What Happened This Year 1923

Historical Events from This Year 1923 (View all 51)

Transportation & Infrastructure

Formation of the Big Four Railway Companies

January 1st, 1923 102 years ago

In a major restructuring of British rail transport, the four main railway companies were established under the Grouping Act. The companies included the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER), the Great Western Railway (GWR), the Southern Railway (SR), and the London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS). This grouping aimed to streamline business operations and improve efficiency across the rail network. The initiative stemmed from the need to address financial difficulties and to modernize British railways following World War I.

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Politics & Government

Lithuanian Rebellion in Memel Territory

January 9th, 1923 102 years ago

Lithuanian residents in the Memel Territory revolted against the League of Nations' decision to place the region under French control. This led to heightened tensions and violence as local authorities attempted to assert their authority. The conflict characterized the struggle of the Lithuanians to reclaim their national identity in an area long disputed between Germany and Lithuania, reflecting their deep-seated desires for sovereignty and self-governance.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Juan de la Cierva's First Autogyro Flight

January 9th, 1923 102 years ago

Juan de la Cierva successfully made the first flight of his autogyro, an aircraft that employs rotary wings for lift and a conventional forward propulsion system, on September 1, 1923. The flight took place in Getafe, Spain, marking a significant advancement in aviation technology. De la Cierva aimed to create a safer flying machine that could take off and land in smaller spaces, which would be particularly useful for military and civilian applications. This innovative design laid the groundwork for future rotorcraft developments.

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Politics & Government

Occupation of the Ruhr by Allied Forces

January 11th, 1923 102 years ago

Troops from France and Belgium entered the Ruhr area in January to enforce Germany's compliance with reparation payments from World War I. This occupation was intended to compel Germany to fulfill its financial obligations after the war, as Germany struggled economically and lagged in paying reparations. The occupation sparked significant tension, resistance from German workers, and led to a nationwide strike, further complicating the political landscape of post-war Germany.

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Education & Academia

Texas Tech University Established in Lubbock

February 10th, 1923 102 years ago

Texas Technological College was founded in Lubbock, Texas, as a public research university. The college aimed to provide higher education opportunities to the growing population in West Texas. Its founding reflected a broader trend of educational expansion in the United States during the early 20th century. The institution's initial focus was on engineering and agriculture, aligning with the economic needs of the region.

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Politics & Government

Greece adopts the Gregorian calendar finally

February 15th, 1923 102 years ago

Greece officially adopted the Gregorian calendar, becoming the last European country to do so. This significant transition occurred in February 1923, changing from the Julian to the Gregorian system. The decision was motivated by the need for synchronization with international standards and the facilitation of modern timekeeping practices. The change was implemented as a crucial step for Greece's modernization efforts, becoming more aligned with the rest of Europe, which had already adopted the Gregorian calendar. The alteration not only affected civil life but also had implications for the Orthodox Church in Greece.

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Born in 1923 (View all 591)

Barbara Baxley

American actress in film and theater
Born
January 1st, 1923 102 years ago
Died
1990 35 years ago — 67 years old

An accomplished actress, Baxley gained recognition for her performances on stage and screen. Appeared in notable films such as 'The Fox' and 'Three Days of the Condor'. Also had a significant presence in television, including roles in 'The Twilight Zone' and 'The Streets of San Francisco'. Worked extensively in theater, particularly in productions on Broadway. Received several accolades throughout her career, highlighting her contributions to the performing arts.

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Milt Jackson

Jazz vibraphonist and composer
Born
January 1st, 1923 102 years ago
Died
October 9th, 1999 25 years ago — 76 years old

Born in 1923, a prominent American jazz vibraphonist and composer contributed significantly to the genre. Helped form the Modern Jazz Quartet in 1952, blending classical elements with jazz. Recognized for innovative approaches to vibraphone playing and incorporation of melodic and harmonic aspects of jazz. Collaborated with several notable musicians throughout a prolific career, showcasing versatility and deep musicality. Released numerous albums as a leader, establishing a significant legacy in jazz music.

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Valentina Cortese

Italian actress, Academy Award nominee
Born
January 1st, 1923 102 years ago
Died
2019 6 years ago — 96 years old

An accomplished actress, gained prominence in Italian cinema and later in international films. Starred in 'The Day of the Dolphin' and received an Academy Award nomination for 'The Balcony'. Also performed in theatrical productions, showcasing a range of dramatic talents. Worked with prominent directors such as Federico Fellini and Ingmar Bergman, appearing in significant works during the 20th century. Contributed to the film industry until the late 2000s, leaving a legacy in both Italian and global cinema.

