What Happened This Year 1882

Born in 1882

Getúlio Vargas

Brazilian lawyer and politician, President
Born
April 19th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
August 24th, 1954 70 years ago — 72 years old

Born in 1882, a lawyer and politician served as the 14th President of Brazil. First presidency spanned from 1930 to 1945, leading Brazil during the Vargas Era with significant industrial and social reforms. His government established labor rights, social welfare, and pivotal economic policies to modernize the nation. After a brief period out of power, returned in 1951, serving until 1954 when he resigned amid political pressure. His legacy includes influencing Brazilian politics for decades and shaping modern Brazilian society through economic and social changes.

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Holland Smith

American general during World War II
Born
April 20th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
1967 58 years ago — 85 years old

A general in the United States Marine Corps, served during World War II. Played a critical role in the planning and execution of amphibious assaults, particularly in the Pacific Theater. Commanded troops during the Marshall Islands campaign and led the assault on Saipan, a pivotal battle that contributed to the defeat of Japanese forces in the region. Also participated in the invasion of the Philippines, showcasing strategic military leadership.

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Percy Williams Bridgman

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
April 21st, 1882 143 years ago
Died
August 20th, 1961 63 years ago — 79 years old

A prominent American physicist and academic, he contributed significantly to experimental physics and high-pressure research. Bridgman developed methods to achieve extreme pressures and studied their effects on various materials. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1946 for his work on the properties of matter under high pressures, he became a professor at Harvard University where he mentored future scientists. His research advanced the understanding of physical phenomena in solid state physics.

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Albert Coates

Composer and conductor of classical music
Born
April 23rd, 1882 143 years ago
Died
1953 72 years ago — 71 years old

Coates served as a prominent composer and conductor in the early 20th century. His career included significant work with the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the London Symphony Orchestra. Coates also gained recognition as the conductor of the 1932 concert premiere of Ralph Vaughan Williams' 'Symphony No. 6'. His influence extended through various performances and compositions that contributed to the classical music scene in England.

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Hugh Dowding

Scottish Air Marshal and WWII leader
Born
April 24th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
February 15th, 1970 55 years ago — 87 years old

An influential figure in the Royal Air Force, led the sector in defending Britain during World War II. Oversaw the development of strategies and technologies that contributed to the success of the Battle of Britain. Played a crucial role in organizing fighter command operations, emphasizing the importance of radar technology. His leadership and tactical decisions helped to secure air superiority against the Luftwaffe.

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Fred McLeod

Scottish golfer with major tournament wins
Born
April 25th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
1976 49 years ago — 94 years old

A Scottish golfer had a successful career in the early 20th century. Achieved significant success in professional golf, winning three major championships: the 1908 U.S. Open, the 1910 PGA Championship, and the 1911 U.S. Open. Played on the professional circuit during a formative period for the sport, contributing to its growing popularity. Competed against notable contemporaries and was respected within the golfing community for his achievements.

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Jessie Redmon Fauset

Author and poet emphasizing African American culture
Born
April 27th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
1961 64 years ago — 79 years old

Contributed significantly to the Harlem Renaissance through literature. Authored several novels and poetry collections that explored themes of race, identity, and culture within the African American community. Works include 'There Is Confusion', 'Plum Bun', and 'The Chinaberry Tree', which received critical acclaim during the early 20th century. Served as the literary editor for 'The Crisis', the official magazine of the NAACP, helping to promote new African American voices in literature. Fauset's writing demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of her characters' struggles and aspirations.

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Auguste Herbin

French painter and cubist artist
Born
April 29th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
January 31st, 1960 65 years ago — 77 years old

Started an artistic career in the early 20th century, contributing to the development of Cubism alongside contemporaries like Braque and Picasso. Became associated with the abstract movement later in life, focusing on geometric shapes and the interplay of colors. Served as a member of various art groups, promoting modern art and teaching future generations of artists. Worked extensively in oil painting, producing numerous influential works during his lifetime. Participated in several exhibitions, both nationally and internationally, solidifying a legacy within the French art scene.

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Hendrik Nicolaas Werkman

Dutch printer and typographer
Born
April 29th, 1882 143 years ago
Died
April 10th, 1945 80 years ago — 62 years old

A significant figure in the field of printing and typography, focused on experimental graphics and typographical design. Werkman established his own printing workshop in Groningen, where innovative techniques were employed. He produced unique works that merged philosophy, poetry, and visual art, influencing the modern graphic design movement. His works, particularly those from the 1940s, showcased a distinctive blend of color and form, contributing greatly to modern typographic practices. Werkman was also involved with the Dutch resistance during World War II.

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