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2. Gosses Bluff Crater, Australia
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3. Diavik Diamond Mine, Canada
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4. Meteor Crater, USA
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5. Kimberley Big Hole, South Africa
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Kimberley (city) is the home of De Beers Consolidated Diamond Mines, some of the world's richest diamond mines, and it is still considered to be the capital of the world's diamond industry. As the centre for the diamond fever of the late 19th century, its foundations began to be dug in 1871 when a diamond was found on a small hill called Colesberg Koppie.
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Digging began and only a few months later more than 30 000 men were frantically excavating for diamonds in an area covering 300m (980ft) by 200m (660ft).
They made short work of the hill and soon plunged down into the earth to a depth of 1100 metres (3,600ft) to create what came to be known simply as the ‘Big Hole'.
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28 million tons of dirt was removed, yielding 14.5 million carats of diamonds and resulting in the creation of the largest man made hole in the world. It was here that the famous Star of Africa was found, a magnificent 83.5 carat diamond. [link, map]
6. Pingualuit Crater, Canada
The Pingualuit Crater (Inuktitut: "where the land rises") is located in the Ungava Peninsula ofQuebec, Canada. It is 3.44 km (2.14 mi) in diameter. The crater is exposed to the surface, rising 160 m (520 ft) above the surrounding tundra and is 400 m (1,300 ft) deep.
A 267 m (876 ft) deep Pingualuk Lake fills the depression, and is one of the deepest lakes in North America. The lake also holds some of the purest fresh water in the world. The lake has no inlets or apparent outlets, so the water accumulates solely from rain and snow and is only lost through evaporation. In terms of transparency, it is one of most transparent lakes in the world, with Secchi disk visible more than 35 m (115 ft) deep. [link, map]
7. Tswaing Crater, South Africa
Tswaing is an impact crater in South Africa. This astrobleme is 1.13 km (0.7mi) in diameter and 100 m (330 ft) deep. The impactor is believed to have been a chondrite or stony meteorite some 30 to 50 m (100-165 ft) in diameter that was vaporized during the impact event.
The name Tswaing means Place of Salt in Tswana and the crater was also formerly known in English: as Pretoria Saltpan crater and in Afrikaans: as Soutpankrater. Water in the crater comes from surface springs, ground water and rain water and is rich in dissolved carbonates and sodium chlorides.
Tswana and Sotho people harvested the salt by filtering and decoction between 1200 and 1800. Between 1912 and 1956 brine was pumped from the floor of the crater by the company SA Alkali Ltd. in order to extract soda and salt. Tswaing is currently on the tentative list for consideration as a World Heritage Site. [link, map]
8. Wolfe Creek Crater, Australia
Wolfe Creek Crater is a well-preserved meteorite impact crater (astrobleme) in Western Australia. It is accessed via the Tanami Road 150 km (93 mi) south of the town of Halls Creek. The crater is central to the Wolfe Creek Meteorite Crater National Park.
The crater averages about 875 metres (2.870 ft) in diameter, 60 metres (197 ft) from rim to present crater floor and it is estimated that the meteorite that formed it had a mass of about 50,000 tonnes. Small numbers of iron meteorites have been found in the vicinity of the crater, as well as larger so-called 'shale-balls', rounded objects made of iron oxide, some weighing as much as 250 kg (550 pounds).
It was brought to the attention of science after being spotted during an aerial survey in 1947, investigated on the ground two months later, and reported in publication in 1949. The European name for the crater comes from a nearby creek, which was in turn named afterRobert Wolfe (early reports misspell the name as Wolf Creek), a prospector and storekeeper during the gold rush that established the town of Halls Creek. [link, map]
9. Grasberg Mine, Indonesia
The Grasberg Mine is the largest gold mine and the third largest copper mine in the world. It is located in the province of Papua in Indonesia near Puncak Jaya, the highest mountain in Papua, and it has 19,500 employees.
It is majority owned through a subsidiary by Freeport-McMoRan, own 90.64% of PT Freeport Indonesia, the principal operating subsidiary in Indonesia, including 9.36% owned through its wholly owned subsidiary, PT Indocopper Investama.
The Government of Indonesia owns the remaining 9.36% of PT Freeport Indonesia. FCX operates under an agreement with the Government of Indonesia, which allows Freeport to conduct exploration, mining and production activities in a 24,700-acre area (Block A). It also conducts exploration activities in an approximate 500,000-acre area (Block B). The 2006 production was 610,800 tonnes of copper; 58,474,392 grams of gold; and 174,458,971 grams of silver. [link, map]
10. Ekati Diamond Mine, Canada
The Ekati Diamond Mine ("Ekati") is Canada's first surface and underground diamond mine. It is located 310 km (190 mi) north-east of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and about 200 km (120 mi) south of the Arctic circle, near Lac de Gras.
