What Happened This Year 1946

People Who Died in 1946

Georgios Kafantaris

Greek Prime Minister
Born
October 13th, 1873 151 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 73 years old

Served as Prime Minister of Greece during a challenging period in the early 20th century. Contributed to the political landscape of Greece in the aftermath of the Balkan Wars. Managed complexities related to the aftermath of World War I and promoted various national interests. Engaged in political discourse aimed at stabilizing the government and addressing regional issues.

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Henry Handel Richardson

Australian-English author of The Getting of Wisdom
Born
January 3rd, 1870 155 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 76 years old

An author born in Australia, whose literary career spanned several decades. The body of work includes novels, essays, and short stories, with primary focus on themes of education and personal development. Gained notable attention for the semi-autobiographical novel 'The Getting of Wisdom', which explores the struggles of a young girl in a strict educational environment. Other significant works include 'The Fortunes of Richard Mahony', which received acclaim for its narrative style and character development.

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Leon Marchlewski

Polish chemist and academic
Born
December 15th, 1869 155 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 77 years old

Served as a professor of chemistry at the University of Lviv, specializing in organic chemistry. Contributed to the development of analytical techniques and wrote extensively on chemical education. Participated in scientific research and published various works that advanced understanding in his field during the early 20th century.

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Joachim von Ribbentrop

German Foreign Minister during WWII
Born
April 30th, 1893 131 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 53 years old

Served as the 14th German Reich Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1938 to 1945. Played a significant role in Nazi Germany's foreign policy and diplomatic relations leading up to and during World War II. Instrumental in negotiating the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression treaty between Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939. Held influence over Germany's alliances and conflicts throughout the war, promoting military strategies and expansionist policies.

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Sada Yacco

Japanese actress and dancer, first star
Born
July 18th, 1871 153 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 75 years old

Pioneering Japanese actress and dancer gained prominence in the late 19th century. Started career in kabuki theater, later transitioned to Western-style performances and became an icon of the taisho era. Established a significant presence in the United States, where she introduced Japanese theatrical art to American audiences. Notably performed in productions that showcased traditional Japanese culture, enhancing cultural exchange between Japan and the West. Also contributed to the development of modern performance art in Japan.

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Hans Frank

German lawyer, Governor-General of Poland
Born
May 23rd, 1900 124 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 46 years old

A German lawyer and politician, served as the Governor-General of occupied Poland during World War II. Held significant power in the administration of German-occupied territories. Frank's legal background influenced his governance in Poland, where he implemented policies that led to extensive persecution and oppression of the Polish and Jewish populations. Post-war, he was tried by the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

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Mamie Smith

American singer and actress of 'Crazy Blues'
Born
May 26th, 1883 141 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 63 years old

Born in 1883, this artist gained fame as a singer, actress, dancer, and pianist. Smith's recording of 'Crazy Blues' in 1920 marked a pivotal moment in music history, being one of the first records to feature a Black woman as a lead artist. This work helped to popularize the blues genre and opened doors for African American artists in the music industry. In addition to her music career, Smith performed in vaudeville and appeared in several films throughout the 1920s and 1930s, showcasing her talents as an entertainer. Smith's influence extended beyond her era, laying the groundwork for future generations of musicians and performers.

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Logan Pearsall Smith

Critic and author of 'On Reading' and essays
Born
October 18th, 1865 159 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 81 years old

Born in 1865, an American-English author and critic, contributed to literary culture through essays and critiques. Focused on themes of reading, literature, and the nuances of language. Engaged with the Bloomsbury Group and influenced contemporary thought through detailed analysis and commentary. Demonstrated a particular affinity for essays that explored the art of reading and the importance of literature in society. Left a legacy as a literary critic with a profound understanding of the written word and its impact on life.

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Julius Streicher

German publisher of Der Stürmer
Born
February 12th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
1946 79 years ago — 61 years old

A prominent German publisher, founded and edited the anti-Semitic newspaper Der Stürmer. Actively participated in the Nazi Party, promoting its ideology through print media. Streicher was a key figure in disseminating propaganda that fostered anti-Semitic sentiments in Germany during the 1930s and 1940s. The newspaper played a significant role in shaping public perception and attitudes towards Jews leading up to and during World War II.

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