What Happened This Year 1884

Born in 1884

Harry Langdon

American actor and director of silent films
Born
June 15th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
December 22nd, 1944 80 years ago — 60 years old

Started in vaudeville, progressing to silent films, contributed to the evolution of comedy in cinema. Worked with notable figures such as Frank Capra. Directed and starred in several successful short films. Transitioned to sound films but faced challenges adapting to the new medium. Continued to work in film and television into the later years.

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Édouard Daladier

French Prime Minister during WWII
Born
June 18th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
October 10th, 1970 54 years ago — 86 years old

Served as Prime Minister of France on multiple occasions during the late 1930s and early 1940s. Actively participated in the negotiations of the Munich Agreement in 1938, which attempted to pacify Nazi Germany by ceding the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia. His government faced significant challenges during the outbreak of World War II, especially concerning military preparedness and alliances. In 1940, Daladier was arrested by the Vichy regime after France's defeat against Germany and subsequently went into exile, returning to public life after the war.

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Georges Ribemont-Dessaignes

French painter and art historian
Born
June 19th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
1974 51 years ago — 90 years old

Born in France, a prominent painter and art historian. Involved in the Surrealist movement, contributed to various exhibitions and publications. Known for combining elements of abstraction with surrealist themes. Also authored several works on art history, focusing on the evolution of modern art. Played a crucial role in promoting the works of other artists through exhibitions and critiques.

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Mary R. Calvert

American astronomer and author
Born
June 20th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
1974 51 years ago — 90 years old

An American astronomer contributed significantly to the field of astronomy and wrote several influential works on the subject. Active in the early 20th century, engagement in scientific communities helped to advance research in stellar photography and celestial mechanics. Calvert's collaborations with peers and involvement in scientific organizations facilitated broader discussions on astronomical discoveries.

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Claude Auchinleck

Field Marshal and military commander
Born
June 21st, 1884 140 years ago
Died
1981 44 years ago — 97 years old

Born in 1884, served as a field marshal in the British Army. Played a significant role during World War II, primarily in the North African Campaign. Commanded the Eighth Army during the Second Battle of El Alamein, contributing to a decisive victory against Axis forces. Structured strategic operations that were pivotal for the Allies. After the war, held various positions, including Commander in Chief of India.

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James Rector

Sprinter and Olympic medalist
Born
June 22nd, 1884 140 years ago
Died
1949 76 years ago — 65 years old

Competed in athletics with a specialization in sprinting during the early 20th century. Achieved significant recognition by winning a silver medal in the 200 meters at the 1908 London Olympic Games. After retiring from athletics, pursued a career in law, combining sports with academic excellence. Worked within the legal field while maintaining connections to athletics.

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Cyclone Taylor

Ice hockey player and politician
Born
June 23rd, 1884 140 years ago
Died
June 9th, 1979 45 years ago — 94 years old

An ice hockey player and politician, this individual played primarily for the Ottawa Senators of the National Hockey Association and later the Vancouver Millionaires in the Pacific Coast Hockey Association. During a career spanning from 1907 to 1924, achieved notable success as a forward and was recognized for exceptional skating and scoring ability. After retiring from professional hockey, ventured into politics, serving as a member of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. The combination of athletic prowess and political engagement characterized a significant portion of this individual’s life.

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Frank Waller

American middle-distance runner, Olympian
Born
June 24th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
November 29th, 1941 83 years ago — 57 years old

Won a silver medal in the 800 meters at the 1908 Olympic Games held in London. Competed in the 1906 Intercalated Games, securing a gold medal in the 800 meters. Represented the United States in multiple international competitions, achieving significant recognition in middle-distance running during the early 20th century. Contributed to the development of the sport through participation in prestigious events.

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Daniel-Henry Kahnweiler

Art collector and historian, Cubism expert
Born
June 25th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
1979 46 years ago — 95 years old

An art collector and historian focused on modern art, particularly Cubism. Kahnweiler's collection included works by prominent artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. He played a significant role in the promotion and understanding of Cubism, serving as an influential dealer and supporter of these artists during their formative years. Kahnweiler fled to France during World War II, where he continued to work and advocate for modern art. His intellectual contributions included writings that examined the development of Cubism and its key figures, impacting the appreciation of modern art in both France and Germany.

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