What Happened This Year 1956

People Who Died in 1956

Risto Ryti

Finnish politician and President
Born
February 3rd, 1889 137 years ago
Died
1956 70 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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Joseph B. Ely

American politician and 52nd Governor
Born
February 22nd, 1881 145 years ago
Died
1956 70 years ago — 75 years old

Served as the 52nd Governor of Massachusetts from 1931 to 1935. Prior to the governorship, held positions including Massachusetts State Senator and Member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Focused on economic recovery during the Great Depression, implementing measures to support the state's welfare and unemployment programs.

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Willem Hendrik Keesom

Physicist and low-temperature pioneer
Born
June 21st, 1876 149 years ago
Died
1956 70 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 138 years ago
Died
1956 70 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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Lewis Terman

American psychologist and eugenicist
Born
January 15th, 1877 149 years ago
Died
1956 70 years ago — 79 years old

Contributions to psychology included the development of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, which became a widely used tool for assessing intelligence. Terman also promoted eugenics, advocating for the selective breeding of individuals with desired traits. Conducted longitudinal studies on gifted children, significantly influencing educational practices. Served as a professor at Stanford University and authored numerous influential articles and books in psychology.

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Wilhelm Miklas

Austrian politician, 3rd President of Austria
Born
October 15th, 1872 153 years ago
Died
1956 70 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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Frank Hague

American politician, Mayor of Jersey City
Born
January 17th, 1876 150 years ago
Died
1956 70 years ago — 80 years old

Served as the 30th Mayor of Jersey City from 1917 to 1947. Held significant influence in local and state politics during tenure. Advocated for infrastructure improvements and city development. Established a strong political machine that controlled Jersey City and impacted New Jersey politics. Was a key figure in the Democratic Party on the state level.

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Frigyes Riesz

Hungarian mathematician and academic
Born
January 22nd, 1880 146 years ago
Died
1956 70 years ago — 76 years old

Contributions to mathematics included significant work in functional analysis and topology. Worked extensively on the Riesz representation theorem. Held a professorship at the University of Szeged, influencing generations of mathematicians. Authored several influential papers and texts on mathematics, enhancing the understanding of complex analysis and measure theory.

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Bodo von Borries

German physicist, co-invented electron microscope
Born
May 22nd, 1905 120 years ago
Died
1956 70 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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