What Happened This Year 1945

People Who Died in 1945

Jack Thayer

American businessman and Titanic survivor
Born
December 24th, 1894 131 years ago
Died
1945 81 years ago — 51 years old

Born on December 24, 1894, a businessman associated with the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic. Survived the disaster by escaping on a lifeboat. After the Titanic incident, focused on a business career, including involvement in railroads and real estate. Represented a generation affected by the economic changes of the early 20th century.

Continue Reading

Spencer Walklate

Rugby league player and soldier
Born
January 11th, 1918 108 years ago
Died
1945 81 years ago — 27 years old

An Australian rugby league player and soldier, had a notable career in the early to mid-20th century. Played for the St. George Dragons and was part of the team that won the 1941 NSWRL Premiership. His dual involvement in sports and military service characterized a significant period of his life during World War II. After serving, continued to contribute to the sport and community in various capacities.

Continue Reading

Karl Hanke

German businessman and politician
Born
August 24th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
1945 81 years ago — 42 years old

Served as a prominent member of the National Socialist German Workers' Party and held various significant positions within the Nazi regime. Managed the German Economic Ministry during World War II and played a role in war production coordination. As Gauleiter of Lower Silesia, contributed to local governance and wartime policies. Post-war, was captured and tried, with sentences reflecting his political affiliations and wartime activities.

Continue Reading

Aleksey Nikolayevich Tolstoy

Russian journalist and poet
Born
January 10th, 1883 143 years ago
Died
1945 81 years ago — 62 years old

Born in 1883, this individual was a prolific Russian journalist, author, and poet. Works spanned various genres, contributing significantly to literature throughout the early 20th century. Involved in the cultural and political life in Russia, produced notable pieces that reflected the historical context of the time. Engaged in journalism, writing for several prominent publications, and often focused on social issues and the struggles of ordinary people. His poetic works remain influential, showcasing a deep understanding of Russian identity and culture.

Continue Reading

Kiyoshi Miki

Japanese philosopher and author
Born
January 5th, 1897 129 years ago
Died
1945 81 years ago — 48 years old

Contributed significantly to Japanese philosophy and the study of Western philosophical thought. Wrote extensively on topics such as ethics, aesthetics, and social philosophy, integrating Eastern and Western traditions. Miki's work often focused on the relationship between philosophy and cultural understanding. Involved in various educational initiatives, promoting philosophical discourse in modern Japan. Participated in organizations aimed at fostering philosophical thought.

Continue Reading

Georg Elser

Carpenter and Hitler's attempted assassin
Born
January 4th, 1903 123 years ago
Died
1945 81 years ago — 42 years old

A carpenter from Germany, involved in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler in 1939. Elser built a bomb and placed it in the Bürgerbräukeller in Munich, aiming to kill Hitler during a speech. The bomb detonated, but Hitler left the venue earlier than expected, and the assassination attempt failed. Elser was captured and subsequently imprisoned. He was executed in 1945 at the Flossenbürg concentration camp. His actions are often cited as a notable resistance effort against the Nazi regime.

Continue Reading

Gustav Flatow

German gymnast and Olympic medalist
Born
January 7th, 1875 151 years ago
Died
1945 81 years ago — 70 years old

Competed in gymnastics during the early 20th century, achieving notable success in international competitions. Participated in the 1896 Summer Olympics, contributing to the sport's development in Germany. Acquired several national titles and was a prominent figure in gymnastics, exemplifying the art and discipline of the sport.

Continue Reading

Albert Jay Nock

American author and social critic
Born
October 13th, 1870 155 years ago
Died
1945 81 years ago — 75 years old

An influential theorist and author, focused on social criticism and classical liberalism. Authored notable works including 'Our Enemy, the State', which critiques government power and its impact on individual liberty. Contributed essays to various publications, showcasing a strong critique of welfare statism and advocating for personal autonomy and limited government. Involved in debates regarding individualism and societal structure during the early to mid-20th century. Influenced libertarian thinking and the American conservative movement through written works and public discourse.

Continue Reading

Jelena Dimitrijević

Serbian feminist writer and social worker
Born
March 27th, 1862 163 years ago
Died
1945 81 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1862, a Serbian short story writer, novelist, poet, and social worker. Actively engaged in feminist movements and traveled extensively, promoting educational opportunities for women. Wrote works exploring themes of gender and societal roles in her time. Contributed significantly to the cultural heritage of Serbia through her literary endeavors and advocacy.

Continue Reading