What Happened This Year 1887

Born in 1887

Kanaiyalal Munshi

Indian independence activist and writer
Born
1887 139 years ago
Died
February 8th, 1971 55 years ago — 84 years old

An activist in the Indian independence movement, contributions included writing and political involvement. Played a significant role in establishing institutions for education and culture. Actively participated in the struggle for independence and contributed to the nationalist discourse through literature. The establishment of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, an educational and cultural institution, marked a key accomplishment.

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Igor Severyanin

Poet and author of the Silver Age
Born
1887 139 years ago
Died
December 20th, 1941 84 years ago — 54 years old

An influential poet and writer during the Silver Age of Russian poetry. Contributed to the development of Russian Symbolism and is recognized for lyrical and emotive verse. Published several collections of poetry that showcased innovative styles and themes, gaining significant attention in literary circles. Moved between Russia and Estonia, reflecting the cultural and political complexities of his time. His works often explored concepts of love, beauty, and existential reflections.

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L. S. Lowry

English painter with industrial scenes
Born
1887 139 years ago
Died
February 23rd, 1976 49 years ago — 89 years old

An English painter focused on depicting industrial landscapes, urban scenes, and working-class life in the 20th century. Best recognized for works featuring matchstick men set against the backdrop of factories and mills. This style uniquely captured the essence of industrial towns in England, particularly in Lancashire. In a career spanning more than five decades, produced thousands of paintings and drawings. Gained considerable acclaim and continues to be a significant figure in British art history.

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Kurt Atterberg

Composer known for symphonies and operas
Born
1887 139 years ago
Died
February 15th, 1974 51 years ago — 87 years old

A Swedish composer and engineer, contributions to classical music include symphonies, concertos, and operas. Atterberg's work in the early 20th century aligned with the Swedish national romantic movement, emphasizing folk elements in orchestral and vocal compositions. Notable pieces include the 'Symphony No. 7' and the opera 'Valdemar'. He also held significant positions in musical organizations in Sweden, fostering the country's music scene. Throughout his career, Atterberg's works garnered national and international attention, characterized by a synthesis of lyrical melody and robust orchestration.

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Le Corbusier

Architect and urban planner, Philips Pavilion
Born
1887 139 years ago
Died
August 27th, 1965 60 years ago — 78 years old

A Swiss-French architect and urban planner, contributed to modern architecture and urbanism throughout the 20th century. Developed the concept of the 'Machine for Living' and advocated for functional and aesthetic design in urban environments. Designed notable buildings including the Unité d'Habitation in Marseille and the Villa Savoye. Played a pivotal role in the International Congresses of Modern Architecture and influenced the development of urban planning ideals. Developed the Modulor system to achieve harmony in architectural proportions.

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Gottlieb Hering

German military captain during WWII
Born
1887 139 years ago
Died
October 9th, 1945 80 years ago — 58 years old

Served as a captain in the German military forces during World War II. Participated in various military engagements throughout the conflict. After the war, involvement in post-war activities followed until death in 1945.

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Maria Martinez

Native American potter and artist
Born
1887 139 years ago
Died
July 20th, 1980 45 years ago — 93 years old

An influential potter from San Ildefonso Pueblo, noteworthy for reviving traditional Pueblo pottery techniques. Gained prominence with distinctive black-on-black pottery, a technique that became widely celebrated. Collaborated with her husband, Julian, to create unique artistic works that revived and preserved cultural pottery traditions. Contributed significantly to the recognition of Native American art in the 20th century.

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Kâzım Orbay

Turkish General and Speaker of Parliament
Born
1887 139 years ago
Died
June 3rd, 1964 61 years ago — 77 years old

A prominent Turkish general and politician served as the 9th Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. Played a significant role in Turkey's War of Independence and held key military positions. Engaged in politics post-independence, contributing to the establishment of the Turkish Republic. His leadership in the assembly influenced legislative developments during the early Republican period. Had a significant impact on Turkish military and political affairs during a transformative era in Turkey's history.

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Ruth Benedict

Anthropologist and cultural theorist
Born
1887 139 years ago
Died
September 17th, 1948 77 years ago — 61 years old

Benedict studied cultures and their patterns, emphasizing the role of culture in shaping human behavior. She contributed significantly to the field of anthropology with her work on the concept of culture as a personality. Her most notable works include 'Patterns of Culture,' which compares three distinct cultures: the Zuni, the Dobu, and the Kwakiutl. Benedict's theories influenced cultural anthropology by arguing against biological determinism. She held a position at Columbia University, where she taught and mentored many students, furthering academic exploration in anthropology.

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