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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Raymond Suvigny

French Weightlifter, Olympic Champion
Born
January 21st, 1903 122 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 42 years old

A prominent weightlifter from France, achieved significant international success in the early 20th century. Competed in the 1924 Paris Olympics, securing a gold medal in the lightweight category. Dominated national competitions, establishing records in various weightlifting events throughout the 1920s. Contributed to the popularization of weightlifting in France and inspired future generations of athletes.

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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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Franklin Carmichael

Painter and Group of Seven member
Born
May 4th, 1890 134 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 55 years old

A Canadian painter associated with the Group of Seven, focused on landscape painting that showcased the natural beauty of Canada. Involved in the Group of Seven, which sought to create a distinctly Canadian art movement that depicted the country's wilderness. Contributed to the promotion of modernism in Canadian art. Also worked as a commercial artist and educator, influencing many through teaching.

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Boris Shaposhnikov

Russian military leader and strategist
Born
October 2nd, 1882 142 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 63 years old

A prominent military leader in the Soviet Union, played a critical role during World War II. Served as the Chief of the General Staff and influenced Soviet military doctrine. Contributed to the development of military strategy and tactics that shaped the Red Army's operations. Authored several military manuals and texts on warfare, which became integral to Soviet military training and philosophy.

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Constantin Tănase

Romanian actor and playwright
Born
July 5th, 1880 144 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 65 years old

Born in 1880, an influential figure in Romanian theater, contributed significantly to the development of the comedic genre. Established a renowned theatre in Bucharest, becoming a prominent actor and playwright. Plays often featured social commentary and political satire, resonating with the public's experiences. The works spanned various themes, including love and national identity, and were characterized by their humor and relatability. Involved in the artistic and cultural movements of the times, shaping the landscape of Romanian performance art.

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Shizuichi Tanaka

Japanese general during World War II
Born
October 1st, 1887 137 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 58 years old

Served as a general in the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. Played a key role in military operations in the Pacific Theater. Participated in the Battle of Iwo Jima, contributing to the strategic planning of the campaign. Involved in post-war trials, addressing military conduct and decisions made during the conflict.

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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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