Ekati is a joint venture between Dominion Diamond Corporation (80%), and the two geologists who discovered kimberlite pipes north of Lac de Gras, Chuck Fipke and Stewart Blusson each holding a 10% stake in the mine.
Between 1998 and 2009, the mine has produced 40 million carats (8,000 kg or 17,637 lb) of diamonds out of six open pits. As the high grade ore close to surface was depleted, development was completed to access the ore utilizing underground methods. [link, map]
11. Bingham Canyon Mine, USA
The Bingham Canyon Mine, also known as the Kennecott Copper Mine, is an open-pit mining operation extracting a large porphyry copper deposit southwest of Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, in the Oquirrh Mountains. The mine is owned by Rio Tinto Group, an international mining and exploration company headquartered in the United Kingdom.
The copper operations at Bingham Canyon Mine are managed through Kennecott Utah Copper Corporation which operates the mine, a concentrator plant, a smelter, and a refinery. The mine has been in production since 1906, and has resulted in the creation of a pit over 0.6 miles (0.97 km) deep, 2.5 miles (4 km) wide, and covering 1,900 acres (770 ha). It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1966 under the name Bingham Canyon Open Pit Copper Mine.
At 9:30 pm on April 10, 2013, a landslide occurred at the mine. Mining operations were shut down the previous day in anticipation of the slide. The massive slide is expected to cut production of mined copper by 113 kt. [link, map]
The Fimiston Open Pit, colloquially known as the Super Pit, is Australia's largest open cut gold mine. The Super Pit is located off the Goldfields Highway on the south-east edge of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.
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7. Tswaing Crater, South Africa
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8. Wolfe Creek Crater, Australia
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9. Grasberg Mine, Indonesia
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10. Ekati Diamond Mine, Canada
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11. Bingham Canyon Mine, USA
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12. Super Pit, Australia
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The pit is oblong in shape and is approximately 3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi) long, 1.5 kilometres (0.9 mi) wide and 570 metres (1870 ft) deep. At these dimensions, it is large enough to be seen from space.
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Hefshauen - The Blue Town Of Morocco
hefshauen is a little town located on the slopes of Reef Mountains in the north-west of Morocco. First of all the town is famous for its ancient part, where almost all houses are painted various tints of blue. Besides, nearly the half of all Moroccan grass is grown here.
The town was founded in 1471 and till 1920 it had been visited only by three strangers! Today Shefshauen is a beloved place for tourists, but still it preserves its uniqueness. Houses of Medina (ancient city) are painted blue in the lowest part.
April is a blossom time in Shefshauen, there are many flowers in the town. As the town is in the mountains it's often cloud-capped.
Only In Africa
Oldest InhabitedCities in the World
Earliest inhabitation: 250 B.C.E.
While this modern-day city celebrates its 2060th birthday this July, it was actually inhabited many years earlier by this tribe.
Earliest inhabitation: 1400 B.C.E.
Considered the cradle of Western civilization, this history-rich city is the birthplace of a modern form of government and hosted this inaugural sporting event.
Earliest inhabitation: 1100 B.C.E.
Located on a land spit in the south of Spain, this ancient city was the principal trading post for its founding tribe. Currently, this seaside city is home to a Spanish military branch.
Earliest inhabitation: 1500 B.C.E.
Often referred to as this by Arabs, this ancient city is located in modern-day northern Afghanistan. A famous explorer described Balkh as "a noble and great city."
Earliest inhabitation: 2750 B.C.E.
The legendary birthplace of Dido, the historically rich, modern-day city of Tyre boasts a large and active tourist industry.
Earliest inhabitation: 1000 B.C.E.
Also known by this name to English speakers, Varanasi is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. It was settled on the banks of a sacred river and is regarded as a holy city by Hindus, practitioners of this religion and Jains.
Earliest inhabitation: 500 B.C.E.
Located in this central Mexican state, this small colonial city is home to a multitude of Catholic churches, including this famous religious tourist attraction.
Earliest inhabitation: 4300 B.C.E.
The capital of Syria, Damascus is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Settled during the transition from the middle to late Bronze Age, this thriving city is considered one of the major religious and cultural centers of the region.
Earliest inhabitation: 1400 B.C.E.
Named this by the founding Phoenicians, the modern city of Larnaca is known for its beautiful seafront and numerous beaches
Earliest inhabitation: 1565 C.E.
Founded in the mid-1500s by a Spanish explorer, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S.. The modern-day city has become a popular tourist attraction for its Spanish colonial buildings
Earliest inhabitation: 2800 B.C.E.
