What Happened This Year 1948

People Who Died in 1948

Manuel Roxas

5th President of the Philippines
Born
January 1st, 1892 133 years ago
Died
1948 77 years ago — 56 years old

Served as the first President of the independent Third Republic of the Philippines from 1946 until his death in 1948. Played a pivotal role in the post-World War II reconstruction and reestablishment of the Philippine government. Prior to the presidency, held various positions including member of the House of Representatives and Secretary of Finance. Worked on economic recovery efforts and established relations with the United States during his administration.

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Harry Brearley

English inventor of stainless steel
Born
February 18th, 1871 154 years ago
Died
1948 77 years ago — 77 years old

An English inventor played a crucial role in developing stainless steel. In 1913, while working in a Sheffield steelworks, discovered the corrosion-resistant properties of an alloy containing chromium. This discovery led to the industrial production of stainless steel, which has since been widely used in various industries, from cutlery to construction. Brearley's work significantly influenced metallurgy and engineering, and his invention remains essential in modern manufacturing.

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Matthew Charlton

Australian miner and politician
Born
March 15th, 1866 159 years ago
Died
1948 77 years ago — 82 years old

Played a pivotal role in Australian politics during the early 20th century. Served as a member of the Australian House of Representatives for the New South Wales electorate of Hunter from 1901 to 1917. Was a prominent advocate for workers' rights and improved conditions for miners. Contributed to the development of the Labour Party in Australia and held positions such as Minister for Defence and Minister for Repatriation.

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Marie Baron

Dutch swimmer and diver 1928 Olympics
Born
February 5th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
1948 77 years ago — 40 years old

Competed in swimming and diving events during the late 1920s. Participated in the 1928 Summer Olympics held in Amsterdam. Excelled in both swimming and diving disciplines, showcasing versatility in aquatic sports. Contributed to the early development of women's competitive swimming in the Netherlands.

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Hack Wilson

Baseball player, Chicago Cubs star
Born
April 26th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
1948 77 years ago — 48 years old

A professional baseball player, Wilson played as an outfielder primarily for the Chicago Cubs in Major League Baseball. He gained recognition for his powerful hitting and exceptional performance during the 1930 season, where he set a National League record for runs batted in, achieving 191 RBIs in a single season. Wilson contributed significantly to the Cubs' success in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Throughout a career that spanned over a decade, Wilson was known for his ability to hit home runs and maintain a high batting average, leading to several All-Star selections. After retiring from playing, Wilson remained involved in baseball, contributing to the sport in various capacities.

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Raoul Koczalski

Polish pianist and composer, composer of works
Born
January 3rd, 1884 141 years ago
Died
1948 77 years ago — 64 years old

Born in Poland, a prominent pianist and composer emerged in the early 20th century. Trained in piano and composition, gained recognition for original compositions and virtuosic performances. Established a career as a concert pianist, performing across Europe and collaborating with orchestras. Became influential in the music scene, contributing to both performance and composition realms. Taught music, passing on knowledge to future generations of musicians, thereby shaping the development of piano music. Later life included presentations and compositions, maintaining a presence in music circles until passing.

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Fred Niblo

Film director of 'The Mark of Zorro'
Born
January 6th, 1874 151 years ago
Died
1948 77 years ago — 74 years old

An influential figure in early cinema, this individual started a professional career in theater before transitioning to directing silent films. The work 'The Mark of Zorro' in 1920 garnered significant attention and established a template for later swashbuckler films. In addition to directing, also produced and contributed to screenplays, shaping the narrative style of the time. Contributions to the film industry in the early 20th century laid groundwork for future filmmakers.

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Frederick Gardner Cottrell

Physical chemist and inventor
Born
January 10th, 1877 148 years ago
Died
1948 77 years ago — 71 years old

Born in 1877, a physical chemist and inventor contributed significantly to the understanding of electrochemistry and developed the Cottrell apparatus for measuring electrode reactions. Held a longstanding association with the University of California, Berkeley, serving as a professor and conducting extensive research in physical chemistry. Founded the Cottrell Research Corporation to commercialize inventions. Involved in philanthropy, supporting various educational and scientific causes throughout life. Actively engaged in science education, promoting advancements in physical chemistry and electrochemistry.

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Algernon Maudslay

English sailor and explorer
Born
January 10th, 1873 152 years ago
Died
1948 77 years ago — 75 years old

Born in 1873, a prominent English sailor and explorer, participated in various maritime expeditions. Engaged in assessments of navigation and exploration routes while serving in different capacities aboard vessels. Made significant contributions to the understanding of sail technology and maritime safety. Maintained a commitment to British maritime pursuits throughout a career spanning several decades.

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