What Happened This Year 1891

Born in 1891

Oswald Boelcke

German fighter pilot and aviation pioneer
Born
May 19th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
October 28th, 1916 108 years ago — 25 years old

A distinguished German fighter pilot, contributions significantly shaped aerial combat tactics during World War I. Credited with the development of the first written laws of air combat, greatly influencing future fighter pilots. Served as a commander of Jasta 2 and achieved a notable tally of aerial victories while participating in numerous dogfights. His flying style and tactical innovations laid the groundwork for future air combat strategies.

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Johannes R. Becher

German politician and writer
Born
May 22nd, 1891 133 years ago
Died
1958 67 years ago — 67 years old

Born in 1891, a politician, novelist, and poet. Involvement in politics began in the Weimar Republic, where engagement in socialist movements unfolded. Became a member of the Socialist Unity Party following World War II. Served as the Minister for Culture in East Germany, influencing cultural policies and literature. His literary works included numerous poems and novels, with significant recognition for contributions to socialist literature.

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Pär Lagerkvist

Swedish novelist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 23rd, 1891 133 years ago
Died
July 11th, 1974 50 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1891 in Sweden, a prominent figure in literature, produced influential works throughout the 20th century. Writings explored themes of existentialism and human nature, exemplifying a deep engagement with philosophical issues. Major works include the novel 'Bödeln' and the poetry collection 'Dvärgen'. Received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1951 for the literary merit demonstrated across his body of work. Recognized for contributions to both prose and poetry, his literary output has left a lasting legacy in Swedish and global literature.

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William F. Albright

Archaeologist and biblical scholar
Born
May 24th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 80 years old

Contributions to archaeology and biblical studies included excavations at significant sites such as Jericho and Gezer. Developed methods in ceramic typology and stratigraphy, which enhanced chronological dating techniques in archaeological research. Authored numerous scholarly works exploring the history and culture of the ancient Near East. Established the biblical archaeology movement, bridging the gap between archaeology and biblical texts through methodical fieldwork and rigorous analysis.

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Claude Champagne

Canadian composer and violinist
Born
May 27th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1965 59 years ago — 74 years old

Born in 1891, this individual was a prominent Canadian composer, violinist, and pianist. He studied at the Conservatoire de Paris and became instrumental in the development of Canadian classical music. The composition style blended French influences with Canadian themes. Contributions to music included innovative works that showcased Canadian cultural elements. Champagne held academic positions, teaching composition and music theory at various institutions. His work extended to the realm of arranging, with a focus on traditional Quebecois music. The legacy includes numerous compositions for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and solo instruments.

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Takijirō Ōnishi

Japanese admiral and pilot
Born
June 2nd, 1891 133 years ago
Died
August 16th, 1945 79 years ago — 54 years old

Served as a naval officer in the Imperial Japanese Navy. Participated in significant operations during World War II, including the attack on Pearl Harbor. Played a key role in the development of naval aviation in Japan and was a proponent of carrier-based operations. Served as commander of the aircraft carrier Shōkaku and later commanded the Carrier Division 1 during the Battle of Midway. Also contributed to the establishment of the Japanese kamikaze tactics later in the war.

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Thurman Arnold

American lawyer and judge, antitrust advocate
Born
June 2nd, 1891 133 years ago
Died
1969 56 years ago — 78 years old

Served as a prominent lawyer and judge in the United States, contributing significantly to antitrust law. Held the position of Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Antitrust Division from 1938 to 1943, tackling monopolistic practices during a critical time in American economic history. After leaving the government, served as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit from 1943 to 1954. Arnold's work emphasized the enforcement of antitrust legislation and aimed at promoting competition within industries.

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Erich Marcks

German general during World War II
Born
June 6th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
June 12th, 1944 80 years ago — 53 years old

Served as a general in the German Army during World War II. Held the position of senior commander in various military campaigns. Played a significant role during the invasion of Poland and the Battle of France. Commanded the 16th Army on the Eastern Front, where operations took place until the summer of 1944. Died while in active service.

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Masti Venkatesha Iyengar

Indian author with notable literary works
Born
June 6th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
1986 39 years ago — 95 years old

Contributed significantly to Kannada literature through various novels, essays, and translations. Focused on social themes, cultural issues, and the richness of Kannada language. Worked as an academic, promoting literary studies and cultural awareness. Had a key role in elevating modern Kannada fiction and wrote extensively on literary criticism. Was also involved in the Karnataka Sahitya Akademi, playing an integral role in encouraging writers and fostering literary talent.

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