The spiritual center for believers of Christianity, Judaism and Islam, this holy city has been captured 44 times and destroyed twice throughout its tumultuous history
Earliest inhabitation: 1200 B.C.E.
This densely populated capital city boasts a rich history. Located where a river empties into an ocean, the city has maintained a strong trading harbor and is recognized throughout the world as an alpha city
Earliest inhabitation: 3000 B.C.E.
As Lebanon's modern-day capital city as well as its cultural and economic center, this city has a history spanning about 5,000 years.
Earliest inhabitation: 9000 B.C.E.
Dating back 11,000 years, this city is considered by most archaeologists to be the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. With numerous small lakes and springs, it is described in a holy text as the "city of palm trees"
Earliest inhabitation: 753 B.C.E.
According to legend, these legendary Roman twin brothers founded the city in 753 B.C.E. Today Italy's capital city is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the world due to its plentiful archaeological and artistic treasures
Earliest inhabitation: 3650 B.C.E.
Located in southern Turkey, this ancient city has a history dating all the way back to its early Bronze Age inhabitants.
Earliest inhabitation: 1400 B.C.E.
The ancient rival of another Greek city, Thebes ruled a confederacy in the fifth century B.C.E. and was a powerhouse due to a historic invasion. Today the city is a bustling market town
Earliest inhabitation: 4300 B.C.E.
The largest city in Syria, Aleppo is located at the end of a famous trade route and was originally founded under this name. Rich in history, this modern-day city lures adventurous travelers from around the world
Earliest inhabitation: 4000 B.C.E.
A major cultural center, this city is the second largest in Bulgaria and at one time was ruled by these empire builders. Today the city showcases many ancient remains, including this engineering invention
Earliest inhabitation: 4200 B.C.E.
This ancient city was the setting of an Athenian tragedy, the oldest surviving play in history. Today a modern Iranian town is located on the site of the ancient city of Susa.
Earliest inhabitation: 5000 B.C.E.
Originally founded in 5000 B.C.E. under this name, this city was renamed Byblos by another ancient people. Today the city is known by its Arabic name, Jubayl
Earliest inhabitation: 2200 B.C.E.
Situated 150 miles north of this city, Kirkuk was built on the site of an ancient Assyrian capital. Today the city is the headquarters of a lucrative Iraqi industry.
Earliest inhabitation: 4000 B.C.E.
Located south of this Egyptian city, the modern city of Faiyum occupies part of an ancient city whose people worshipped a sacred animal. It is the oldest Egyptian city on record.
Earliest inhabitation: 2300 B.C.E.
A major stop along a major trading route, this Iraqi city is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating back to 2300 B.C.E. An ancient fortress still stands in the historical heart of Abril and is a popular tourist attraction.
Earliest inhabitation: 4000 B.C.E.
One of the most important Phoenician cities, this ancient municipality is said to have been visited by a holy figure, as well as an ancient conqueror who captured the city in 333 B.C.E.
Real Paradise On Earth
Colorful Under Ground Lakes
Photography
Beauty of Greece
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The Island Of Delos - Greece
The excavations in the island are among the most extensive in the Mediterranean; ongoing work takes place under the direction of the French School at Athens and many of the artifacts found are on display at the Archaeological Museum of Delos and the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.
Established as a cult centre, Delos had an importance that its natural resources could never have offered. In this vein Leto, searching for a birthing-place for Artemis and Apollo, addressed the island:
Delos, if you would be willing to be the abode of my son Phoebus Apollo and make him a rich temple --; for no other will touch you, as you will find: and I think you will never be rich in oxen and sheep, nor bear vintage nor yet produce plants abundantly. But if you have the temple of far-shooting Apollo, all men will bring you hecatombs and gather here, and incessant savour of rich sacrifice will always arise, and you will feed those who dwell in you from the hand of strangers; for truly your own soil is not rich.
—Homeric Hymn to Delian Apollo
According to Greek mythology, Delos was the birthplace of Artemis and Apollo, the twin offspring of Zeus by Leto. When Leto was discovered to be pregnant, Zeus' jealous wife Hera banished her from the earth, but Poseidon took pity on her and provided Delos as a place for her to give birth in peace.
By the 7th century, Delos was also the political capital of the Amphictionic League. The Athenians soon joined the league and assumed control, giving the Delians trouble on a regular basis until around 315 BC, when the Egyptians became the rulers of the Aegean Sea.
A Roman legate built defensive walls around the city in 66 BC, but by then Delos was on its way out. It was gradually abandoned in the centuries that followed. In the 2nd century AD, Pausanius recorded that it was inhabited only by the temple guards.
