What Happened This Year 1872

Born in 1872

Sidónio Pais

Portuguese politician and 4th President
Born
May 1st, 1872 152 years ago
Died
1918 107 years ago — 46 years old

An influential soldier and politician in early 20th century Portugal, served as the 4th President from 1918 until assassination in 1919. After a military coup in 1917, assumed leadership of the country and implemented significant political reforms. Advocated for national stability and economic recovery during a tumultuous period marked by social unrest and World War I. His presidency ended following a violent coup.

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Ichiyō Higuchi

Japanese writer and children's author
Born
May 2nd, 1872 152 years ago
Died
November 23rd, 1896 128 years ago — 24 years old

Born in Tokyo, a significant writer of the Meiji era, focusing on themes like women's struggles and societal issues. Began writing in her teenage years while working to support her family. Achieved notable fame with the short story collection 'Takekurabe,' exploring the lives of young girls in Tokyo. Produced other influential works during her brief writing career, showcasing a unique voice and style. Contributed to the evolution of modern Japanese literature before her untimely death at age 24.

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Djemal Pasha

Ottoman General and wartime leader
Born
May 6th, 1872 152 years ago
Died
1922 103 years ago — 50 years old

Served as an officer and later a general in the Ottoman Army. Participated in the Balkan Wars and served during World War I. As a member of the Young Turks, held significant roles in the empire's military and political spheres. Commanded Ottoman forces in the Caucasus and later in Palestine. Implemented controversial policies during his tenure, including military campaigns and responses to various national movements within the empire. After the war, faced charges related to wartime atrocities and fled to Germany.

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Willem de Sitter

Dutch mathematician and astronomer
Born
May 6th, 1872 152 years ago
Died
November 20th, 1934 90 years ago — 62 years old

Born in 1872, contributions to cosmology established a foundation for modern astronomical theory. Developed models that described the universe's structure and behavior. His work on general relativity led to significant insights in the field of theoretical physics. In addition, served as the president of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, influencing scientific research in the Netherlands. Recognized for the de Sitter space, which became essential for understanding cosmic phenomena.

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Marcel Mauss

Sociologist and anthropologist, Gift
Born
May 10th, 1872 152 years ago
Died
February 10th, 1950 75 years ago — 77 years old

Contributed foundational concepts to sociology and anthropology, focusing on the study of social exchanges and gift-giving rituals. The work 'The Gift' outlined how gifts function in societies and the social relationships they create. Engaged in the early study of religion, magic, and the evolution of society, providing insights into social cohesion and cultural practices. Involved with the Durkheimian school of thought, impacting future discussions in the social sciences.

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Anton Korošec

Politician and Prime Minister of Yugoslavia
Born
May 12th, 1872 152 years ago
Died
December 14th, 1940 84 years ago — 68 years old

A prominent Slovene priest and politician played a significant role in the political landscape of Yugoslavia during the early 20th century. Serving as the tenth Prime Minister from 1924 to 1926, focused on centralizing the country’s governance. Actively participated in the creation of a national identity for Slovenes within the Yugoslav state. Engaged in various political movements, emphasizing collaboration among South Slavic peoples.

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Elia Dalla Costa

Italian Cardinal and religious leader
Born
May 14th, 1872 152 years ago
Died
1961 64 years ago — 89 years old

Served as an Italian cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church, playing a significant role in the church's administration and guidance during the early to mid-20th century. Elevated to the cardinalate in 1946, contributed to the Second Vatican Council and addressed critical issues such as the church's stance on wartime conduct and social justice. Served in various ecclesiastical positions, including as Bishop of Florence, where efforts focused on social outreach and community service.

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Bertrand Russell

Philosopher and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 18th, 1872 152 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1970 55 years ago — 97 years old

A prominent British mathematician and philosopher, contributed significantly to a variety of fields including logic, philosophy, and social criticism. Authored numerous influential works, including 'Principia Mathematica' co-written with Alfred North Whitehead, which laid the groundwork for much of modern mathematics. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1950 for varied and significant writings, advocating for humanitarian ideals and nuclear disarmament. Engaged actively in political discourse throughout his career, participating in various anti-war movements and promoting social reform.

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Marian Smoluchowski

Polish physicist and mountaineer
Born
May 28th, 1872 152 years ago
Died
September 5th, 1917 107 years ago — 45 years old

Contributions included significant work in statistical mechanics and the theory of Brownian motion. Conducted research on diffusion and the behavior of particles suspended in fluids. Played a key role in the development of the Smoluchowski equation, which describes particle movement in a dispersive medium. Engaged in mountaineering, exploring various peaks in the Tatra Mountains.

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