What Happened This Year 1948

People Who Died in 1948

Babe Ruth

Baseball player for the Boston Red Sox
Born
February 6th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
August 16th, 1948 76 years ago — 53 years old

A legendary American baseball player and coach, played in Major League Baseball primarily for the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees. Renowned for hitting prowess, transformed baseball with a powerful batting style. Achieved significant success in his career, leading teams to multiple championships. After finishing playing career, transitioned to coaching, sharing expertise with younger players, and remained a beloved figure in the sport.

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Charles Evans Hughes

American lawyer and Secretary of State
Born
April 11th, 1862 162 years ago
Died
August 27th, 1948 76 years ago — 86 years old

Served as the 44th United States Secretary of State from 1921 to 1925. Held the position of Chief Justice of the United States from 1930 to 1941. Initially gained prominence as a lawyer and public servant, leading investigations into corporate corruption. Involved in the establishment of the League of Nations and various international treaties.

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Alice Salomon

German social reformer and educator
Born
April 19th, 1872 152 years ago
Died
August 30th, 1948 76 years ago — 76 years old

Born in 1872, contributions included the establishment of social work as a profession in Germany. Played a key role in women's rights advocacy and initiated social education programs. Founded the School of Social Work in Berlin, which became a model for later institutions. Actively promoted the relevance of women's education and professional training in social work, influencing policies and practices in the field.

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Andrei Zhdanov

Soviet politician and cultural figure
Born
February 26th, 1896 129 years ago
Died
August 31st, 1948 76 years ago — 52 years old

Served as a prominent Soviet politician and civil servant. Played a significant role in the cultural policies of the Soviet Union during the post-World War II period. Oversaw the implementation of Zhdanovism, a doctrine that emphasized socialist realism in literature and arts. Held the post of Leningrad Party Secretary and contributed to the rebuilding of the city after the war. Influenced various cultural institutions and was instrumental in promoting the Communist Party's agenda through literature and the arts.

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Sylvanus Morley

Archaeologist and Mayan scholar
Born
June 7th, 1883 141 years ago
Died
September 2nd, 1948 76 years ago — 65 years old

This American archaeologist specialized in Mayan civilization and contributed significantly to the understanding of its history and culture. Conducted extensive excavations at key archaeological sites in Guatemala and Mexico. Authored numerous scholarly works, including 'The Ancient Maya' which remains a cornerstone in the study of Maya archaeology and history. Served as the director of the Carnegie Institution of Washington's Division of Historical Research and actively engaged in prominent academic circles.

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Edvard Beneš

Czech politician and Czechoslovak President
Born
May 28th, 1884 140 years ago
Died
September 3rd, 1948 76 years ago — 64 years old

An academic and politician served as the 2nd and 4th President of Czechoslovakia. Played a significant role in the establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1918. Advocated for the country’s sovereignty and democracy during turbulent interwar years. Participated in international diplomacy, notably at the League of Nations, promoting collective security. Faced challenges during World War II, including Nazi occupation, leading to government-in-exile efforts in London.

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Richard C. Tolman

Physicist and chemist, contributed to thermodynamics
Born
March 4th, 1881 144 years ago
Died
September 5th, 1948 76 years ago — 67 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of physics and chemistry, particularly in thermodynamics and physical chemistry. Developed the concept of the Tolman length, which relates to the concept of surface tension in fluids. Worked on statistical mechanics and the theory of relativity, and made notable contributions to the understanding of the kinetic theory of gases. Served as a professor at the California Institute of Technology and as an advisor to the Manhattan Project during World War II.

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Ferdinand I of Bulgaria

King of Bulgaria; Balkan Wars leader
Born
February 26th, 1861 164 years ago
Died
September 10th, 1948 76 years ago — 87 years old

Ascended to the throne in 1887, ruled Bulgaria until 1918. Led the country during the Balkan Wars, where Bulgaria aimed to expand its territories. Involved in the First World War, initially aligning with the Central Powers. Abdicated in 1918 following military defeat and the subsequent political instability in Bulgaria. During reign, modernized the Bulgarian military and educational systems.

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Muhammad Ali Jinnah

Pakistani lawyer, politician, Governor-General
Born
1876 149 years ago
Died
September 11th, 1948 76 years ago — 72 years old

A prominent lawyer, played a crucial role in the independence movement of India. Advocated for the rights of Muslims and was instrumental in the creation of Pakistan in 1947. Served as the country's first Governor-General until death in 1948. His legal background and political leadership significantly shaped the early years of Pakistan's governance.

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