Delos was never forgotten, however, which meant further destruction and looting by the successive rulers of the area - pirates, Knights of St. John, Venetians, Turks - as well as its neighbors Mykonos and Tinos. In the 17th century, Sir Kenelm Digby removed some marbles from Delos for the collection of Charles I.
Formal excavation work began in 1872 by the French School of Archaeology, which still continues today. The island is still uninhabited except for the French archaeologists and site guardians.
Boats from Mykonos arrive on the west coast of Delos Island, in the Commercial Harbor near the south end of the ruins. The island is small, only 1.2km wide and covering 5 sq km of barren, hilly landscape.
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Incredible Island Airports
1. Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Maldives
Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, more commonly known as Malé International Airport, previously known as Hulhulé Airport, is the main international airport in the Maldives. It is located on Hulhulé Island in the North Malé Atoll, nearby the capital island Malé.
Today, Ibrahim Nasir International is well connected with major airports around the world, mostly serving as the main gateway into the Maldives for tourists. Moreover, despite the upgrading of Gan Airport to international standard, Ibrahim Nasir International is currently the only internationally active airport in the country.
On 26 July 2011, Male' International Airport was officially renamed as 'Ibrahim Nasir International Airport' in memory of Ibrahim Nasir, 2nd President of the Maldives. He is known for initiating the airport in 1960.
The airport resides at an elevation of 6 feet (2m) above mean sea level. It has one runway with an asphalt surface measuring 3,200 m × 45 m (10,499 ft × 148 ft). [link, map]
2. Chūbu Centrair International Airport, Japan
Chūbu Centrair International Airport is an airport on an artificial island in Ise Bay, Tokoname City in Aichi Prefecture, 35 km (22 mi) south of Nagoya in central Japan.
Airport is classified as a first class airport and is the main international gateway for the Chūbu ("central") region of Japan. Chūbu is Japan's third off-shore airport, after Nagasaki Airport and Kansai International Airport, and is also the second airport built in Japan on a manmade island. There are currently 5 offshore airports in Japan, including Kobe Airport and Kitakyushu Airport.
The main terminal is shaped like a "T," with three piers radiating from a central ticketing area. This design keeps check-in distances below 300 m (980 ft). Originally, designers planned to make the main terminal resemble an origami crane from above, but this plan was abandoned due to cost.
Some 11,721,673 people used the airport in 2006, ranking 8th busiest in the nation. 273,874 tons of cargo was moved in 2005. For the fiscal year ending in March 2011, the above figures have dropped considerably to 9.06 million passengers.
Combined international and domestic cargo figures totaled just 151,000 tons for the same year, a dramatic drop that can be largely blamed on the substantially weakened manufacturing economy since the fall of 2008 in the Aichi region. [link, map]
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2. Chūbu Centrair International Airport, Japan
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3. Maamigili Airport, Maldives
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4. Kobe Airport, Japan
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5. Hong Kong International Airport, China
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source Incredible Island Airports, Nice n Funny
6. Henderson Field, USA
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7. Kitakyushu Airport, Japan
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8. Macau International Airport, China
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9. Kansai International Airport, Japan
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10. Nagasaki Airport, Japan
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11. Marshall Islands International Airport, Marshall Islands
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Beauty of Pelion
Pelion stretches from north to south, presenting a crescent, which forms Pagasiysky Bay. Its west side is looking inside the the bay, while Eastern part is facing to Halkidiki and is washed by crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Since ancient times, the history of this region is closely intertwined with the mythology of bewildered paths once walked by the centaurs (mythical half people half horses), the coolness, the abundance of springs and small waterfalls enjoyed the gods of Olympus, which was the summer residence of Pelion.
Pelion is famous for its traditional and mountain villages (out of 24), where you can enjoy not only an abundance of greenery, flowers, colorful local architecture, but also taste the traditional dishes of the region.
The beauty and hospitality of Pelion is appreciated not only by tourists from different countries, but the "stars" of Hollywood. A famous movie "Mamma Mia" was filmed here.
Come to Pelion and make sure that there is a unique nature in its beauty, the most delicious dishes in Greece and very spiritual people, who with all the hospitality welcome you to Pelion!
1. Mustique
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Royal – Princess Margaret
The Princess is well known for visiting her favourite hideaway in the Caribbean, and has been doing so since the early 1960’s. The house was a gift to herself and Lord Snowdon and was built by set designer Oliver Messel. The house is available to rent From $18,000 per week.
2. Skagen, Denmark
Royal – Danish Crown Prince Frederik
Once popular with artist’s this tiny little fishing village of Skagen is now the summer destination for the Crown Prince Frederik and his family. It is a beautiful place, with tiny red tiled houses, wild and rugged landscape and rolling sand dunes.
