What Happened This Year 1900
Born in 1900
Halina Konopacka
Competed in athletics, specializing in discus throwing. Achieved significant success in the sport during the late 1920s and early 1930s. Won a gold medal at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, becoming the first female Olympic champion in this event. Also contributed to literature as a poet, expressing her thoughts and experiences through written works.
Continue ReadingFritz Wiessner
Born in Germany, a prominent mountaineer who emigrated to the United States. Achieved significant heights in both Europe and North America, including early climbs in the European Alps. Participated in numerous expeditions to major peaks, focusing on technical climbing routes. Contributed to the development of mountaineering techniques and equipment, influencing future generations of climbers. Served as a guide and mentor for aspiring climbers, sharing experiences from diverse expeditions.
Continue ReadingBasil Bunting
Born in 1900, a British poet associated with modernist literature. Contributed to the literary scene through a unique style that blended imagery and musicality. Worked as a journalist and editor, influencing contemporary poetry. His most acclaimed work, 'Briggflatts,' published in 1966, is considered a significant achievement in 20th-century poetry, showcasing complexity and depth. During his life, he engaged with literary movements and communities, greatly impacting the poetic landscape.
Continue ReadingKurt Weill
Born in Germany and later became a naturalized American, contributed significantly to the world of music as a composer and pianist. Developed a unique style that blended classical music with jazz and popular music elements. Best known for the collaboration with playwright Bertolt Brecht, leading to the creation of 'The Threepenny Opera' in 1928, which became a cornerstone of the Weimar culture. Moved to the United States in 1935, where continued to compose, producing works such as 'Street Scene' and 'Lady in the Dark'. Influenced the American musical theater landscape through innovative compositions.
Continue ReadingEdna Best
One of the prominent figures in British theater and film during the early to mid-20th century. Best gained recognition for performances in both stage productions and motion pictures. Achieved significant acclaim for the role in the film 'The Man Who Knew Too Much,' directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The actress also had a successful career in the theater, appearing in various well-regarded plays and musicals. Best's contributions to the arts established a legacy as a respected performer.
Continue ReadingHerbert Biberman
Directed and wrote significant films during the 1940s and 1950s. Helped create the influential film 'Salt of the Earth', which addressed labor rights and the struggles of mine workers. Experienced persecution during the Red Scare for his political beliefs, leading to his blacklisting in Hollywood. Continued to work on various projects, contributing to significant themes in cinema.
Continue ReadingJohanna Langefeld
Born in Germany, served as a guard during World War II at three Nazi concentration camps. Oversaw prisoner treatment and operations within the camps, which were part of the broader Nazi regime's network. Involved in enforcing the policies of the camp system and contributed to the war efforts through the management of detainees. Eventually became a part of post-war investigations regarding war crimes, facing scrutiny for actions taken during her tenure.
Continue ReadingLilli Jahn
A Jewish doctor who practiced medicine in Germany during the early 20th century. Jahn contributed to the medical field as a physician specializing in dermatology. Following the rise of the Nazi regime, she faced increasing persecution due to her heritage and subsequently went into hiding. Her experiences and struggles during this period were documented in the publication 'A Letter to My Children,' which provided insight into the life of a Jewish family during the Holocaust. Jahn was eventually captured, and her fate remains one of the many tragedies of this historical period.
Continue ReadingLefty Grove
Played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball from 1925 to 1941. Spent the majority of career with the Philadelphia Athletics and Boston Red Sox. Achieved recognition for premier pitching skills, including a fastball and curveball that perplexed hitters. Secured an impressive record of wins, earning the title of Most Valuable Player in 1931. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1947, solidifying a legacy in the sport.
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