What Happened This Year 1956

People Who Died in 1956

Risto Ryti

Finnish politician and President
Born
February 3rd, 1889 136 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 67 years old

Served as the 5th President of Finland from 1940 to 1944. Held the position of Governor of the Bank of Finland prior to the presidency. Played a significant role in Finnish politics during World War II, focusing on maintaining Finland's independence amidst external pressures. Also worked as a lawyer and contributed to economic policy and financial matters in Finland throughout his career.

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Willem Hendrik Keesom

Physicist and low-temperature pioneer
Born
June 21st, 1876 148 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 80 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of physics, focusing primarily on low-temperature research. Developed techniques for achieving very low temperatures, which allowed for the study of properties of materials in different states. Contributed to the understanding of liquid helium, which has unique properties under cryogenic conditions. Published extensively on thermodynamics and the behavior of materials at low temperatures, and served as a professor at the University of Amsterdam.

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Norman L. Bowen

Geologist and petrologist, origin of granitoids
Born
June 21st, 1887 137 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 69 years old

An influential geologist and petrologist, significant contributions were made to the understanding of igneous rock formation and the processes involved in the generation of granitoids. Pioneered the concept of fractional crystallization and established Bowen's Reaction Series, which illustrated how minerals crystallize from cooling magma in a systematic manner. Conducted extensive research on the geological characteristics of the Canadian Shield and other regions, aiding in the advancement of geological mapping.

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Wilhelm Miklas

Austrian politician, 3rd President of Austria
Born
October 15th, 1872 152 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 84 years old

Served as the third President of Austria from 1945 to 1950. Held the position during the early years of the Second Austrian Republic. Contributed to the rebuilding of Austria post-World War II and played a significant role in its reconstruction efforts. Prior to his presidency, worked as an educator and politician, holding various positions within the Austrian government. Involved in the political landscape during a time of significant change in the country.

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Bodo von Borries

German physicist, co-invented electron microscope
Born
May 22nd, 1905 119 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 51 years old

Born in 1905, a German physicist contributed significantly to the field of microscopy. Co-invented the electron microscope, which revolutionized the ability to observe microscopic structures at unprecedented levels of detail. Engaged in academic research and served in various educational institutions, advancing the study of physics and engineering. His work laid the foundation for numerous technological developments in scientific research.

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F. Orlin Tremaine

Magazine executive and Astounding Stories editor
Born
January 7th, 1899 126 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 57 years old

A magazine executive and writer, contributed significantly to the science fiction genre through editorial work. Tremaine served as editor for Astounding Stories, greatly influencing the publication. Initially started as an editor in the 1930s, this period marked a time of innovation in science fiction literature, promoting various authors who later became prominent figures in the genre. The editorial tenure included the selection of groundbreaking stories and the establishment of lasting relationships with key writers. Tremaine's work facilitated the expansion and evolution of science fiction publishing, paving the way for future developments in literary magazines.

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Elisabeth of Romania

Queen consort of Greece
Born
October 12th, 1894 130 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 62 years old

Born in Romania, this individual served as Queen consort of Greece from 1921 until the abolition of the monarchy in 1973. As a member of the Romanian royal family, significant familial connections to various European royal houses existed. The individual participated in charitable activities and supported numerous social initiatives during her time as queen consort. The focus remained on cultural and social development in Greece, particularly in areas related to education and healthcare.

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Jim Elliot

American missionary and translator
Born
October 8th, 1927 97 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 29 years old

Worked as a missionary in Ecuador during the mid-20th century. Participated in a mission to the Huaorani tribe, which ultimately led to his death in 1956. Before his death, contributed to the translation of the New Testament into the language of the Huaorani people. His life and mission are chronicled in the book "Through Gates of Splendor", which discusses the events surrounding the mission and the aftermath.

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Meghnad Saha

Astrophysicist and academic from India
Born
October 6th, 1893 131 years ago
Died
1956 69 years ago — 63 years old

An Indian astrophysicist, astronomer, and academic contributed to the development of the Saha ionization equation. This equation is essential in astrophysics for understanding the ionization of gases in stars. His work in the fields of astrophysics and stellar spectroscopy advanced knowledge about the physical properties of stars. As a dedicated educator, served as a professor and published extensively in the realm of physics and astronomy. Participated in establishing the Indian Institute of Science and promoted scientific research in India.

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