What Happened This Year 1938

People Who Died in 1938

Octavian Goga

Romanian Prime Minister and poet
Born
April 1st, 1881 144 years ago
Died
May 7th, 1938 86 years ago — 57 years old

Served as Romania's Prime Minister during a politically tumultuous period in the early 20th century. Leadership took place from 1939 to 1940, marked by the rise of far-right politics in Romania. Goga was also a poet and playwright, significantly contributing to Romanian literature, particularly with works that reflected national themes and sentiments. His government faced challenges, including economic difficulties and tensions related to World War II's onset, which ultimately led to his resignation. He was a member of the National Christian Defense League, aligning with nationalist ideologies.

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George Lyon

Canadian golfer and cricketer, 1904 Olympic champion
Born
July 27th, 1858 166 years ago
Died
May 11th, 1938 86 years ago — 79 years old

Competed in both golf and cricket, achieving significant success in each sport. In golf, secured victory at the 1904 Summer Olympics, becoming the first Olympic champion in the sport. Participated in various amateur golf tournaments throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, gaining recognition for skills and competitive spirit. In cricket, played for Canadian national teams during the 1880s and 1890s, contributing to the development of the sport in Canada.

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Charles Édouard Guillaume

Physicist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
February 15th, 1861 164 years ago
Died
May 13th, 1938 86 years ago — 77 years old

Born in Switzerland, a physicist developed significant research in the field of precision measurements. Worked extensively on the properties of metal and applied scientific principles to create precise standards. Achieved the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1920 for the invention of the steel standard for measuring lengths. Contributed to various advancements in physics and education throughout a distinguished academic career.

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Joseph Strauss

Engineer, co-designer of Golden Gate Bridge
Born
January 9th, 1870 155 years ago
Died
May 16th, 1938 86 years ago — 68 years old

An American engineer, contributed to the design of the Golden Gate Bridge, a suspension bridge that spans the Golden Gate Strait. Construction began in 1933, and the bridge was completed in 1937, becoming an iconic symbol of San Francisco and an architectural marvel. Strauss utilized innovative techniques and helped advance engineering practices during the time. His work on the bridge is celebrated for its art deco details and engineering significance. After the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge, Strauss continued to work on various other projects, further establishing his reputation in the field of civil engineering.

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Jakob Ehrlich

Czech-Austrian politician
Born
September 15th, 1877 147 years ago
Died
May 17th, 1938 86 years ago — 60 years old

Ehrlich served in various political roles throughout his career in Austria and Czechoslovakia. He played a significant role in the political landscape during the interwar period. As a member of the Czechoslovak National Council, he worked on issues related to national identity and autonomy for Czechs and Slovaks. His contributions included promoting social reform and advocating for workers' rights within the political framework of the time.

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William Glackens

American painter of genre scenes
Born
March 13th, 1870 155 years ago
Died
May 22nd, 1938 86 years ago — 68 years old

An American painter and illustrator, contributed significantly to the Ashcan School movement, emphasizing realistic depictions of urban life. Glackens studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and developed a distinctive style that blended Impressionism with a focus on everyday scenes. His work often highlighted the vibrancy of city life and community activities. Glackens was also a successful commercial illustrator, which helped him gain financial stability and artistic recognition. Throughout his career, he exhibited widely, providing influential insights into American art in the early 20th century.

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Frederick Ruple

Painter associated with American landscapes
Born
September 19th, 1871 153 years ago
Died
May 23rd, 1938 86 years ago — 66 years old

Born in Switzerland, this individual emigrated to the United States, where a significant portion of his artistic work focused on American landscapes. He developed a unique style that blended European influences with American themes, gaining recognition in the art community. His paintings have been exhibited in various galleries, contributing to the appreciation of landscape art in the early 20th century.

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Ödön von Horváth

Hungarian-German playwright and author
Born
December 9th, 1901 123 years ago
Died
June 1st, 1938 86 years ago — 36 years old

Born in 1901, this playwright and author produced a significant body of work that addressed social issues and the human condition. Often associated with the interwar period, works include plays that reflect the impact of societal changes and the rise of totalitarianism in Europe. Titles such as 'Kasimir and Karoline' and 'Don Juan Comes Back from the War' showcase a blend of humor and tragedy, emphasizing the complexities of life. The author's narrative style often incorporated a sharp critical eye on societal structures, resonating with audiences of the time. Relocating to Germany contributed to the distinct style and thematic focus evident in the later works.

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John Flanagan

Hammer thrower, Olympic gold medalist
Born
January 9th, 1873 152 years ago
Died
June 3rd, 1938 86 years ago — 65 years old

An Irish-American athlete specialized in hammer throw. Competed in the early 20th century and participated in the 1900 and 1904 Summer Olympics. Won three consecutive Olympic gold medals in the hammer throw, establishing a remarkable presence in the sport during that era. Also set multiple world records in the event, contributing to the evolution of hammer throw techniques and training.

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