What Happened This Year 1971

People Who Died in 1971

Beatrice Kerr

Australian swimmer and diver
Born
November 30th, 1887 137 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 84 years old

Achieved success in competitive swimming and diving. Competed in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, contributing to Australia's early Olympic presence in aquatic sports. Represented Australia in various national and international competitions throughout the early 20th century, demonstrating skill in freestyle swimming and platform diving.

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Nora Stanton Blatch Barney

Civil engineer and suffragist leader
Born
September 30th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1883, a civil engineer and architect contributed significantly to the field of engineering while advocating for women's rights. Graduated from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn and was the first woman to graduate with a degree in civil engineering. Active in the women's suffrage movement, worked with leading organizations to promote voting rights for women. Held various positions in the American Society of Civil Engineers, paving the way for future generations of women in engineering.

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Jan Palouš

Czechoslovak ice hockey player
Born
October 25th, 1888 137 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 83 years old

Played ice hockey for Czechoslovakia and participated in the 1920 Winter Olympics in Antwerp, which marked the debut of ice hockey in the Olympic games. Contributed to the early development of the sport in Czechoslovakia and engaged in several domestic competitions.

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William Tubman

Liberian lawyer and 19th President
Born
November 29th, 1895 129 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 76 years old

Served as the 19th President of Liberia from 1944 to 1971. Advocated for modernization and economic development within Liberia. Presided over significant infrastructure projects, including the construction of roads, hospitals, and schools. Focused on increasing agricultural productivity and promoting foreign investment, impacting the economy of Liberia during his tenure. Worked to improve relations with African nations and played a role in the formation of the Organization of African Unity.

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John Desmond Bernal

Crystallographer and physicist
Born
May 10th, 1901 124 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 70 years old

Contributions to the field of crystallography led to significant advancements in understanding molecular structures. Played a crucial role in the early use of X-ray diffraction techniques to analyze crystals, particularly in biological sciences. Important in the development of theoretical frameworks that guided later research in structural biology. Contributed to various scientific communities through publications and collaborations.

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Igor Tamm

Physicist and Nobel Prize laureate
Born
July 8th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 76 years old

A physicist contributed significantly to the field of controlled thermonuclear fusion. Collaborated with Andrei Sakharov on the development of the Soviet hydrogen bomb. Authored numerous scientific papers and made key advancements in plasma physics. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1958 for work on controlled fusion and plasma research.

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Mohammad Moin

Iranian linguist and lexicographer
Born
July 12th, 1914 111 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 57 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of linguistics and lexicography. Developed comprehensive Persian dictionaries and reference materials. His work facilitated deeper understanding and preservation of the Persian language, influencing education and scholarship in Iran. Served as a professor and engaged in various linguistic research projects throughout his career.

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Helene Weigel

Austrian-German actress in theatre
Born
May 12th, 1900 125 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 71 years old

One of the prominent figures in German theater, Weigel gained recognition for her extensive work in both acting and directing. Collaborating with renowned playwright Bertolt Brecht, she contributed to the development of the Berliner Ensemble, where she played key roles in several of Brecht's plays. Her performances brought intellectual depth and emotional resonance to the stage. Throughout her career, Weigel embraced avant-garde theatrical techniques and focused on social issues in her work, influencing the landscape of modern theater. In addition to her theatrical endeavors, her film appearances also added to her legacy, with notable works during the German cinema's post-war period.

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Jean-Pierre Monseré

Belgian cyclist and Tour de France winner
Born
September 8th, 1948 77 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 23 years old

Competed in professional cycling during the 1960s and early 1970s. Achieved significant success in numerous competitions, including the prestigious World Road Race Championships and was victorious in the Tour de France. A prominent figure in Belgian cycling, renowned for strong performances in one-day races as well as stage races.

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