What Happened This Year 1871

Born in 1871

Karl Liebknecht

German socialist politician and revolutionary
Born
August 13th, 1871 153 years ago
Died
January 15th, 1919 106 years ago — 47 years old

A prominent socialist politician and revolutionary in Germany, played a significant role in the German Workers' Party and later co-founded the Spartacus League. Active in opposition to World War I, advocated for ending the conflict and promoted socialist ideals. Participated in the German Revolution of 1918-1919, which sought to establish a socialist state. Authored several works on socialism and workers' rights, influencing the labor movement in Germany and beyond. Captured and assassinated in January 1919 during the political turmoil of the revolutionary period.

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Guangxu Emperor of China

Emperor and reform advocate
Born
August 14th, 1871 153 years ago
Died
November 14th, 1908 116 years ago — 37 years old

Ascended to the throne at the age of four. Ruled during a time of significant political and social change in China. Advocated for the Hundred Days' Reform in 1898, aiming to modernize China's political and educational systems. The reform efforts met strong opposition from conservative factions within the Qing court. Following a coup led by Empress Dowager Cixi, the reforms were largely reversed, and the emperor was placed under house arrest for the remainder of his life. His reign saw the increasing influence of foreign powers in China.

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Orville Wright

American aviation pioneer and inventor
Born
August 19th, 1871 153 years ago
Died
1948 77 years ago — 77 years old

An engineer and pilot, contributed to the development of powered flight alongside his brother Wilbur. The duo designed and built the first successful airplane, the Wright Flyer, which made its inaugural flight on December 17, 1903, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Orville continued to promote and improve aviation technology, co-founding the Wright Company in 1909 to manufacture airplanes and training pilots. This company played a crucial role in the early aviation industry, producing several innovative aircraft models.

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Theodore Dreiser

American novelist; Sister Carrie
Born
August 27th, 1871 153 years ago
Died
December 28th, 1945 79 years ago — 74 years old

Born in 1871, a prominent American novelist and journalist emerged as a leading figure in naturalism in literature. His novels often depicted the struggles of individuals against societal forces. The work 'Sister Carrie' was published in 1900, challenging contemporary social norms and providing a raw portrayal of life. Other notable works include 'An American Tragedy,' released in 1925, which examines ambition, crime, and moral conflicts. Throughout a prolific career, he contributed articles and essays to various publications, advocating for social reform and exploring themes of determinism and human experience.

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Albert François Lebrun

French President and Engineer
Born
August 29th, 1871 153 years ago
Died
March 6th, 1950 75 years ago — 78 years old

Served as the 15th President of France from 1932 to 1940. His tenure was marked by the political turbulence leading up to World War II. Before entering politics, contributed to engineering projects in France. Held significant responsibilities during the onset of the war and faced challenges related to the nation's defense and political stability.

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Ernest Rutherford

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
August 30th, 1871 153 years ago
Died
October 19th, 1937 87 years ago — 66 years old

A New Zealand-born physicist and chemist, significant contributions to the understanding of atomic structure and radioactivity occurred. Conducted experiments leading to the discovery of the nucleus, establishing the foundation of nuclear physics. Received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1908 for work on radioactive substances. Later, served as the director of the Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, mentoring multiple future Nobel laureates and influencing the field of experimental physics.

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James E. Ferguson

American banker and Texas governor
Born
August 31st, 1871 153 years ago
Died
1944 81 years ago — 73 years old

Earned a reputation as a prominent banker and politician, served as the 26th Governor of Texas from 1915 to 1917. During the governorship, implemented significant reforms in education and taxation. His administration focused on improving infrastructure and state services, particularly in rural areas. Faced political opposition which led to impeachment proceedings in 1917, resulting in removal from office. Despite controversies, remained an influential figure in Texas politics even after leaving the governorship.

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J. Reuben Clark

American lawyer and religious leader
Born
September 1st, 1871 153 years ago
Died
1961 64 years ago — 90 years old

An influential lawyer and civil servant who served as a prominent leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Played a significant role in the establishment of the church's welfare program and advocated for education. Worked as Assistant Secretary of State under President Calvin Coolidge and held various offices within the church structure. Contributed to legal scholarship and church doctrine, impacting community and religious practices.

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Friedrich Akel

Estonian physician and Head of State
Born
September 5th, 1871 153 years ago
Died
July 3rd, 1941 83 years ago — 69 years old

Akel served as a physician and politician in Estonia. He played a significant role in the Estonian government as the Head of State during a pivotal time. His leadership coincided with Estonia's period of independence and its subsequent challenges leading up to World War II. Akel's dual commitment to medicine and governance shaped his contributions to Estonian society in the early 20th century. He faced various political dynamics during his tenure, particularly under the pressures of international conflict and national sovereignty.

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