What Happened This Year 1859

Born in 1859

Archibald Peake

Politician and 25th Premier of South Australia
Born
January 15th, 1859 166 years ago
Died
1920 105 years ago — 61 years old

Served as the 25th Premier of South Australia from 1933 to 1938. Played a significant role in the development of policies related to social welfare and economic recovery during the Great Depression. As a member of the Liberal and Country League, advocated for agricultural interests and infrastructure improvements.

Continue Reading

Wilhelm II

German Emperor and World War I leader
Born
January 27th, 1859 166 years ago
Died
June 4th, 1941 83 years ago — 82 years old

Ruled as the German Emperor and King of Prussia from 1888 until his abdication in 1918. Oversaw the expansion of the German navy and pursued a militaristic foreign policy. The tensions during his reign contributed to the outbreak of World War I. Fled to exile in the Netherlands after the war, where he lived until his death in 1941.

Continue Reading

Victor Herbert

Cellist and composer of operettas
Born
February 1st, 1859 166 years ago
Died
May 26th, 1924 100 years ago — 65 years old

Born in Ireland, this individual gained prominence in America as a composer, cellist, and conductor. His early studies in music began in Dublin, followed by advanced training in Germany. Upon relocating to the United States, this person became a prominent figure in the music scene, contributing significantly to the operetta genre. Alongside a successful career as a cellist in orchestras, the individual also conducted several major orchestras. Compositions include popular works such as 'Babes in Toyland' and 'The Fortune Teller,' showcasing talent in musical storytelling and rich melodies.

Continue Reading

Hugo Junkers

Aviation engineer designing the Junkers J 1
Born
February 3rd, 1859 166 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 1935 90 years ago — 76 years old

An engineer contributed significantly to the early development of aviation technology. Developed the world's first all-metal aircraft, the Junkers J 1, which made its first flight in 1915. Founded Junkers & Co., a company that became influential in the aviation industry. Focused on creating innovative aircraft designs that emphasized durability and efficiency. Patented various aircraft technologies and contributed to the advancement of air transportation.

Continue Reading

Akiyama Yoshifuru

Japanese general and military leader
Born
February 9th, 1859 166 years ago
Died
November 4th, 1930 94 years ago — 71 years old

Became a general in the Imperial Japanese Army and played a key role in the First Sino-Japanese War. Involved in the Battle of Tsushima during the Russo-Japanese War, contributing significantly to Japan's naval victories. Served in various military positions and was influential in the modernization of the Japanese military.

Continue Reading

Alexandre Millerand

French politician, 12th President of France
Born
February 10th, 1859 166 years ago
Died
April 7th, 1943 82 years ago — 84 years old

Served as President of France from 1920 to 1924. Held various ministerial positions, including Minister of War and Minister of Industrial Reconstruction. Played a significant role in the establishment of the Section Française de l'Internationale Ouvrière. Influenced French foreign policy during his presidency, notably regarding relations with Germany and the League of Nations.

Continue Reading

George Washington Gale Ferris Jr.

Engineer, inventor of the Ferris wheel
Born
February 14th, 1859 166 years ago
Died
November 22nd, 1896 128 years ago — 37 years old

An American engineer developed the Ferris wheel, a landmark amusement ride that debuted at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The structure aimed to surpass the Eiffel Tower as a symbol of innovation and engineering prowess. The Ferris wheel featured 36 cars, each capable of holding up to 60 passengers, providing an unprecedented view of the exposition and the surrounding city. This invention represented a significant achievement in civil engineering and design, leading to a new genre of large-scale attractions at fairs and amusement parks.

Continue Reading

Svante Arrhenius

Swedish physicist, Nobel laureate
Born
February 19th, 1859 166 years ago
Died
October 2nd, 1927 97 years ago — 68 years old

A physicist and chemist contributed significantly to the field of physical chemistry. Developed the theory of electrolytic dissociation, explaining how salts dissolve in water and conduct electricity. Proposed the concept of greenhouse gases and their role in climate change. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1903 for work on chemical reaction rates and theories of solutions. Served as a professor at the Stockholm University and influenced the development of the modern understanding of atmospheric science.

Continue Reading

Bertha Pappenheim

Austrian-German activist and author
Born
February 27th, 1859 166 years ago
Died
1936 89 years ago — 77 years old

Active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, contributed significantly to social reform, particularly concerning women's rights and Jewish issues. Founded the Jewish Women's Association in 1904, focusing on social support and education. Authored numerous works advocating for social change and addressing issues in mental health through her writings. Worked closely with the psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, gaining attention for her involvement in mental health discussions.

Continue Reading