What Happened This Year 1897

Born in 1897

Nirad C. Chaudhuri

Historian and author of 'The Autobiography of an Unknown Indian'
Born
November 23rd, 1897 127 years ago
Died
1999 26 years ago — 102 years old

Born in British India, a significant figure in Indian historiography and literature. Authored several works exploring Indian culture, history, and identity. 'The Autobiography of an Unknown Indian' received critical acclaim and highlighted personal experiences alongside broader historical narratives. Contributed to various publications, offering insights into colonialism, literature, and identity in the subcontinent. Lived for a period in England and influenced discussions on India in the diaspora through essays and articles.

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Lucky Luciano

Italian-American mob boss
Born
November 24th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
January 26th, 1962 63 years ago — 64 years old

Born in 1897 in Sicily, a significant figure in organized crime in the United States. Played a pivotal role in the development of the National Crime Syndicate. Instrumental in establishing the commission system to govern Mafia activities. Deported to Italy in 1946 after being convicted of prostitution charges, continued to influence organized crime from abroad until death in 1962.

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Dorothy Shepherd-Barron

Tennis player with Wimbledon success
Born
November 24th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
1953 72 years ago — 56 years old

Participated in the early 20th century tennis scene, achieving significant success on the courts. Competed in singles and doubles championships, with notable participation in Wimbledon. Won the women's doubles title at the 1924 Wimbledon Championships, partnering with another prominent player. Established a foundation for future female tennis athletes in England through competitive efforts and showcased talent in various national tournaments.

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Rewi Alley

Writer and political activist
Born
December 2nd, 1897 127 years ago
Died
December 27th, 1987 37 years ago — 90 years old

A writer and political activist associated with New Zealand, played a significant role in the Chinese revolution and social movements. Spent many years in China, contributing to literature and education. Established schools and worked with various organizations to promote literacy and social welfare. Wrote extensively about his experiences in China and advocated for cooperative farming and rural development.

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Ivan Bagramyan

Russian general and military strategist
Born
December 2nd, 1897 127 years ago
Died
September 21st, 1982 42 years ago — 84 years old

Served as a Soviet general during World War II, playing a crucial role in several significant battles. Commanded the 1st Baltic Front during the Baltic Offensive, contributing to the liberation of various territories from Nazi occupation. Led the operation that resulted in the encirclement of the German Army Group Courland. Post-war, held prominent positions in the Soviet military and was involved in the planning of military strategy during the early Cold War years.

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William Gropper

Lithographer and painter
Born
December 3rd, 1897 127 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1977 48 years ago — 79 years old

Contributed significantly to American art through lithography and painting. Engaged in political cartooning, often reflecting societal issues. Produced notable works during the 20th century, with a prominent career that spanned multiple decades. Also explored murals and illustrations, leaving a lasting legacy in the realms of visual arts and political commentary.

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Gershom Scholem

Historian of Jewish mysticism
Born
December 5th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
February 21st, 1982 43 years ago — 84 years old

A prominent historian and philosopher focused on Jewish mysticism, Scholem established the field of Kabbalistic studies in modern academia. His seminal work, "Major Trends in Jewish Mysticism," articulated the historical development and significance of Kabbalah. He served as a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he contributed to the study of Jewish thought and culture. Scholem's interpretations of mystical texts reshaped understanding of Jewish spiritual traditions, emphasizing their historical and cultural contexts.

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Nunnally Johnson

American director and screenwriter
Born
December 5th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
1977 48 years ago — 80 years old

A prominent figure in American cinema, one major role included serving as a screenwriter and director for several classic films. Started in the silent film era and transitioned successfully to talkies, contributing significantly to the storytelling of that age. Directed and wrote screenplays for notable films that showcased a variety of genres, demonstrating versatility and skill in film production. Worked as a producer on various projects, further solidifying a significant presence in Hollywood.

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Hermione Gingold

English actress and singer with Broadway hits
Born
December 9th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
1987 38 years ago — 90 years old

An English actress and singer with a prominent career in theater and film, this performer gained recognition in the mid-20th century. Renowned for her roles in musical theater, she became a notable figure on Broadway, particularly for her performances in 'Gigi' and 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum'. She also appeared in several films and television shows, bringing her unique charm and talent to the screen. Gingold's work spanned over six decades, establishing a legacy in the performing arts.

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