What Happened This Year 1945

People Who Died in 1945

Edith Frank

Mother of Anne Frank and Holocaust victim
Born
January 16th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 45 years old

Born in Germany and later moved to the Netherlands, raised two daughters, including Anne Frank. During World War II, the family went into hiding to escape Nazi persecution. They were discovered in 1944, and Edith was deported to Auschwitz. She died in 1945, shortly before the end of the war. The diary written by her daughter became a significant literary work and an important historical document.

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Aleksey Nikolayevich Tolstoy

Russian journalist and poet
Born
January 10th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
1945 80 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.

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Alexander Stirling Calder

American sculptor and educator
Born
January 11th, 1870 155 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 75 years old

An American sculptor and educator, contributions to the field of sculpture spanned several decades. Prominent works include the design of the statue of the 'Liberty Bell' and the 'Centaurs' in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. Served as a professor at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, helping to shape the next generation of artists. Additionally, worked on notable commissions for public monuments.

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Madeleine Lemoyne Ellicott

American activist and suffragist
Born
November 14th, 1856 168 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 89 years old

Played a significant role in the women's suffrage movement. Actively participated in the National American Woman Suffrage Association. Engaged in advocacy for women's rights on both state and national levels. Helped organize rallies and events to promote women's voting rights.

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Karl Künstler

German SS officer
Born
January 12th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 44 years old

Served as a high-ranking officer in the SS during World War II. Held the position of commandant at various concentration camps, overseeing operations and management. Involved in the implementation of Nazi policies that led to the persecution of numerous individuals. Engaged in administrative roles focused on the logistics of camp operations.

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Kiyoshi Miki

Japanese philosopher and author
Born
January 5th, 1897 128 years ago
Died
1945 80 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.

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Mary Helen Young

Scottish nurse and World War II resistance fighter
Born
June 5th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 62 years old

Born in Scotland, a nurse during World War II, provided critical support to those affected by the war. Engaged in resistance efforts against occupying forces, utilizing medical skills and knowledge to aid injured fighters and civilians. Worked alongside various groups to supply care and assistance under dangerous circumstances. After the war, continued contributions to nursing and healthcare in Scotland.

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Yi Wu

Japanese-Korean Colonel
Born
November 15th, 1912 112 years ago
Died
1945 80 years ago — 33 years old

Born on November 15, 1912, one individual served as a colonel in the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II. This person was involved in military strategies and operations during the period of Japanese occupation in Korea. The leadership roles undertaken in the army positioned this individual in significant historical contexts related to military governance in Korea. Post-war, continued engagement with military affairs reflected the complex nature of identity in a divided Korea, especially during the era marked by the geopolitical struggles between Japan and Korea.

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Georg Elser

Carpenter and Hitler's attempted assassin
Born
January 4th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
1945 80 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.

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