What Happened This Year 1949

People Who Died in 1949

Alexey Shchusev

Russian architect, designed Lenin's Mausoleum
Born
1873 152 years ago
Died
May 24th, 1949 75 years ago — 76 years old

An architect specialized in monumental buildings, contributed significantly to Soviet architecture. Designed Lenin's Mausoleum in Red Square, a key symbol of the Russian Revolution. Also created the Kazanskaya railway station in Moscow, reflecting modern architectural techniques combined with traditional styles. Worked on various other projects that impacted the architectural landscape of the Soviet Union during the early to mid-20th century. Contributed to the architectural narrative that emerged during a transformative period in Russian history.

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Robert Ripley

Cartoonist, founder of Ripley's Believe It or Not!
Born
1890 135 years ago
Died
May 27th, 1949 75 years ago — 59 years old

American cartoonist and businessman founded Ripley's Believe It or Not!, a franchise that features unusual facts and stories from around the world. Ripley began his career in journalism and cartooning, ultimately creating the popular comic strip in 1918. The strip gained widespread popularity, leading to a series of books, radio shows, and television programs. The first Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum opened in 1933, showcasing oddities and curiosities. Ripley's work focused on showcasing the extraordinary aspects of human life and culture, blending humor with adventure, which resonated with audiences.

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Emmanuel Célestin Suhard

French Catholic Cardinal and theologian
Born
April 5th, 1874 150 years ago
Died
May 30th, 1949 75 years ago — 75 years old

Served as a cardinal in the Catholic Church, focused on pastoral care and religious education. Held the position of Archbishop of Paris from 1940 until death in 1949. Actively participated in ecclesiastical discussions during World War II, where the Church faced challenges related to the occupation. Advocated for the Church's role in society and its mission to support the faithful amid adversity.

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Sigrid Undset

Danish-Norwegian Nobel Prize-winning novelist
Born
May 20th, 1882 142 years ago
Died
June 10th, 1949 75 years ago — 67 years old

Born in 1882, a prominent novelist and essayist emerged, contributing significantly to literature. The author primarily focused on themes of womanhood, morality, and spirituality in her works. Notable literary achievements include the trilogy 'Kristin Lavransdatter', which explores the life of a medieval woman in Norway, and 'Gunnar's Daughter', showcasing her narrative style and deep character insights. Undset's literary contributions garnered her the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1928, recognizing her mastery of storytelling and cultural depiction. Throughout a lifetime of writing, her works reflected the tumultuous changes faced by society during her era.

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Syed Zafarul Hasan

Indian philosopher and academic
Born
1885 140 years ago
Died
June 19th, 1949 75 years ago — 64 years old

Contributed extensively to philosophical thought and education in India. Established frameworks for Islamic philosophy and modern thought. Engaged in discussions promoting scientific knowledge within philosophical contexts. Actively worked in academia to nurture intellectual growth among students and scholars.

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Buck Freeman

American baseball player and slugger
Born
October 30th, 1871 153 years ago
Died
June 25th, 1949 75 years ago — 77 years old

Played Major League Baseball from 1897 to 1910. Associated primarily with the Boston Beaneaters and the Washington Senators. Gained recognition for power hitting, particularly leading the American League in home runs and RBIs in 1901. Also established multiple batting records during his career, which were notable in the early days of professional baseball.

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James Steen

American water polo player, Olympic medalist
Born
1876 149 years ago
Died
June 25th, 1949 75 years ago — 73 years old

A prominent water polo player secured a bronze medal at the 1904 Summer Olympics in St. Louis. Participated in the development of water polo as a competitive sport in the United States. Contributed to the early growth of water polo teams and competitions, playing a crucial role in establishing the sport's presence in American athletics.

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Kim Koo

South Korean politician, provisional president
Born
August 29th, 1876 148 years ago
Died
June 26th, 1949 75 years ago — 72 years old

Served as a prominent South Korean politician and the sixth president of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea. Played a crucial role in the fight for Korean independence from Japanese colonial rule. Worked tirelessly to unite rival factions in the independence movement and advocated for the establishment of a Korean nation-state. Attended several international conferences to garner support for Korean independence and responded to various political challenges during a tumultuous period in Korean history.

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Frank Smythe

Botanist and mountaineer, authored books
Born
1900 125 years ago
Died
June 27th, 1949 75 years ago — 49 years old

A significant figure in British mountaineering and botany, he made important contributions to the study of alpine flora. Achieved fame as one of the first climbers to reach the summit of Kamet in 1931, which remains a notable milestone in the history of mountaineering. Conducted extensive botanical studies in the Himalayas and authored several books on his experiences and findings, including 'The Abode of Snow'. His work has provided valuable insights into the relationship between plants and mountainous ecosystems.

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