What Happened This Year 1998
People Who Died in 1998
Pol Pot
A prominent Cambodian general and politician, served as the 29th Prime Minister of Cambodia from 1976 to 1979. Led the Khmer Rouge regime, which implemented radical agrarian socialist policies in a quest to create a classless society. Oversaw mass executions, forced labor camps, and widespread famine during the Cambodian genocide, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 1.7 million people. Regime ended when Vietnamese forces invaded Cambodia in 1979. After his regime, spent years in exile and continued to lead a guerrilla movement until his arrest and death in 1998.
Continue ReadingAlberto Calderón
Contributions focused on harmonic analysis and partial differential equations. Served as a professor at several universities, including the University of Chicago. Played a significant role in developing mathematical theories that are widely applied in various fields. Calderón's theorem, a fundamental result in harmonic analysis, illustrates the relationship between certain integral equations and boundary value problems.
Continue ReadingFred Davis
A prominent English snooker player, achieved significant success in the sport, winning the World Snooker Championship three times in the 1940s and 1950s. Contributed to the popularization of snooker in England during that era. Also active as a professional player in various competitions throughout his career, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
Continue ReadingMarie-Louise Meilleur
Achieved recognition as one of the oldest verified people in history, reaching the age of 118 years. Passed away in 1998, holding the title of the world’s oldest living person at that time. Her longevity has been a subject of interest due to its rarity and the aspects contributing to her long life. Lived in Canada her entire life, experiencing various historical events over more than a century.
Continue ReadingLinda McCartney
Worked as a professional photographer, contributing significantly to music and activism. Developed a notable career in photography, with work published in various magazines. Promoted vegetarianism and animal rights, founding an animal welfare charity. Collaborated with husband Paul McCartney in the band Wings, contributing to many albums and performances. Actively participated in social causes, especially regarding the treatment of animals. Passed away in 1998 after a battle with cancer.
Continue ReadingOctavio Paz
Born in 1914, a prominent Mexican poet and diplomat made significant contributions to literature and culture. His poetry often explored themes of solitude, identity, and love, reflecting the complexities of Mexican society. As a diplomat, served in various capacities, enhancing Mexico's cultural relations globally. Received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1990, recognizing a lifetime of poetic exploration and prose that shaped contemporary literature. Authored several influential works, including 'The Labyrinth of Solitude' and 'Sunstone', establishing a unique voice in 20th-century literature.
Continue ReadingJean-François Lyotard
A prominent philosopher and literary theorist, contributed significantly to the field of postmodernism. His pivotal work, 'The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge', critiqued the narratives and ideologies of modernity. Lyotard examined the impact of technology on society and the changes in the nature of knowledge. Authoring numerous works, he analyzed the relationship between language, power, and knowledge in contemporary culture. Lyotard's ideas influenced various disciplines, including sociology, art, and cultural studies.
Continue ReadingKonstantinos Karamanlis
A significant figure in Greek politics, served as Prime Minister and later as President of Greece. Founded the New Democracy party in 1974, promoting parliamentary democracy. Oversaw Greece's entry into the European Economic Community in 1981, enhancing Greece's international integration. Played a crucial role during Greece's transition from military junta to democracy.
Continue ReadingThanassis Skordalos
A prominent figure in Greek music, this individual gained recognition as a talented singer-songwriter and skilled lyra player. Through the unique sounds of the lyra, contributed to the preservation and promotion of traditional Greek music. The artistic journey included numerous albums and performances that celebrated Greek folk heritage. This musician's work resonated with audiences, showcasing the emotional depth and cultural significance of Greek music. Continued to perform and record until death in 1998, leaving a lasting legacy in the music community.
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