3. Mount Kenya, Kenya
Royal – Prince William & Kate Middleton
Not for the faint hearted, this little cabin where it is rumoured that the Prince popped the question to Kate Middleton, is sat upon the slopes of Mount Kenya. Inaccessible by road, this log cabin can only be reached by the air, by horse or via a seven mile hike. The cabin does not even have electricity and is surrounded by prides of Lions, Rhino herds and Hyenas. of course the couple had staff at the cabin who would cook for them, and I’m guessing make them as comfortable as possible, so it can’t be all bad. Stay per night at the cabin is $360.
4. Klosters, The Swiss Alps
Royal – Prince Charles
One of Prince Charles’ favourite destinations is Klosters in the Alps, he has been going to the Parsenn skiing destination for around 40 years, in fact one of the cable cars is even called the Prince of Wales. He stays at the Hotel Walserhof in Klosters on his visits, I’m guessing he stays in one of the suites.
5. Balmoral, Scotland
Royal – Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip
The castle was purchased by Queen Victoria in 1848, and has been the Scottish residence of the Royals ever since. Queen Elizabeth loves the outdoors and enjoys picnics, horse riding and driving around the 64,000 estate in her Range Rover. The Castle is open to the public for Winter tours in early October to early December.
6. Costa Smeralda, Sardinia
Royal – Saudi Royal Family
Since being created by Prince Karim Aga Khan IV in 1962, this vacation spot on the Northern part of the Sardinian island has been a destination for the rich and famous. The Saudi Royal Family can be found enjoying many holidays here, and this is also the place that Princess Diana spent her last holiday with Dodi Al Fayed. If you would like to stay on the island, you could stay at the Cala di Volpe for a cost of $725 a night.
7. Majorca, Spain
Royal – King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain
The King and Queen of Spain spend their summers at Marivent Palace on the Balearic island of Majorca. The king is a yachting enthusiast so can often be seen out on the water and the Queen can be found taking her grandchildren shopping in Palma de Majorca, or to the water park.
8. St.-Tropez, France
Royal – King Abdullah and Queen Rania of Jordan
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Fabulous Royal Weddings
PRINCE CHARLES & LADY DIANA SPENCER
July 29, 1981
The wedding of William and Kate will likely be the biggest since his parents' ceremony, watched by millions and millions of people all over the world.
RANIA & PRINCE ABDULLAH OF JORDAN
June 16, 1993
Nowadays Queen Rania is probably one of the world's best known — and most stylish — royals.
CROWN PRINCE PAVLOS OF GREECE & MARIE-CHANTAL MILLER
July 1, 1995
While her sisters Pia Getty and Alexandra von Furstenberg also married well, Marie-Chantal is the only Miller sister to marry official royalty.
PRINCE JUAN CARLOS OF SPAIN & PRINCESS SOPHIA OF GREECE
May 14, 1962
More than 150 members of Europe's royal families witnessed the wedding of the eldest daughter of the King of Greece and the future King of Spain.
PRINCE FREDERIK OF DENMARK & MARY DONALDSON
May 14, 2004
It's been reported that the Crown Prince of Denmark and the then-civilian Ms. Donaldson met at a pub in Sydney during the 2000 Summer Olympics.
PRINCE RAINIER OF MONACO & GRACE KELLY
April 19, 1956
In true fairy-tale fashion, movie star and fashion icon Grace Kelly married her Prince Charming in a ceremony that was broadcast across Europe.
PRINCE FELIPE OF SPAIN & LETIZIA ORTIZ
May 22, 2004The Princess's wedding day ensemble included an ivory-colored gown with a 15-foot-long train and a platinum-and-diamond tiara which was worn at the nuptials of the groom's mother, Queen Sophia.
CROWN PRINCESS VICTORIA OF SWEDEN & DUKE DANIEL
June 19, 2010
After their wedding, the couple was driven through Stockholm in a coach and then rowed in an antique royal barge to a banquet at the castle.
PRINCESS SAYAKO OF JAPAN & YOSHIKI KURODA
November 15, 2005
After her wedding, the princess actually gave up her imperial title and left the Japanese Imperial Family, as required by law.
PRINCESS VICTORIA & VISCOUNT LASCELLE
January 1, 1922
This wedding was the first royal occasion in which Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (later the Queen Mother), participated.
DUKE & DUCHESS OF WINDSOR
June 3, 1937
American socialite Wallis Simpson lived a glamorous life that was the source of much fascination and speculated scandal, even after the Duke's death in 1972.
