What Happened This Year 1917

People Who Died in 1917

Arthur Matthew Weld Downing

Astronomer and astrophysicist
Born
April 13th, 1850 174 years ago
Died
1917 108 years ago — 67 years old

Contributed to the field of astronomy, particularly in the study of solar phenomena. Focused on solar eclipses and the nature of stellar atmospheres. Participated in several expeditions to observe solar eclipses, including the notable solar eclipse of 1871. Published works on the physical processes of stars and celestial bodies, influencing future research in astrophysics.

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Agnes Sime Baxter

Canadian mathematician and educator
Born
March 18th, 1870 154 years ago
Died
1917 108 years ago — 47 years old

Contributed to mathematics education and research, particularly in areas of algebra and geometry. Served as the first female faculty member at the University of Alberta. Actively promoted women's participation in higher education. Published various papers and texts that advanced the understanding of mathematical concepts in her field.

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T. E. Hulme

English poet and literary critic
Born
September 16th, 1883 141 years ago
Died
1917 108 years ago — 34 years old

Contributed significantly to early 20th-century poetry and literary criticism. Played a central role in shaping modernist aesthetics. Published influential essays that examined the philosophical underpinnings of art and poetry. Worked with prominent literary figures and contributed to the development of Vorticism, a modernist movement in art and literature. His poetry reflects a complex engagement with imagery and form, leading to a lasting influence on subsequent generations of poets.

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Thomas Ashe

Irish Republican activist and hunger striker
Born
January 12th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
1917 108 years ago — 32 years old

Born in 1885, this individual was a significant figure in the Irish Republican movement. He participated in the 1916 Easter Rising and was imprisoned for his activities. During the War of Independence, he continued to advocate for Irish self-determination and was involved in organizing the anti-conscription movement. In 1917, he went on hunger strike while imprisoned, demanding political prisoner status. The hunger strike lasted over 30 days, leading to his death, which heightened public awareness and support for the Republican cause in Ireland.

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William Lane

Journalist and founder of New Australia
Born
September 6th, 1861 163 years ago
Died
1917 108 years ago — 56 years old

Born in England and later moving to Australia, engaged in journalism and social reform. Founded the New Australia settlement in Paraguay, promoting a communal lifestyle based on socialist principles. Contributed to several publications, advocating for workers' rights and political change.

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Liliʻuokalani

Last monarch of the Hawaiian Kingdom
Born
September 2nd, 1838 186 years ago
Died
1917 108 years ago — 79 years old

The last sovereign monarch of Hawaiʻi reigned from 1891 until the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom in 1893. Born into the Hawaiian royal family, significant contributions include promoting the Hawaiian language and culture. After the overthrow, was imprisoned in the ʻIolani Palace and later expressed her views through writing, with works like the song 'Aloha ʻOe'. Advocated for the rights of the Hawaiian people and opposed annexation by the United States. In her later years, worked to restore the Hawaiian monarchy unsuccessfully.

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Janez Evangelist Krek

Slovene journalist and politician
Born
November 27th, 1865 159 years ago
Died
1917 108 years ago — 52 years old

A Slovene priest and journalist, focused on promoting Slovene culture and national identity. Active in politics, served in various roles advocating for education reforms and cultural initiatives. His work in journalism contributed to the Slovene press at the turn of the 20th century, enhancing public awareness of regional issues. Engaged in efforts to improve the welfare of Slovene citizens, linking his religious duties with political activism.

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Matthias Zurbriggen

Swiss mountaineer and explorer
Born
May 15th, 1856 168 years ago
Died
1917 108 years ago — 61 years old

A prominent mountaineer in the late 19th century, played a key role in the development of alpinism. Achieved the first ascent of the Aiguille Rouge in 1864 and the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865. Also participated in the first ascent of several peaks in the Andes, including the first ascent of Monte San Valentin in 1897. Contributed significantly to the exploration and climbing of remote areas, garnering recognition within the mountaineering community.

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Hussein Kamel

Sultan of Egypt and Sudan
Born
November 21st, 1853 171 years ago
Died
1917 108 years ago — 64 years old

Ascended to the throne of Egypt in 1914 and ruled until 1917. During his reign, significant events included the political, social, and economic changes resulting from World War I. His leadership was marked by challenges including the British occupation and growing nationalist movements, which shaped the future of Egypt. The reign concluded with his abdication in favor of his nephew, Fuad I.

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