What Happened This Year 1947

People Who Died in 1947

James A. Gilmore

Baseball executive and businessman
Born
March 2nd, 1876 149 years ago
Died
March 19th, 1947 77 years ago — 71 years old

Born in 1876, a businessman and baseball executive contributed significantly to the growth of professional baseball. Served as the president of the American League from 1935 to 1939, overseeing key developments during a transformative era for the sport. Actively participated in the promotion and expansion of baseball, playing a crucial role in negotiations related to player contracts and league policies.

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Sigurd Wallén

Swedish actor and director
Born
September 1st, 1884 140 years ago
Died
March 20th, 1947 77 years ago — 62 years old

Started in theatre before transitioning to film, gaining prominence in Swedish cinema. Directed several films and had significant roles in productions such as 'Käle' (1931) and 'Kalle på Spången' (1937). Played a part in the development of Swedish film during the early 20th century, contributing as both a director and actor. Wallén's career spanned several decades, shaping the industry's direction in Sweden and influencing many artists who followed.

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Karol Świerczewski

Polish General during World War II
Born
February 22nd, 1897 128 years ago
Died
March 28th, 1947 77 years ago — 50 years old

Born in 1897, served in the Polish Army and later became a general. Participated in the Polish-Soviet War and was involved in resistance activities during World War II. Played a significant role as a commander of the First Polish Army during the liberation of Poland from German occupation. His military career continued in the post-war period, becoming a prominent figure in the Polish People's Army.

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George II

King of Greece during tumultuous times
Born
1890 135 years ago
Died
April 1st, 1947 77 years ago — 57 years old

Reigned as king of Greece from 1922 to 1947, with notable interruptions due to political upheaval. Spent significant time in exile during the Greek Civil War. Returned to power after a referendum in 1935 restored the monarchy. His reign involved alignment with the Allies during World War II and the subsequent challenges of post-war reconstruction. The final years were marked by increasing political tensions and military challenges within the nation, ultimately leading to his death in 1947.

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Bernhard Pankok

German painter and architect
Born
1872 153 years ago
Died
April 5th, 1947 77 years ago — 75 years old

Active in the early 20th century, this painter and architect contributed to the expressionist movement in Germany. He worked on various projects that combined art and architecture, emphasizing the importance of integrating artistic elements into structural design. His painting style reflected the principles of modernism, influencing contemporary artists. In addition to painting, he designed notable buildings that showcased innovative architectural styles. His works were displayed in multiple exhibitions, gaining recognition both locally and internationally.

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Herbert Backe

German agronomist and politician
Born
May 1st, 1896 128 years ago
Died
April 6th, 1947 77 years ago — 50 years old

An agronomist and politician contributed significantly to agricultural policy in Germany during the 1930s. Played a key role in the establishment of the Lebensraum theory, advocating for agricultural expansion in Eastern Europe. Assumed various political roles, including serving as State Secretary of Food and Agriculture from 1933 to 1945. Participated in the organization of food production and distribution during World War II, influencing food supply strategies. His policies directly affected the agricultural landscape in Nazi Germany and were associated with wartime strategies.

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Charles Nordhoff

Pilot and author of adventure novels
Born
February 1st, 1887 138 years ago
Died
April 10th, 1947 77 years ago — 60 years old

Born in England and later becoming a naturalized American, made significant contributions to literature and aviation. Served as a pilot during World War I. Authored several adventure novels, gaining popularity in the early 20th century. Collaborated with James Norman Hall on the literary work that inspired the film and musical adaptation 'Mutiny on the Bounty'. The writings often reflected a strong sense of adventure and the spirit of the sea, capturing readers' imaginations.

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Rudolf Höss

German SS officer and Auschwitz commandant
Born
November 25th, 1900 124 years ago
Died
April 16th, 1947 77 years ago — 46 years old

Served as a commanding officer of Auschwitz concentration camp from 1940 to 1943. Oversaw the implementation of mass exterminations at the camp and contributed to the organization of the Holocaust. Captured by Allied forces in 1945 and later tried and convicted for war crimes. Executed in 1947.

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Jozef Tiso

Slovak priest and politician
Born
October 13th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
April 18th, 1947 77 years ago — 59 years old

Served as the President of Slovakia during World War II. Tiso was a significant figure in the establishment of the Slovak State in 1939 under Nazi influence. His regime was characterized by alignment with German policies and included the implementation of anti-Jewish laws. After the war, he was captured, tried for war crimes, and sentenced to death, which was carried out in 1947.

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