What Happened This Year 1973
People Who Died in 1973
George Sisler
An American baseball player and scout, garnered fame in Major League Baseball primarily as a first baseman. Played for the St. Louis Browns from 1915 to 1927 and had a remarkable career, achieving a batting average of .340 over 15 seasons. In 1922, led the league in batting average and hits, earning the American League MVP award. After retirement, served as a scout for various teams, contributing to the development of future talent in the sport.
Continue ReadingJacques Maritain
An influential philosopher of the 20th century, contributed significantly to Thomistic philosophy and educational theory. Authored works including 'A Theory of Knowledge' and 'The Rights of Man and Natural Law'. Served as the French ambassador to the Vatican from 1945 to 1948, promoting human rights and democracy.
Continue ReadingEdward Turner
An engineer noted for contributions to motorcycle design and manufacturing. Developed the Matchless and AJS motorcycle brands, known for innovative engineering solutions. Worked on the design of several successful models that gained popularity in the post-war period. His work significantly advanced motorcycle technology in England. Held positions in various engineering firms, contributing to the growth of the motorcycle industry.
Continue ReadingHans Kelsen
Born in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, contributions included developing the pure theory of law and influencing international law. Kelsen's work emphasized the separation of law and morality. Emigrated to the United States in 1940, where advocacy for legal positivism continued. Served as a professor at Harvard Law School and the University of California, Berkeley. His notable writings remain relevant in legal and philosophical discussions.
Continue ReadingNikos Zachariadis
A prominent figure in Greek politics, exerted influence as a leading member of the Communist Party. Served as the general secretary from 1931 until 1956. He played a crucial role in the Greek Civil War, advocating for communist ideology amid intense conflict. Following the war, faced significant political challenges and was ultimately imprisoned for his beliefs. Contributed to the establishment of communist structures in Greece during the post-war period.
Continue ReadingAlfred Fuller
Born in Canada, a businessman established the Fuller Brush Company, focusing on manufacturing and direct selling of household cleaning products. The company gained popularity in the early to mid-20th century, pioneering the use of door-to-door sales techniques. The business model became a significant aspect of American consumer culture. After emigrating to the United States, efforts led to significant expansion and profitability for the company, making it a household name in cleaning supplies. Fuller's innovations in product offerings and sales strategies contributed to the company's growth and longevity.
Continue ReadingFrank Costello
Born in 1891, this individual became a prominent figure in organized crime during the mid-20th century. Often referred to as the 'Prime Minister of the Underworld,' he played a significant role in the Genovese crime family. Involved in various illicit activities, including racketeering, gambling, and bootlegging, he exerted considerable influence over political figures and law enforcement. His operations extended across New York City, where he established connections with various political figures. This individual survived multiple assassination attempts but was ultimately convicted of tax evasion, leading to his eventual decline in power. He passed away in 1973, leaving a complex legacy intertwined with American organized crime.
Continue ReadingGerard Kuiper
Contributed significantly to the field of astronomy, particularly in lunar and planetary studies. Formulated the Kuiper Belt theory, which describes a region of the solar system beyond Neptune populated with small icy bodies. Played a key role in the discovery and analysis of several celestial bodies, including the planet Uranus and its moons. Served as a professor and director of the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory at the University of Arizona.
Continue ReadingJ.R.R. Tolkien
An English writer, poet, and philologist. Authored seminal works in fantasy literature, including 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings'. Developed extensive languages and histories for his fictional universe, contributing to the depth and richness of high fantasy storytelling. Served as a professor of Anglo-Saxon at the University of Oxford and influenced generations of readers and writers in the fantasy genre.
Continue Reading