What Happened This Year 1945

People Who Died in 1945

Pavlo Skoropadskyi

Ukrainian general and Hetman of Ukraine
Born
May 3rd, 1873 151 years ago
Died
April 26th, 1945 79 years ago — 71 years old

A German-Ukrainian general and politician, served as the Hetman of Ukraine from 1918 to 1919. Skoropadskyi led the Ukrainian state during a tumultuous period following World War I, advocating for Ukrainian independence and the establishment of a stable government. The political landscape was marked by conflict with various factions, including Bolshevik forces. After the defeat of his government, he went into exile, living in Germany. Skoropadskyi remained active in Ukrainian political circles until his death in 1945.

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Roberto Farinacci

Italian soldier and politician; fascist leader
Born
1892 133 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1945 79 years ago — 53 years old

A prominent figure in Italian Fascism, played a key role in the National Fascist Party. Served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies and held the position of party secretary in the late 1920s. Actively participated in the Italian campaign in World War II. Took part in various political initiatives aimed at strengthening the regime and was involved in local governance in Cremona, Italy.

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Benito Mussolini

Italian politician and Prime Minister
Born
July 29th, 1883 141 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1945 79 years ago — 61 years old

Served as Prime Minister of Italy from 1922 until 1943, during which instituted fascist policies and allied Italy with Nazi Germany during World War II. Mussolini's leadership style emphasized nationalism and authoritarianism. His regime suppressed dissent, controlled the media, and implemented aggressive military tactics. In 1943, Mussolini was deposed and arrested but was later rescued by German forces. He attempted to establish a puppet state in northern Italy before being captured by Italian partisans in 1945 and executed.

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Hermann Fegelein

German general during WWII
Born
October 30th, 1906 118 years ago
Died
April 28th, 1945 79 years ago — 38 years old

Served as a general in the Waffen-SS during World War II. Initially joined the SS and gained rapid promotion due to military success. Participated in significant campaigns on the Eastern Front, demonstrating leadership during critical operations. In the late stages of the war, served as a liaison officer with the command of Hitler's personal guard. Captured by Soviet forces in 1945 and executed shortly after the war.

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Adolf Hitler

Austrian-German politician and dictator
Born
April 20th, 1889 135 years ago
Died
April 30th, 1945 79 years ago — 56 years old

An Austrian-German politician and author who led the National Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazi Party) and became Chancellor of Germany in 1933. Hitler established a totalitarian regime noted for its aggressive expansionism and its instigation of World War II. The regime implemented policies leading to significant military conquests in Europe and the systemic persecution of Jews and other groups, culminating in the Holocaust. Hitler authored 'Mein Kampf,' outlining his ideology and political plans. He died by suicide in 1945 as Allied forces closed in on Berlin.

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Eva Braun

German photographer and assistant
Born
February 6th, 1912 113 years ago
Died
April 30th, 1945 79 years ago — 33 years old

A German photographer and assistant, involved with Adolf Hitler from the late 1920s. Joined him in public life, often photographed by him. Hid her personal ambitions behind the constraints of her relationship with Hitler, which was kept largely private. Married Hitler shortly before their deaths in 1945 and died by suicide in the Führerbunker in Berlin. Remnants of her legacy include the photographs and films she captured during her life with Hitler.

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Joseph Goebbels

Nazi politician and Minister of Propaganda
Born
October 29th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
May 1st, 1945 79 years ago — 47 years old

Served as the Minister of Propaganda in Nazi Germany from 1933 until the end of World War II. Played a crucial role in shaping and disseminating propaganda that supported the regime's ideology and policies. Ultimately, held the position of Chancellor of Germany for a brief period following Hitler's death. Committed suicide in May 1945 as Allied forces closed in on Berlin.

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Magda Goebbels

German political figure and propagandist
Born
1901 124 years ago
Died
May 1st, 1945 79 years ago — 44 years old

An important figure in Nazi Germany, served as the wife of Joseph Goebbels, the Minister of Propaganda. Actively participated in her husband's political activities and hosted social events that promoted Nazi ideology. Advocated for strict adherence to party values and was heavily involved in propaganda efforts during World War II. At the war's end, faced the collapse of the regime and the impending consequences, ultimately choosing to end her life in the Führerbunker alongside her children.

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Joe Corbett

Baseball player and coach in MLB
Born
December 4th, 1875 149 years ago
Died
May 2nd, 1945 79 years ago — 69 years old

Played as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. Competed for teams including the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Phillies. Transitioned to a coaching role after his playing career. Coached various minor league teams following his retirement, contributing to the development of upcoming players.

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