What Happened This Year 1916
Born in 1916
Arthur Cockfield
Served as a prominent English lawyer and politician. Contributed significantly to business and innovation policies during tenure as Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills. Participated in various governmental reforms and initiatives aimed at improving economic conditions. Held important positions within the government, influencing legislative frameworks and policies related to business and industry.
Continue ReadingFritz Schmenkel
Joined the Soviet partisans during World War II, actively resisting Nazi forces in Germany. Involved in guerrilla warfare against the Nazis, contributing to the fight for liberation from fascism. Participated in various operations that targeted Nazi supply lines and military installations. Significant involvement in planning and executing sabotage missions which supported Allied efforts on the Eastern Front. Died in combat on February 22, 1944, while engaging German troops.
Continue ReadingMargaret Jones
An archaeologist focused on ancient sites, conducted extensive research in the field, particularly in the Mediterranean region. Contributed to the understanding of ancient civilizations through fieldwork and published studies. Participated in several notable excavations that revealed significant historical artifacts and structures. Shared findings in academic journals and presented at international conferences.
Continue ReadingPeter Weiss
A prominent figure in German literature, Weiss specialized in theater and visual arts. Contributions included significant plays that explored themes of oppression, war, and existentialism. 'The Investigation', a play based on the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials, critically examined the Holocaust. Also engaged in surrealist painting, showcasing complex imagery and social critique.
Continue ReadingVictor Westhoff
Contributed extensively to the field of botany, focusing on the flora of the Netherlands and the ecology of plant communities. Worked as a professor at several universities, where teaching and mentoring students formed a major part of the academic career. Conducted significant research on the classification and distribution of various plant species. Played a pivotal role in conservation efforts, particularly in preserving natural habitats and promoting sustainable practices in botany. Authored numerous publications, contributing valuable knowledge to the scientific community.
Continue ReadingFred Lasswell
A cartoonist created the comic strip 'Barney Google', which debuted in 1919. The strip became popular for its humorous depiction of a character who frequently engaged in various adventures. Lasswell took over the comic in the 1930s and continued to develop its themes and characters. His work contributed to the evolution of comic strips during the golden age of comics in the United States. Lasswell also produced several other comic strips throughout his career, showcasing his artistic style and storytelling abilities. He received recognition in the cartooning community for his contributions to the field.
Continue ReadingRobert Hanbury Brown
Contributed significantly to the fields of astronomy and physics, particularly in the study of stellar intensity interferometry. Developed the intensity interferometer, which became an important tool in astronomical measurements. Conducted groundbreaking experiments that advanced the understanding of quantum interference and its implications for astrophysics. Served as a Professor of Physics at the University of Sydney, where research focused on observational techniques in astronomy and related areas.
Continue ReadingRuth Handler
An American inventor and businesswoman developed the Barbie doll, which debuted in 1959. Handler co-founded Mattel Inc. with her husband, Elliott Handler, and their friend Harold 'Matt' Matson. The concept of the doll emerged from Handler's observation of her daughter's play habits. The success of Barbie transformed the toy industry and established a new benchmark for fashion dolls. Handler served as the president of Mattel for several years and was instrumental in the company's growth and marketing strategies. Throughout her career, Handler faced challenges but continued to innovate in the realm of dolls and toys.
Continue ReadingHerbert A. Simon
Contributed to the fields of political science and economics with significant research on decision-making processes within organizations. Developed the concept of bounded rationality and was a pioneer in information processing theory. Served as a professor at Carnegie Mellon University and published a wide range of academic works, influencing both economics and cognitive psychology. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 1978 for work on decision-making in economic organizations.
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