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Hank Stram

American football coach and sportscaster
Born
January 3rd, 1923 102 years ago
Died
July 4th, 2005 19 years ago — 82 years old

Contributed significantly to American football as a coach and sportscaster. Coached the Dallas Texans and Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL, leading the Chiefs to victory in Super Bowl IV. Utilized innovative offensive strategies, including the use of the I-formation, which influenced future coaching methods. Transitioned into broadcasting after coaching, providing analysis for various sports networks.

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Virginia Halas McCaskey

Football Executive and Bears Owner
Born
January 5th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
February 6th, 2025 0 years ago — 102 years old

Born in 1923, an influential figure in American football, leading the Chicago Bears organization. The daughter of team founder George Halas. Involved in the management and ownership of the Bears, contributing to the team's legacy in the NFL. Played a significant role in the franchise's operations and has been a key ambassador of the team.

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Vladimir Kazantsev

Russian middle-distance runner
Born
January 6th, 1923 102 years ago
Died
2007 18 years ago — 84 years old

Competed in middle-distance running events, participating in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. Achieved notable success in Soviet athletics during the 1940s and 1950s. Established personal bests in various distances, contributing to the development of track and field in Russia.

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People Who Died in 1923 (View all 96)

Willie Keeler

Baseball player and batting champion
Born
1872 153 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1923 102 years ago — 51 years old

An American baseball player played mainly as an outfielder. Debuted in Major League Baseball in 1892 and played until 1910. Achieved high batting averages throughout career and led the National League with a batting average of .432 in 1897. Was a member of the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Highlanders, contributing to team success during tenure. Inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939.

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Jaroslav Hašek

Czech author of The Good Soldier Švejk
Born
April 30th, 1883 141 years ago
Died
January 3rd, 1923 102 years ago — 39 years old

A Czech soldier and author, contributed significantly to literature through satirical works. Most recognized for the novel 'The Good Soldier Švejk', which highlights the absurdities of war. Often classified as an early example of anti-war literature, the narrative combines humor and critique of the military. Active in the early 20th century, also participated in the World War I effort as a soldier.

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Katherine Mansfield

New Zealand novelist and short story writer
Born
October 14th, 1888 136 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1923 102 years ago — 34 years old

A prominent novelist and short story writer from New Zealand, this individual gained recognition for innovative narrative techniques in her works. Her writing often explored themes of identity, relationships, and the complexities of emotion, reflecting her experiences and insights. The collection 'The Garden Party' and the short story 'Miss Brill' are exemplary of her style and are widely studied for their literary significance. Active during the early 20th century, this writer contributed significantly to modernist literature before her early death.

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Constantine I of Greece

King of Greece during World War I
Born
August 2nd, 1868 156 years ago
Died
January 11th, 1923 102 years ago — 54 years old

Reigned as King of Greece from 1913 until 1917 and again from 1920 until abdicating in 1922. Oversaw Greece's involvement in World War I, initially taking a stance of neutrality which led to political turmoil. Returned to the throne after the defeat of the opposing government but faced continued political strife and the consequences of defeat in the Greco-Turkish War. Abdicated the throne in 1922, leading to eventual exile. Returned to Greece briefly in 1920, only to be forced out again two years later. His reign is marked by pivotal moments in Greek history, including significant military conflicts.

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Alexandre Ribot

French Prime Minister and politician
Born
February 6th, 1842 183 years ago
Died
January 13th, 1923 102 years ago — 80 years old

Served as Prime Minister of France on multiple occasions and was active in French politics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Contributed to various government reforms and policies during his terms. Also held significant positions within the French government, influencing national policies and political strategies.

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Wallace Reid

Actor and director in silent films
Born
1891 134 years ago
Died
January 18th, 1923 102 years ago — 32 years old

An American actor, director, and screenwriter. Gained prominence during the silent film era with a career highlighted by performances in numerous films. Starred in notable works such as 'The Unholy Three' and 'The Roaring Road'. Directed several films and contributed to the development of early cinema narratives. Struggled with addiction, which affected later career, leading to a decline in health and eventual passing in 1923.

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