What Happened This Year 1945

People Who Died in 1945

Theodore Dreiser

American novelist; Sister Carrie
Born
August 27th, 1871 153 years ago
Died
December 28th, 1945 79 years ago — 74 years old

Born in 1871, a prominent American novelist and journalist emerged as a leading figure in naturalism in literature. His novels often depicted the struggles of individuals against societal forces. The work 'Sister Carrie' was published in 1900, challenging contemporary social norms and providing a raw portrayal of life. Other notable works include 'An American Tragedy,' released in 1925, which examines ambition, crime, and moral conflicts. Throughout a prolific career, he contributed articles and essays to various publications, advocating for social reform and exploring themes of determinism and human experience.

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Song Jin-woo

Journalist and South Korean politician
Born
1889 136 years ago
Died
December 30th, 1945 79 years ago — 56 years old

A South Korean journalist and politician with significant contributions to the political landscape. Played a pivotal role in the Korean independence movement and advocated for democratic reforms. Established various media outlets to promote freedom of expression and informed the public about political issues. Worked towards the liberation of Korea from colonial rule. His efforts in both journalism and politics helped shape the discourse around Korean identity and governance during a turbulent period in history.

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Antal Szerb

Hungarian scholar and author of novels
Born
May 1st, 1901 123 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 44 years old

Born in 1901, this Hungarian scholar was a prolific author and literary critic. He contributed significantly to Hungarian literature and exploration of philosophical themes. Notable works include the novels 'The Pendragon Legend' and 'Journey by Moonlight', which reflect complex character studies and the intricacies of human emotion. His scholarly work encompassed studies on Romantic literature and Hungarian poetry, establishing a significant impact within academic circles. His career was cut short due to the geopolitical turmoil of the time, and he faced persecution during World War II, ultimately dying in a concentration camp in 1945.

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William Orlando Darby

American General during World War II
Born
February 9th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 34 years old

William Orlando Darby served as a general in the United States Army during World War II. He played a significant role in the establishment and leadership of the 1st Ranger Battalion, known for its exemplary performance during the European theater of the war. Darby led his troops in several critical missions, demonstrating leadership and tactical ingenuity. His dedication and valor earned him a reputation among peers and subordinates. Darby's service ended with his death in 1945 in Italy during combat operations.

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Otto Neurath

Austrian philosopher and sociologist
Born
December 10th, 1882 142 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 63 years old

Contributed significantly to the fields of philosophy and sociology, particularly through the development of the Vienna Circle and the theory of logical positivism. Introduced the concept of 'cooperative' as part of social knowledge and worked on the ISOTYPE (International System of Typographic Picture Education) methodology for visual statistics. Authored numerous works focusing on the relationship between language, science, and the social sciences, emphasizing the importance of empirical data and visual representation. His work combined elements of philosophy, sociology, and visual communication.

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Al Dubin

Songwriter of Broadway classics
Born
June 10th, 1891 133 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 54 years old

A Swiss-American songwriter contributed significantly to the American popular music scene, particularly in the early to mid-20th century. Collaborated extensively with composers such as Harry Warren, crafting lyrics for numerous hit songs. Works included contributions to Broadway productions and Hollywood films, with a style that captured the essence of the times. Developed a reputation for his ability to combine catchy melodies with poignant lyrics. His partnership with Warren resulted in several standards that remain popular today.

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Willis Augustus Lee

American admiral and naval officer
Born
May 11th, 1888 136 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 57 years old

Served in the United States Navy during both World Wars. Achieved the rank of admiral, commanding naval forces in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Played a crucial role in naval operations, contributing to the defeat of the Japanese navy. Led efforts that resulted in significant victories and advancements in naval strategy and tactics.

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Karl Sapper

Linguist and explorer of Central America
Born
February 6th, 1866 159 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 79 years old

Born in 1866, a German linguist and explorer focused on Central American indigenous languages and cultures. Conducted extensive research in Guatemala and Honduras, leading several expeditions to document languages and collect ethnographic data. Worked on preserving the linguistic heritage of the region through academic publications and field studies. Contributed to a better understanding of the interplay between language and cultural identity.

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Rettamalai Srinivasan

Indian politician and social reformer
Born
July 7th, 1859 165 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 86 years old

Born in 1859, a significant figure in Indian politics and social reform. Focused on issues of caste and education, advocating for the rights of marginalized communities. Worked towards improving the status of the untouchables in society. Founded the Adi Dravida Mahajana Sangam to promote social equality and empowerment. Contributed to the establishment of educational institutions aimed at uplifting underprivileged groups. Played a crucial role in the social reform movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizing the importance of education and community organization.

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