TATIANA BLATNIK & PRINCE NIKOLAOS OF GREECE
August 25, 2010
Before becoming a princess, Tatiana worked as an event planner for fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg.
PRINCE ANDREW & SARAH FERGUSON
July 23, 1986
The day he married Fergie, Prince Andrew also became the Duke of York and she, of course, became the Duchess.
MARIE ANTOINETTE & DAUPHIN LOUIS-AUGUSTE OF FRANCE
May 16, 1770
Marie Antoinette was officially handed over to her French bearers on May 7, 1770, and met her future husband one week later.
MARGERITA GONZAGA & HENRY II, DUKE OF LORRAINE
April 24, 1606
This 17th century painting depicts the royal in a costume typical of the period, complete with a ruff, or wide collar, and embellished with pearls.
QUEEN ASTRID & BELGIAN KING LEOPOLD III
November 4, 1926
In 1935, the King and Queen were driving along Lake Lucerne when he lost control of the car, killing Astrid and her unborn child.
GUINEVERE & KING ARTHUR
6th Century
Arthur and Guinevere are mainly the stuff of myth and folklore — the most famous example of which is perhaps the legend of the sword Excalibur.
JUPITER & JUNO
In this 16th century painting, the king of the gods places a ring on the finger of his queen.
NAPOLÉON & JOSÉPHINE
March 9, 1796
Because she could not bear him a child, the couple divorced in 1810.
HENRY VIII & ANNE BOLEYN
January 25, 1533
Anne was Henry's second wife and the mother of future Queen Elizabeth I. She was famously beheaded in 1536.
HENRY IV & MARIE DE MÉDICI
December 17, 1600
Talk about a power couple. The six offspring produced by Henry and Marie went on to rule many a country.
QUEEN ELIZABETH II & PRINCE PHILIP
November 20, 1947
The current ruling monarch of Britain now has another big wedding to plan for William and Kate.
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The History of Famous People of 1950s
There are many famous and influential people who came from different fields and became famous in 50’s generation. This is merely a short list of famous people from different walks of lives who make their mark in 1950s.
Marilyn Monroe
Real Name: Norma Jeane Mortenson or Baker
Born: 6/1/26 in Los Angeles, California
Died: 8/5/62
Legendary actress and star of such films as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) and Some Like It Hot (1959). She was married to baseball legend Joe DiMaggio and playwright Arthur Miller (see Arts). She died of an overdose of sleeping pills, which probably was suicide.
Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor
Born: 2/27/32 in London, England
Actress. Her films include National Velvet (1944), A Place in the Sun (1951), Giant (1956) and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), and Cleopatra (1963). She won Oscars for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) and Butterfield 8 (1960). Taylor has been active in fundraising for AIDS-related causes. Her former husbands include Eddie Fisher, Richard Burton (twice) and most recently construction worker Larry Fortensky
list of her hubbies
Elizabeth Taylor's Marriages
Conrad "Nicky" Hilton, Jr. (1950-51) (hotel heir)
Michael Wilding (1952-57) (British actor) (2 sons)
Michael Todd (1957-58) (producer) (he died) (1 daughter)
Eddie Fisher (1959-64) (American singer)
Richard Burton (1964-1974)(Welsh actor)
Richard Burton (1975-1976) (Welsh actor)
John Warner (1976-1982) (US Senator)
Larry Fortensky (1991-1996)
Doris Day
Real Name: Doris von Kappelhoff
Born: 4/3/24 in Cincinnati, Ohio
A singer, actress who was America's No.1 female box office attraction during the late 1950s and '60s. Doris Day starred in a number musicals, comedies, and thrillers, including The Pajama Game (1957) and Pillow Talk (1959), often pairing with Rock Hudson. She later left films to star in the popular TV sitcom The Doris Day Show (1968–73). Her hit songs include Que Sera Sera.
Lucille Ball
Born: 8/6/11 in Jamestown, New York
Died: 4/26/89
Zany comedienne best known and loved for I Love Lucy (1951–57). Lucille Ball won 8 Emmys over the years of her career. Her films include Stage Door (1937) and Mame (1974). She was married to Cuban bandleader Desi Arnaz, with whom she had children Desi Arnaz, Jr. and Lucy Arnaz and later to Gary Morton.
Elvis Presley
Born:1/8/1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi
Died: 8/16/1977 in Memphis, Tennessee
The Elvis Presley section of the FiftiesWeb
James Dean
Born: 2/2/31
Died: 9/30/55
Brooding, rebel actor who achieved cult-figure status after making only three films, Rebel Without a Cause (1955), East of Eden (1955) and Giant (1956). Dean died in a car accident which cut off a promising career.
