What Happened This Year 1945
People Who Died in 1945
John S. McCain Sr.
Served as an officer in the United States Navy, reaching the rank of Admiral. Participated in World War II, commanding U.S. naval forces in the Pacific theater. Contributed to multiple military operations and strategies, enhancing naval capabilities during key battles. Led efforts in the Korean War and was involved in the post-war rebuilding of the U.S. Navy. His family lineage continued naval service, contributing to the military legacy of the McCain family.
Continue ReadingMax Ehrmann
Born in 1872, a poet and lawyer, dedicated much of his life to writing and crafting poetry. He graduated from DePauw University and later earned a law degree from Harvard University. During his career, he wrote various poems, but his most celebrated work is 'Desiderata', a prose poem that conveys a message about living a fulfilling life. Besides poetry, he practiced law in Terre Haute, Indiana, balancing both professions throughout his life. His literary contributions extend beyond 'Desiderata', reflecting themes of introspection and the human experience.
Continue ReadingHajime Sugiyama
Served as the 44th Minister of War for Japan during World War II. Oversaw military operations and strategic decisions as a field marshal. Played a significant role in Japan's military activities in the Pacific Theater. Contributed to wartime planning and implementation of military strategies until Japan's surrender in 1945.
Continue ReadingAndré Tardieu
Served as the 67th Prime Minister of France. Held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Public Works and Minister of Foreign Affairs. Influenced French politics during the interwar period, advocating for policies on economic recovery and national defense. Played a significant role in the establishment of the French government’s post-World War I policies and agreements.
Continue ReadingAnton Webern
Born in 1883 in Vienna, this composer and conductor became a prominent figure in 20th-century classical music. As a member of the Second Viennese School, played a significant role in the development of atonality and serialism. Key works include the orchestral piece 'Five Pieces for Orchestra' and the 'Symphony, Op. 21', both of which exemplify the avant-garde style. In addition to composing, he conducted various orchestras and was influential in the dissemination of contemporary music during his career. His music often featured intricate textures, innovative use of silence, and brevity, which have been studied extensively in musicology.
Continue ReadingLinnie Marsh Wolfe
Contributions included work as a librarian and authorship of numerous novels and children's books. Writings often reflected a deep understanding of literature and showcased various narrative styles. Active in literary circles, engaged with different literary societies and contributed to professional libraries, focusing on improving library services and accessibility. Significant involvement in promoting library science as a field.
Continue ReadingJohn McCormack
Born in 1925 in Canada, this ice hockey player enjoyed a successful career in the National Hockey League (NHL). Playing primarily as a right winger, he contributed to teams such as the New York Rangers and the Boston Bruins. His career spanned from the mid-1940s to the early 1950s, during which he participated in several notable games, including the Stanley Cup Playoffs. His skill on the ice helped his teams achieve competitive success during his playing years.
Continue ReadingVolin
An influential anarchist intellectual engaged in revolutionary politics in early 20th-century Russia. Participated in the Russian Revolution, advocating for a form of anarchism that emphasized worker's self-management and autonomy. Contributed significantly to anarchist literature and theory, particularly through the publication of 'La Révolte' and 'The Unknown Revolution'. His writings articulated a vision of a stateless society rooted in voluntary cooperation and direct democracy. After the revolution, faced persecution and fled to Western Europe, where continued advocacy for anarchist principles took place.
Continue ReadingEduard Wirths
Graduated from medical school and became a physician. Joined the SS and served as a medical officer at Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. Conducted medical experiments on inmates and was involved in the selection process for life and death. After the war, faced trial for war crimes. Sentenced to death and executed in 1948.
Continue Reading