What Happened This Year 1881

Born in 1881

William Boeing

Aviation pioneer and founder of Boeing
Born
1881 144 years ago
Died
September 28th, 1956 68 years ago — 75 years old

An American businessman established the Boeing Company in 1916, revolutionizing the aviation industry. The company quickly became a leader in aircraft manufacturing. Under leadership, Boeing produced military and commercial aircraft, significantly contributing to advancements in aviation technology. The company was pivotal during World War I and World War II, fulfilling government contracts and producing innovative designs. Boeing's vision and commitment laid the groundwork for what would become one of the largest aerospace companies in the world. His legacy continues to influence modern aviation.

Continue Reading

Juan Ramón Jiménez

Spanish poet and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
1881 144 years ago
Died
May 29th, 1958 66 years ago — 77 years old

This individual was a notable Spanish poet and a prominent figure in the Spanish literary scene. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1956 for his lyrical poetry, which emphasized the beauty of nature and the essence of existence. His most recognized work, 'Platero y yo', is a prose poem depicting the bond between a man and his donkey, celebrated for its sensitivity and vivid imagery. The poet's work contributed significantly to 20th-century Spanish literature, and he spent notable periods of his life in both Spain and Puerto Rico, influencing poets and writers across generations.

Continue Reading

Arthur C. Parker

American archaeologist and historian
Born
1881 144 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1955 70 years ago — 74 years old

An archaeologist and historian primarily associated with archaeological studies in New York State. Contributed significantly to the understanding of Native American history and culture in the Northeast. Served as the first curator of the New York State Museum and played a crucial role in developing methods for archaeological investigations. Authored several important works that explored the prehistory of Native American tribes and advocated for the preservation of archaeological sites.

Continue Reading

Archbishop Chrysanthus of Athens

Religious leader and archbishop
Born
1881 144 years ago
Died
September 28th, 1949 75 years ago — 68 years old

Served as the Archbishop of Athens during a period marked by significant political and social changes in Greece. Provided spiritual guidance and leadership to the Greek Orthodox Church. Played a role in maintaining church influence throughout challenging times, including the events of World War II and the subsequent civil conflict in Greece. Advocated for peace and unity in a divided society, promoting religious values and community support.

Continue Reading

William R. Orthwein

American swimmer and water polo player
Born
1881 144 years ago
Died
October 2nd, 1955 69 years ago — 74 years old

Achieved notable success in swimming and water polo. Competed in the 1904 Summer Olympics, winning a gold medal in the water polo tournament. Also excelled in swimming events during his athletic career, contributing to the development of water sports in the United States.

Continue Reading

Abdülhalik Renda

Turkish Minister of National Defence
Born
1881 144 years ago
Died
October 1st, 1957 67 years ago — 76 years old

A civil servant and politician who served as the sixth Turkish Minister of National Defence. Held the office during a critical period for Turkey's military and defense policies. Focused on organizational reforms within the armed forces and worked on strengthening national defense capabilities. Contributed to the development of military infrastructure and modernization efforts within the defense sector. Advocated for various policies aimed at safeguarding national security.

Continue Reading

Hiram Wesley Evans

Ku Klux Klan leader in the 20th century
Born
1881 144 years ago
Died
September 14th, 1966 58 years ago — 85 years old

A prominent leader in the Ku Klux Klan during the early to mid-20th century, played a significant role in shaping the organization's policies and outreach. Evans served as the Imperial Wizard from 1922 until 1939, notably increasing membership and visibility of the Klan during this period. Under Evans' leadership, the Klan adopted a more structured hierarchy and engaged in various civic activities aimed at attracting a broader audience. The promotion of white Protestant supremacy marked a pivotal aspect of the organization's agenda during his tenure. In the political landscape, Evans endorsed candidates and sought to influence local and national elections, aligning the Klan with various political movements of the time. His leadership coincided with the increased public presence of the Klan during the 1920s, which saw a revival of the organization following its original formation.

Continue Reading

Albert Kesselring

German field marshal during WWII
Born
1881 144 years ago
Died
July 16th, 1960 64 years ago — 79 years old

Served as a field marshal in the German Army during World War II. Held key commands in various theaters of the war, demonstrating strategic military capabilities. Played a significant role in the Mediterranean campaigns, particularly in the defense of Italy. After the war, Kesselring was tried at the Nuremberg Military Tribunal and sentenced to death, later commuted to life imprisonment. Released in 1952, he wrote memoirs reflecting on his military experiences and strategies.

Continue Reading

Rauf Orbay

Turkish politician, Prime Minister
Born
1881 144 years ago
Died
July 16th, 1964 60 years ago — 83 years old

Served as a military officer during World War I and played a significant role in the Turkish War of Independence. Held the position of Prime Minister of Turkey for a brief period in the 1920s. Contributed to the establishment of the Republic of Turkey and was involved in early Turkish politics as a member of various political parties. Worked towards defining the country's political framework in the post-World War I era and participated in the founding of the Great National Assembly of Turkey.

Continue Reading