Born
December 13th, 1856 168 years ago
Died
May 23rd, 1920 104 years ago — 63 years old

A prominent military figure served in the Austro-Hungarian Army during World War I. Commanded the Austro-Hungarian forces on the Italian Front, particularly known for defensive strategies at the Battles of Caporetto and the Piave River. Led forces during the Isonzo Campaign, contributing to several significant military engagements. Recognized for leadership in challenging conditions, played a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of Austro-Hungarian defenses.

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Louis Marshall

American lawyer and civil rights advocate
Born
December 14th, 1856 168 years ago
Died
1929 96 years ago — 73 years old

A prominent lawyer and civil rights advocate, played a key role in the American Jewish community's efforts to secure civil rights. Served as the president of the American Jewish Committee and worked on various legal cases involving civil liberties. Contributed to the drafting of the Declaration of Principles for the American Jewish Committee and was involved in legal battles for Jewish rights and social justice. Advocated for the rights of immigrants and fought against anti-Semitism in the early 20th century. His advocacy work significantly influenced the position of Jews in America.

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J. J. Thomson

English physicist, Nobel laureate in Physics
Born
December 18th, 1856 168 years ago
Died
August 30th, 1940 84 years ago — 83 years old

An English physicist and academic conducted groundbreaking research on the nature of cathode rays. Established the existence of the electron and proposed the plum pudding model of the atom. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1906 for contributions to the field of atomic physics. Contributed significantly to the development of modern physics through the study of electricity and magnetism.

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Frank B. Kellogg

U.S. Secretary of State, Nobel laureate
Born
December 22nd, 1856 168 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1937 87 years ago — 80 years old

American lawyer and politician served as the 45th United States Secretary of State. Played a significant role in international diplomacy and contributed to the negotiation of the Kellogg-Briand Pact in 1928, which aimed to eliminate war as a tool of national policy. This work led to the Nobel Peace Prize in 1929. Held various public offices throughout a long career, including serving as a U.S. senator from Minnesota and as the U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain.

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