Frank Sinatra
Born: 12/12/15 in Hoboken, New Jersey
Died: 5/14/98
Both an Academy Award-winning actor and a Grammy Award-winning singer. 'Ole Blue Eyes, the Chairman of the Board is perhaps best known as the leader of the Rat Pack, a group which included Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop. Sinatra was a heartthrob for bobby-soxers who phrasing of songs remains classic. His screen performances include From Here to Eternity (1953) for which he won the Oscar, The Manchurian Candidate (1962), and The Man With the Golden Arm (1955).
John Wayne
Real Name: Marion Michael Morrison
Born: 5/26/1907 in Winterset, lowa
Died: 6/11/1979
Portrayed the quintiessential American hero onscreen. Best known as a cowboy in John Ford directed Westerns such as Stagecoach (1939), Fort Apache (1948) and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949) and Rio Grande (1950). Wayne won an Academy Award for True Grit (1969).
source The History of Famous People of 1950s, Nice n Funny
Marilyn Monroe
Real Name: Norma Jeane Mortenson or Baker
Born: 6/1/26 in Los Angeles, California
Died: 8/5/62
Legendary actress and star of such films as Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) and Some Like It Hot (1959). She was married to baseball legend Joe DiMaggio and playwright Arthur Miller (see Arts). She died of an overdose of sleeping pills, which probably was suicide.
Elizabeth Taylor
Born: 2/27/32 in London, England
Actress. Her films include National Velvet (1944), A Place in the Sun (1951), Giant (1956) and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958), and Cleopatra (1963). She won Oscars for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) and Butterfield 8 (1960). Taylor has been active in fundraising for AIDS-related causes. Her former husbands include Eddie Fisher, Richard Burton (twice) and most recently construction worker Larry Fortensky
list of her hubbies
Elizabeth Taylor's Marriages
Conrad "Nicky" Hilton, Jr. (1950-51) (hotel heir)
Michael Wilding (1952-57) (British actor) (2 sons)
Michael Todd (1957-58) (producer) (he died) (1 daughter)
Eddie Fisher (1959-64) (American singer)
Richard Burton (1964-1974)(Welsh actor)
Richard Burton (1975-1976) (Welsh actor)
John Warner (1976-1982) (US Senator)
Larry Fortensky (1991-1996)
Doris Day
Born: 4/3/24 in Cincinnati, Ohio
A singer, actress who was America's No.1 female box office attraction during the late 1950s and '60s. Doris Day starred in a number musicals, comedies, and thrillers, including The Pajama Game (1957) and Pillow Talk (1959), often pairing with Rock Hudson. She later left films to star in the popular TV sitcom The Doris Day Show (1968–73). Her hit songs include Que Sera Sera.
Lucille Ball
Died: 4/26/89
Zany comedienne best known and loved for I Love Lucy (1951–57). Lucille Ball won 8 Emmys over the years of her career. Her films include Stage Door (1937) and Mame (1974). She was married to Cuban bandleader Desi Arnaz, with whom she had children Desi Arnaz, Jr. and Lucy Arnaz and later to Gary Morton.
Elvis Presley
Died: 8/16/1977 in Memphis, Tennessee
The Elvis Presley section of the FiftiesWeb
James Dean
Died: 9/30/55
Brooding, rebel actor who achieved cult-figure status after making only three films, Rebel Without a Cause (1955), East of Eden (1955) and Giant (1956). Dean died in a car accident which cut off a promising career.
Frank Sinatra
Died: 5/14/98
Both an Academy Award-winning actor and a Grammy Award-winning singer. 'Ole Blue Eyes, the Chairman of the Board is perhaps best known as the leader of the Rat Pack, a group which included Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop. Sinatra was a heartthrob for bobby-soxers who phrasing of songs remains classic. His screen performances include From Here to Eternity (1953) for which he won the Oscar, The Manchurian Candidate (1962), and The Man With the Golden Arm (1955).
John Wayne
Born: 5/26/1907 in Winterset, lowa
Died: 6/11/1979
Portrayed the quintiessential American hero onscreen. Best known as a cowboy in John Ford directed Westerns such as Stagecoach (1939), Fort Apache (1948) and She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949) and Rio Grande (1950). Wayne won an Academy Award for True Grit (1969).
source The History of Famous People of 1950s, Nice n Funny
Harry S. Truman
Harry S. Truman was born on May 8, 1884 in Lamar, Missouri. He became the 33rd President of America and held the prestigious office from 1945 to 1953. In 1950s most American did not expect that Harry Truman would become one of their most highly regarded presidents. It was during the World War II he became famous in history for dropping atom bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and August 9, 1945. Following that Japan surrendered on August. Truman did so to defeat the Axis power.
