What Happened This Year 1938

People Who Died in 1938

Charles Duryea

American engineer and automotive pioneer
Born
1861 164 years ago
Died
September 28th, 1938 86 years ago — 77 years old

An engineer and businessman, founded the Duryea Motor Wagon Company, which produced the first gasoline-powered automobile in the United States in 1893. This venture marked a significant development in the automotive industry, contributing to the evolution of motor vehicles in the country. The company went on to manufacture various models, establishing a foundation for future automotive innovation. Duryea's work primarily focused on improving vehicle design and performance, leading to advancements in automotive engineering during the early 20th century.

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Alexandru Averescu

Romanian military leader, Prime Minister
Born
1859 166 years ago
Died
October 2nd, 1938 86 years ago — 79 years old

A military leader and politician served as the 24th Prime Minister of Romania. Held significant roles during World War I, contributing to military strategies that shaped the outcome for Romania. Appointed as Prime Minister, focused on national unity and post-war reconstruction. Led the National Peasant Party and established a government that addressed key social issues. Promoted infrastructure development and economic reforms to stabilize Romania's economy after the war. Played a vital role in Romanian politics until death in 1938.

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Albert Ranft

Swedish actor and theater director
Born
November 23rd, 1858 166 years ago
Died
October 5th, 1938 86 years ago — 79 years old

Born in 1858, this individual was an influential figure in Swedish theater as both an actor and director. The early career included performances at prominent theaters, showcasing talent in various productions. Established a reputation in the Swedish cultural scene, contributing significantly to the growth of theater. Later years involved directing works that shaped the theatrical landscape in Sweden, influencing future generations of actors and directors.

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Faustina Kowalska

Polish nun and mystic of Divine Mercy
Born
August 25th, 1905 119 years ago
Died
October 5th, 1938 86 years ago — 33 years old

Born in Poland in 1905, this individual became a nun and is recognized for her profound spiritual experiences from which the devotion to Divine Mercy originated. She joined the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy and dedicated her life to prayer and serving others. The diary kept by this nun, titled 'Divine Mercy in My Soul', details her visions and messages from Jesus, promoting mercy and compassion. Canonized as a saint in 2000, her feast day is celebrated on October 5.

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Karl Kautsky

Czech-German philosopher, journalist
Born
October 16th, 1854 170 years ago
Died
October 17th, 1938 86 years ago — 84 years old

Born in 1854, contributed significantly to socialist movements in Europe. Engaged with German Social Democracy and articulated Marxist theories. Wrote extensively on socialism, politics, and economics. His work emphasized the critique of capitalism and the conditions necessary for a socialist revolution. He was associated with the Second International and played a vital role in the political discourse of the early 20th century. Kautsky's ideas and writings influenced generations of socialist thinkers and activists, and he opposed the revisionist approaches of contemporaries like Eduard Bernstein.

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Dorothy Hale

American actress in theatre and film
Born
1905 120 years ago
Died
October 21st, 1938 86 years ago — 33 years old

Gained prominence in the 1930s through performances in stage productions and films. Appeared in notable works such as 'The Show of Shows' and 'The Golden Cuckoo'. Involved in the theatre scene in New York City, collaborated with prominent playwrights. Died at a young age, leaving behind a legacy in American theater and cinema.

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Ernst Barlach

German sculptor and playwright
Born
January 2nd, 1870 155 years ago
Died
October 24th, 1938 86 years ago — 68 years old

Birth occurred on January 2, 1870, in Germany. Barlach created sculptures and plays that reflected themes of human suffering and spirituality. His work exhibited a distinctive expressionist style. He studied at the Grand Ducal Saxon Art School and later worked in various artistic mediums, including wood and bronze. His notable sculptures include the 'Hovering Angel' and 'The Thinker.' In addition to sculpture, he wrote several plays, with 'The Applause' being among the most significant. Barlach faced challenges during the Nazi regime, which disapproved of his artistic vision. His contributions to art and literature have ensured a lasting legacy.

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Alfonsina Storni

Poet and author influential in Latin America
Born
May 29th, 1892 132 years ago
Died
October 25th, 1938 86 years ago — 46 years old

Born in Switzerland and raised in Argentina, a significant figure in Latin American literature emerged. Pioneering modernist poetry, contributions included themes of feminism, love, and social injustice. The first collection of poetry, 'La inquietud del rosal,' offered insight into personal and societal struggles. Later works like 'El dulce daño' and 'Languidez' further explored human emotions and experiences. Storni's writing style was characterized by both lyrical beauty and a candid approach to difficult subjects. Her influence extended beyond poetry into the realm of theatre with notable plays like 'Mundo de siete pozos.' Storni's legacy remains significant in Argentine literature and feminist discourse.

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Charles Weeghman

Businessman and Chicago Baseball Owner
Born
1874 151 years ago
Died
November 1st, 1938 86 years ago — 64 years old

A businessman who played a significant role in the development of baseball in Chicago. Owned the Chicago Federals, which were part of the Federal League, and had a vision for a new stadium that would later become Wrigley Field. After the Federal League's dissolution, Weeghman purchased the Chicago Cubs and led efforts to enhance the team's presence in Major League Baseball. Advocated for modernizing baseball facilities and improving the spectator experience at games.

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