What Happened This Year 1941

People Who Died in 1941

Maximilian Kolbe

Polish martyr for faith and charity
Born
1894 131 years ago
Died
August 14th, 1941 83 years ago — 47 years old

A Polish Franciscan friar, played a significant role in religious activities and community service. Founded the Militia Immaculatae, dedicated to spreading devotion to the Virgin Mary. Imprisoned by the Nazis during World War II for his efforts to help Jews. Volunteered to take the place of a condemned man in Auschwitz, leading to martyrdom. Canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1982.

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Paul Sabatier

Chemist, Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry
Born
November 5th, 1854 170 years ago
Died
August 14th, 1941 83 years ago — 86 years old

An influential chemist and academic, significant contributions included research in organic chemistry and catalysis. Sabatier's methods led to advancements in hydrogenation processes. In 1912, awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for work on catalytic hydrogenation, which influenced industrial chemical processes. His academic career featured a professorship at the University of Toulouse, where he continued to educate future scientists and expand the field of chemistry.

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Peder Oluf Pedersen

Danish physicist known for photometry
Born
June 19th, 1874 150 years ago
Died
August 30th, 1941 83 years ago — 67 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of physics and engineering. Developed the concept of photometry, which measures the intensity of light in relation to human vision. Worked on the establishment of measurement standards in Denmark and contributed to the development of various measuring instruments. Engaged in several scientific societies and communicated findings through numerous publications.

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Thomas Bavin

Politician, 24th Premier of New South Wales
Born
May 5th, 1874 150 years ago
Died
August 31st, 1941 83 years ago — 67 years old

Bavin served as the 24th Premier of New South Wales from 1927 to 1930. Before his premiership, Bavin held various important political roles including Minister of Education and Minister of Public Works. He was a key figure in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, contributing to significant legislative reforms and government initiatives during his tenure. Promoting education and infrastructure development were central aspects of his political agenda. His leadership style and policies shaped the political landscape of the state during a time of economic challenges.

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Marina Tsvetaeva

Russian poet and author of poignant verses
Born
October 8th, 1892 132 years ago
Died
August 31st, 1941 83 years ago — 48 years old

Born in 1892, a prominent Russian poet and author emerged, contributing significantly to Russian literature. This individual experienced tumultuous times during the Russian Revolution and Civil War, which profoundly influenced the creative works. The poet's career encompassed several notable collections, characterized by emotional depth and innovative language. In the 1920s, emigration to Europe occurred, leading to the publication of important works reflecting the exile experience. Despite challenges, continued to produce poetry and prose until returning to the Soviet Union in the 1930s. The period in the USSR saw a continuation of literary efforts amidst the political landscape. Tragically, this individual's life ended in 1941, marked by personal and artistic struggles.

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Rafailo Momčilović

Serbian Orthodox hegumen and painter
Born
1875 150 years ago
Died
September 3rd, 1941 83 years ago — 66 years old

Served as hegumen of the Krušedol Monastery in Serbia, contributing to the preservation of Serbian Orthodox culture and art. Engaged in painting sacred icons and frescoes, deeply rooted in the Byzantine tradition. Focused on enhancing the spiritual and artistic life in the monastery, which became an important cultural center. Created notable works that reflected the religious and historical contexts of the time, influencing future generations of artists within the Serbian Orthodox Church.

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Mario García Menocal

Cuban politician and President
Born
1866 159 years ago
Died
September 7th, 1941 83 years ago — 75 years old

A lawyer and politician served as President of Cuba from 1921 to 1925. Focused on modernization and infrastructure development, including expansion of roads and public works. Garnered support from the United States during his tenure, which aligned with broader geopolitical interests. His presidency coincided with significant national and international events that shaped Cuba's political landscape. After leaving office, remained influential in Cuban politics until his death in 1941.

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Hans Spemann

Embryologist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
June 27th, 1869 155 years ago
Died
September 9th, 1941 83 years ago — 72 years old

An embryologist and academic contributed significantly to the field of developmental biology. Conducted pioneering experiments in the early 20th century that led to the discovery of the organizer effect, demonstrating how certain cells can influence the development of other cells. Spemann's work established foundational principles for understanding embryonic development. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1935 for groundbreaking work in embryology, specifically for experiments involving the embryonic development of frogs.

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Aleksandra Izmailovich

Belarusian revolutionary leader
Born
1878 147 years ago
Died
September 11th, 1941 83 years ago — 63 years old

Born in Belarus, led significant revolutionary activities during the early 20th century. Played a pivotal role in the Belarusian independence movement, advocating for political and national rights. Actively participated in socialist and communist organizations, contributing to the revolutionary movement in Eastern Europe. After multiple arrests and periods of imprisonment, continued to organize and promote revolutionary ideas until her death in 1941.

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