What Happened This Year 1948

People Who Died in 1948

Albert Stanley

Businessman and Board of Trade President
Born
August 8th, 1874 150 years ago
Died
November 4th, 1948 76 years ago — 74 years old

Born in 1874, a prominent English businessman and politician, served as President of the Board of Trade. Contributed to economic policies and industrial relations in the early 20th century. Engaged in various business endeavors that shaped the economic landscape of England during his tenure. His work encompassed the promotion of trade and commerce, aiming for advancements in commercial policies and practices.

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Umberto Giordano

Italian composer best known for operas
Born
August 28th, 1867 157 years ago
Died
November 12th, 1948 76 years ago — 81 years old

Born in Italy, a composer gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His operas featured powerful melodies and dramatic narratives. The most recognized work is the opera 'Andrea Chénier', which premiered in 1896 and received critical acclaim. Other significant works include 'Fedora' and 'Siberia'. In addition to composition, also contributed to music education and academia, influencing future generations of musicians.

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Anna Jarvis

Founder of Mother's Day in America
Born
May 1st, 1864 160 years ago
Died
November 24th, 1948 76 years ago — 84 years old

Founded Mother's Day as a holiday to honor mothers and their contributions. The first official celebration took place in 1908 in Grafton, West Virginia. Advocated for the recognition of the day on a national level. This effort led to Mother's Day being officially recognized in the United States in 1914. Later expressed concerns about the commercialization of the holiday and its deviation from its original intent.

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Kanbun Uechi

Martial artist; founded Uechi-ryū.
Born
1877 148 years ago
Died
November 25th, 1948 76 years ago — 71 years old

A Japanese martial artist founded Uechi-ryū, a form of karate that integrates techniques from Chinese martial arts. Uechi studied martial arts in China for many years, absorbing various styles and philosophies. After returning to Japan, he began teaching the style in Okinawa, leading to the establishment of a dedicated following. Uechi emphasized natural movements and the importance of physical conditioning. The style gained recognition for its emphasis on self-defense and practical applications. His teachings continue to influence martial arts practitioners worldwide.

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Frank Benford

American physicist and engineer
Born
1883 142 years ago
Died
December 4th, 1948 76 years ago — 65 years old

Contributed significant advancements in physics and engineering fields, particularly in the area of statistical analysis. Developed Benford's Law, which describes the frequency distribution of leading digits in many real-life sets of numerical data. Worked on problems related to electrical engineering and contributed to the design of various instruments. His work was influential in data analysis and has applications in financial fraud detection and various scientific fields.

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Na Hye-sok

Journalist, poet, and painter
Born
April 28th, 1896 128 years ago
Died
December 10th, 1948 76 years ago — 52 years old

Born in South Korea, contributed to literature and arts in the early 20th century. Engaged in journalism and feminist activism, advocating for women's rights and their roles in society. Published various works, including poetry that explored personal and social themes. Renowned for combining artistic expression with activism. Focused on painting, creating pieces that reflected contemporary societal issues.

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Marjory Stephenson

Biochemist and metabolic research pioneer
Born
January 24th, 1885 140 years ago
Died
December 12th, 1948 76 years ago — 63 years old

A biochemist contributed significantly to the understanding of metabolic processes. Research focused on the biochemical nature of microorganisms and their implications for industry and health. Conducted pioneering studies on enzymes and microbial metabolism, which laid the groundwork for advancements in biochemistry and microbiology. Served as a professor at the University of Cambridge and played a key role in establishing the field of biochemistry as a scientific discipline. Authored multiple influential papers, advancing knowledge in the utilization of yeasts and other microorganisms in fermentation and other industrial processes.

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Władysław Witwicki

Polish psychologist and philosopher
Born
April 30th, 1878 146 years ago
Died
December 21st, 1948 76 years ago — 70 years old

A prominent psychologist and philosopher from Poland, contributed significantly to the fields of psychology and philosophy. Worked extensively as a translator and historian, particularly focusing on philosophy and art. Engaged in artistic endeavors that highlighted the intersection of psychology and creative expression. His research delved into the philosophical underpinnings of art, exploring how these concepts relate to human psychology. Developed a body of work that emphasized the importance of understanding psychological processes in the appreciation of art and culture.

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Hideki Tojo

Japanese general and Prime Minister
Born
1884 141 years ago
Died
December 23rd, 1948 76 years ago — 64 years old

A Japanese general and politician, served as the 40th Prime Minister of Japan from 1941 to 1944 during World War II. Tojo played a central role in Japan’s military decisions during the conflict and was a leading figure in the Imperial Japanese Army. His tenure saw significant military operations in the Pacific, including the attack on Pearl Harbor. After Japan's surrender in 1945, Tojo was arrested by Allied forces, tried for war crimes, and executed in 1948.

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