What Happened This Year 1881
Born in 1881
Joseph B. Ely
Served as the 52nd Governor of Massachusetts from 1931 to 1935. Prior to the governorship, held positions including Massachusetts State Senator and Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Focused on economic recovery during the Great Depression, implementing measures to support the state's welfare and unemployment programs.
Continue ReadingAlbin Prepeluh
Born in 1881, a journalist and politician engaged in Slovenian political life. Contributed to the promotion of Slovene rights and identity. Participated actively in the political process during the interwar period. Established a significant presence in the sphere of journalism, focusing on social and political issues impacting Slovenia. Engaged with various political movements advocating for Slovenian autonomy and independence.
Continue ReadingMoulay Abd al-Aziz bin Hassan
Born in 1881, the Sultan ruled Morocco from 1894 to 1908. The leadership was characterized by attempts to modernize the country amidst colonial pressures. He presided over a period marked by significant political change and foreign intervention. Abd al-Aziz faced challenges from both internal factions and European powers. After a coup, he was deposed in 1908. His reign is often noted for efforts to reform the administration and military, as well as dealing with the complexities of colonial dynamics in North Africa.
Continue ReadingWilliam Z. Foster
An influential union leader and politician, this individual played a significant role in the labor movement in the United States. Organized labor activities primarily focused on workers' rights and promoting socialism. Served as the national secretary of the Communist Party USA and contributed to the establishment of a strong labor presence within the party. Held various leadership positions and advocated for the rights of workers, participating in numerous strikes and labor actions throughout his career. Wrote extensively on labor issues, contributing to the understanding of union organization and socialism during the early to mid-20th century.
Continue ReadingJanus Djurhuus
Born in the Faroe Islands, became a prominent poet contributing significantly to Faroese literature. Influenced by natural landscapes and folklore, wrote several collections of poetry that celebrated the culture and history of the Faroe Islands. Also involved in politics, promoting the use of the Faroese language and cultural identity.
Continue ReadingL. E. J. Brouwer
A Dutch mathematician and philosopher, significant contributions were made to topology, fixed-point theorems, and mathematical intuitionism. Developed the Brouwer Fixed Point Theorem, foundational in topology, which states that any continuous function mapping a compact convex set to itself has at least one fixed point. Brouwer's work in intuitionism challenged classical mathematics by arguing that mathematics is a creation of the mind, advocating for a more constructivist approach. Served as a professor at the University of Amsterdam, influencing a generation of mathematicians and philosophers through both teaching and academic writing.
Continue ReadingSveinn Björnsson
Born in Denmark, this individual moved to Iceland and pursued a career in law and politics. Elected as the first President of Iceland in 1944, served in this position until 1952. Instrumental in Iceland's transition to a republic after gaining independence from Denmark. Held significant influence in shaping modern Icelandic governance. Participated in various local political activities and was involved in the Constitution of Iceland. Continued to be active in Icelandic public life until retirement.
Continue ReadingRichard C. Tolman
Contributed significantly to the field of physics and chemistry, particularly in thermodynamics and physical chemistry. Developed the concept of the Tolman length, which relates to the concept of surface tension in fluids. Worked on statistical mechanics and the theory of relativity, and made notable contributions to the understanding of the kinetic theory of gases. Served as a professor at the California Institute of Technology and as an advisor to the Manhattan Project during World War II.
Continue ReadingThomas Sigismund Stribling
Born in 1881, this American lawyer and author wrote several novels that explored Southern life and culture. The literary works often depicted themes of racial tension and societal change in the South. A notable achievement includes winning the 1933 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award. In addition to fiction, contributions to legal literature and practice were made throughout a lengthy career. This individual’s quasi-autobiographical novel, 'The Store,' garnered attention for its vivid portrayal of life in the South during the early to mid-20th century.
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