What Happened This Year 1881
Born in 1881
Nicholas Schenck
A prominent businessman and film executive in early 20th century America. Helmed MGM Studios and significantly contributed to the growth of Hollywood. Played a vital role in shaping the studio system and the development of the film industry during its formative years. Instrumental in acquiring and producing major films, helping to establish MGM as a leading studio in Hollywood.
Continue ReadingPadraic Colum
Contributed significantly to Irish literature during the 20th century. Published numerous collections of poetry and wrote several plays, including 'The Land' and 'The Onlookers'. Engaged with the Irish literary revival and collaborated with other prominent figures such as William Butler Yeats. Alongside poetry and drama, wrote children's books, further influencing Irish cultural life. His works often explored themes of nature, mythology, and the human condition.
Continue ReadingRauf Orbay
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 ReadingAlbert Kesselring
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 ReadingHiram Wesley Evans
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 ReadingAbdülhalik Renda
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