What Happened This Year 1916

People Who Died in 1916

Joseph Plunkett

Irish rebel and writer of 1916 Proclamation
Born
1887 138 years ago
Died
May 4th, 1916 108 years ago — 29 years old

An influential figure in the Easter Rising of 1916, played a key role in shaping the revolutionary narrative for Irish independence. A founding member of the Irish Volunteers, contributed significantly to the planning of the uprising. Wrote various poems and articles that expressed nationalist sentiments and critiques of British rule. Captured during the uprising, executed shortly after, becoming a symbol of the struggle for Irish freedom.

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John MacBride

Irish soldier and Easter Rising leader
Born
1865 160 years ago
Died
May 5th, 1916 108 years ago — 51 years old

Served as a prominent Irish soldier and rebel leader during the early 20th century. Played a significant role in the Easter Rising of 1916, a pivotal moment in the struggle for Irish independence. Worked with various nationalist organizations and was instrumental in military planning for the uprising. MacBride's actions and leadership during the rebellion led to his arrest and subsequent execution, which further galvanized support for the independence movement.

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Maurice Raoul-Duval

French Polo Player and Champion
Born
April 27th, 1866 159 years ago
Died
May 5th, 1916 108 years ago — 50 years old

Competed at a high level in polo and contributed to the sport's popularity in France. Played for the prestigious team Polo Club de Paris. Won several championships throughout the career, showcasing exceptional skill and strategy on the field. Actively promoted the sport and participated in numerous international tournaments.

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Karl Schwarzschild

German physicist and astronomer, Schwarzschild radius
Born
October 9th, 1873 151 years ago
Died
May 11th, 1916 108 years ago — 42 years old

Born in 1873, a physicist and astronomer made significant contributions to modern physics and astrophysics. Developed the Schwarzschild solution to the Einstein field equations, which describes the gravitational field outside a spherical mass. This work laid groundwork for the theory of black holes. Worked on the effects of gravity on light and contributed to the study of stellar structure. Passed away in 1916.

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James Connolly

Irish rebel leader and socialist
Born
June 5th, 1868 156 years ago
Died
May 12th, 1916 108 years ago — 47 years old

Born in Scotland, became a key figure in the Irish labor movement and revolutionary politics. Founded the Irish Socialist Republican Party and was instrumental in the 1916 Easter Rising, which sought to end British rule in Ireland. Served as a leader in the rising and was a signatory of the Proclamation of the Irish Republic. Advocated for workers' rights and promoted the idea of a socialist republic in Ireland. His writings and speeches contributed to the growth of socialist ideology in the country, influencing future generations of Irish socialists and republicans.

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Sholem Aleichem

Ukrainian-American author and playwright
Born
March 2nd, 1859 166 years ago
Died
May 13th, 1916 108 years ago — 57 years old

Born in what is now Ukraine, a prominent author and playwright wrote in Yiddish. His works often depicted the lives of Jewish families in Eastern Europe, intertwining humor and social commentary. The character Tevye the Dairyman, featured in stories such as 'Tevye and His Daughters', gained widespread acclaim and inspired the musical 'Fiddler on the Roof'. In the early 20th century, the contributions to Yiddish literature and theater became significant, earning recognition and establishing a legacy that continues to influence Jewish culture.

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Boris Borisovich Golitsyn

Russian physicist and seismologist
Born
1862 163 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1916 108 years ago — 54 years old

Significant contributions made to the fields of physics and seismology. Developed methods for predicting earthquakes and improved understanding of seismic waves. Conducted research that laid groundwork for future advancements in geophysics. Participated in exploration of seismic phenomena, advancing the field's scientific rigor.

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Chen Qimei

Chinese revolutionary leader
Born
1878 147 years ago
Died
May 18th, 1916 108 years ago — 38 years old

A prominent Chinese revolutionary leader involved in the overthrow of the Qing dynasty. Played a significant role in the establishment of the Republic of China. Actively participated in revolutionary activities against imperial rule and was associated with the Tongmenghui, a secret society dedicated to the republican cause. After the successful revolution, held the position of the Minister of Military Affairs. Faced significant opposition and repression from rival factions. Assassinated in 1916 due to political rivalries and unrest within the country.

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Ivan Franko

Ukrainian author and poet
Born
August 27th, 1856 168 years ago
Died
May 28th, 1916 108 years ago — 59 years old

A prominent figure in Ukrainian literature, one contributed significantly as a poet, novelist, and essayist. Efforts included writing in multiple genres, producing plays, and advocating for social and political change through literary work. One published more than 300 works, including poetry collections, prose, and scholarly articles. Notable for the epic poem 'Moses', which explored themes of liberation and self-identity, and for the novel 'Boryslav Laughs', which offered social critique. Participation in the literary and cultural life of Ukraine helped shape modern Ukrainian literature.

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