What Happened This Year 1946
People Who Died in 1946
Carter Glass
Served as the 47th Secretary of the Treasury from 1918 to 1920. Played a key role in the establishment of the Federal Reserve System and contributed to the development of banking legislation during his tenure. Had a significant impact on fiscal policy and economic reform in the early 20th century. Worked as a publisher and editor before entering politics, influencing public discourse through journalism.
Continue ReadingMartin Gottfried Weiss
Served as an SS officer during World War II, overseeing various administrative roles within the Nazi regime. Involved in implementing policies that facilitated wartime atrocities. Captured after the war and sentenced for war crimes. His actions during the conflict contributed to the broader landscape of Nazi atrocities across German-occupied territories.
Continue ReadingLouis Slotin
A Canadian physicist and chemist, Slotin made significant contributions to the Manhattan Project during World War II. His work focused on the critical assembly of nuclear materials, particularly plutonium. On May 21, 1946, while conducting a critical mass experiment at Los Alamos Laboratory, an accidental criticality occurred, leading to a lethal radiation exposure. Slotin was severely irradiated and died nine days later. This incident highlighted the dangers associated with handling nuclear materials and prompted changes in safety protocols for future experiments.
Continue ReadingIon Antonescu
Served as the 43rd Prime Minister of Romania and a leading military figure during World War II. Held the position of Marshal and aligned Romania with Nazi Germany, participating in significant military campaigns. Accountable for decisions that led to military operations against the Soviet Union. Captured following the war and subsequently tried for war crimes, leading to execution in 1946.
Continue ReadingMikhail Kalinin
A prominent civil servant and politician in the Soviet Union, served as the first Head of State from 1919 to 1946. Played a significant role in the Bolshevik Revolution and the establishment of the Soviet government. Oversaw the construction of socialist society and represented the Soviet Union in international affairs. Contributed to the promotion of the Communist Party's policies during a tumultuous period in Russian history.
Continue ReadingGerhart Hauptmann
A prominent German novelist, poet, and playwright, received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1912. Hauptmann's literary career began in the late 19th century, contributing significantly to the naturalism movement. His notable works include the drama 'Die Weber' which depicts the struggles of weavers in 1844 Silesia, and 'Vor Sonnenuntergang,' which explores themes of social decay and family conflict. Hauptmann's influence extended to various theatrical styles and he was a key figure in German literature.
Continue ReadingMédéric Martin
Served as the mayor of Montreal from 1910 to 1914. Implemented several urban reforms and initiatives aimed at improving the city's infrastructure and services. His tenure focused on enhancing public transportation and increasing accessibility to municipal services. Contributed to the development of various community programs that benefitted residents. Continued involvement in local politics after leaving office.
Continue ReadingJorge Ubico
Served as the 21st President of Guatemala from 1931 to 1944. Implemented various infrastructure projects including roads and schools during his tenure. Emphasized modernizing the agricultural sector, supporting large landowners and foreign companies, particularly the United Fruit Company. His administration was characterized by autocratic rule and suppression of political opposition. Forced to resign in 1944 due to widespread dissent and protests against his regime.
Continue ReadingJohn Logie Baird
Scottish-English physicist and engineer contributed significantly to the development of television technology. In 1926, demonstrated the first working television system, showcasing the transmission of live images. Developed the first publicly demonstrated television system which featured both monochrome and color broadcasts. Conducted experiments that laid the groundwork for the future of both television and video.
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