What Happened This Year 1945
People Who Died in 1945
Johann Georg Elser
A carpenter and anti-fascist, engaged in a plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler in 1939. Elser constructed a bomb designed to kill Hitler during a speech at the Bürgerbräukeller in Munich. The bomb detonated but failed to kill Hitler due to a delay in his exit from the venue. He was arrested shortly afterward and later executed in 1945. Elser's actions were motivated by opposition to the Nazi regime and the war.
Continue ReadingDietrich Bonhoeffer
A German pastor and theologian, contributed significantly to Christian thought during the 20th century. Actively opposed the Nazi regime, emphasizing the importance of ethics and morality amid societal turmoil. Played a crucial role in the Confessing Church, which resisted Nazi ideology, and wrote influential works such as 'The Cost of Discipleship' and 'Letters and Papers from Prison'. His opposition to the regime led to his arrest in 1943 and eventual execution in 1945, becoming a symbol of resistance against oppression.
Continue ReadingWilhelm Canaris
Served as an admiral in the German Navy and headed the Abwehr, the German military intelligence organization, during World War II. Played a significant role in gathering intelligence and counterintelligence operations. Involved in various anti-Nazi conspiracies, working to undermine the regime of Adolf Hitler. Arrested and executed by the Nazi regime due to suspicions of disloyalty in 1945. Remembered for navigating complex political and military landscapes during his service.
Continue ReadingKarl Sack
Practiced law in Germany and held significant positions within the legal field. Contributed to various legal reforms and advancements. Actively participated in legal education, influencing future lawyers and jurists. Engaged in legal writings and is remembered for scholarly contributions that addressed issues in law and justice.
Continue ReadingHans von Dohnányi
Born in 1902, contributed to German law as a prominent jurist and opposed the Nazi regime. Engaged in resistance activities against totalitarianism during World War II, becoming involved with a conspiracy to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Worked in coordination with military officials and other dissidents. Arrested in 1943 by the Gestapo, imprisoned, and executed for his resistance efforts.
Continue ReadingHans Oster
Served as a general in the Wehrmacht during World War II, participating in various military operations. Played a significant role in the July 20 plot against Adolf Hitler, which aimed to overthrow the Nazi regime. Engaged in resistance activities, promoting plans for a new German government free from Nazism. Captured after the plot's failure and executed in 1945.
Continue ReadingHendrik Nicolaas Werkman
A significant figure in the field of printing and typography, focused on experimental graphics and typographical design. Werkman established his own printing workshop in Groningen, where innovative techniques were employed. He produced unique works that merged philosophy, poetry, and visual art, influencing the modern graphic design movement. His works, particularly those from the 1940s, showcased a distinctive blend of color and form, contributing greatly to modern typographic practices. Werkman was also involved with the Dutch resistance during World War II.
Continue ReadingFranklin D. Roosevelt
Served as the 32nd President from 1933 until death in 1945. Led the United States during the Great Depression and World War II. Implemented the New Deal to counter economic challenges and expand social welfare programs. Played a significant role in the establishment of the United Nations after the war.
Continue ReadingErnst Cassirer
This philosopher and academic was a key figure in the development of theories about symbolism and culture. He contributed significantly to the philosophy of language, art, and science during the early 20th century. His major works include 'The Philosophy of Symbolic Forms', which proposed ways of understanding human culture through symbols. The work emphasized the role of symbolic systems in shaping human experience and knowledge. His ideas influenced various fields, including anthropology, psychology, and theology. Cassirer was an advocate for a humanistic approach to philosophy, arguing against pure rationalism. He also critiqued the rise of nationalism in Europe and sought to promote a cosmopolitan perspective.
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