Rosa Parks
February 4, 1913 October 24, 2005
On December 1, 1955 she boarded a bus in Montgomery, Alabama and sat down in the colored section. Several white passengers then boarded and the driver asked her to give up her seat for one of them . She refused and the driver called the police and she was arrested.
Martin Luther King Jr
January 15, 1929-April, 1968
Assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee He organized and led marches for blacks rights to vote, desegregation, labor rights, and other basic civil rights.
Joseph MacCarthy
November 14, 1908-May 2, 1957
the term "McCarthyism" coined in 1950 in reference to McCarthy's practices, was soon applied to similar anti-communist pursuits
Beginning in 1950, McCarthy became the most visible public face of a peroid of intense anti-communist suspicion inspired by the tensions of the Cold war. He was noted for making claims that there were large numbers of Communists and Soviet spies and sympathizers inside the federal government and elsewhere. Ultimately, McCarthy's tactics and his inability to substantiate his claims led to his being discredited and censured by the United States Senate.
Queen Elizabeth II
Born on April 21, 1926 and (still Living)
She became queen upon the death of her father on February 6, 1952
Married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and has four children and eight grandchildren. Elizabeth II also holds a variety of other positions, among them is Head of the Commonwealth, Supreme Governor of the Church of England, Duke of Normandy, Lord of Mann, and Paramount Chief of Fiji. the Queen regnant of sixteen independent states and their overseas territories and dependencies, which are the United Kindom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Island, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, and Saint Kitts and Nevis
Arthur Miller
Born:10/17/1915 in New York City
Leading American dramatist whose best known work, "Death of a Salesman" (1949) won the Pulitzer Prize. Other works include "The Crucible" (1953), "A View From the Bridge" (1955 also a Pulitzer Prize), "After the Fall" (1964) and the screenplay for "The Misfits" (1961).
Miller's fame increased when he married Marilyn Monroe in 1956, later to divorce in 1961.
In 1957 Miller was convicted of contempt of Congress for refusing to name names to the House Un-American Activities Committee. In 1958 United States Court of Appeals overturned the conviction.
Arthur Miller (Best known as author of death of a Salesman) was born on October 17, 1915 in New York city and was a leading American dramatist who is best known work “Death of the salesman” won the Pulitzer Prize. Miller’s fame increased especially in 1956 when he married Marilyn Monroe. In 1956, Miller was awarder honorary Degree at the university of Michigan but also called before the house Committee on un-American like activities. In 1958, the United States Court of Appeals overturned the conviction.
Luice Armstrong
Luice Armstrong famously known as Satchmo was an American singer and jazz trumpeter born in the early 1900s. He had a strong effect on solo and collective improvisational jazz performances with his distinctive voice and charismatic presence. He was skilled at impressing his audience by bending melody and lyrics, as well as wordless vocalizing. Armstrong whose influence went beyond jazz was once described by Steve Leggett to be perhaps the most important musician of the century of American origin.
Paul Moustapha Anka
Paul Moustapha Anka was a famous singer, actor and songwriter. His fame took root in the 50s when he produces his first hits like “Lonely Boy”, “Put your Head on My Shoulder” and “Diana”.
Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry is a singer, songwriter and guitarist of American origin famous for his pioneering work as a rock and roll artist. He is actually considered to have “assembled” rock and roll putting together its essential pieces.
Maria Callas
Maria Callas was a renowned soprano singer of the fifties who combined bel canto with amazing dramatic gifts. Her exceptional voice, perfect performances and talents earned her the title La Davine.
Sophia Loren
Sophia Loren is an Italian film actress and international sex symbol of modern times. She rose to fame in the 50s to win an Academy Award and become a Hollywood star. Some of her most recognized films include Houseboat, Desire under the Elms and Boy on a Dolphin.
Ernest Hemingway
One of the great American writers of the 20th century. Hemingway's lean stories usually dealt with men living active, dangerous lives, soldiers, fishermen, athletes, bullfighters, who meet challenge and hardship with quiet courage. Works include "A Farewell to Arms" (1929),"To Have and Have Not" (1937), "For Whom the Bell Tolls" (1940), and "The Old Man and the Sea" (1952). Many of Hemingway's books were made into movies. He was awarded the 1954 Nobel Prize in literature
Hemingway shot himself, committing suicide by gun as had his father before him.
South's greatest playwright whose plays reflected his Southern experience. He achieved more fame when many of his plays were made into movies. Works include "The Glass Menagerie" (1945), "A Streetcar Named Desire" (1947 for which he won the Pulitzer), "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (1955 for which he won the Pulitzer) and "Night of the Iguana" (1961).
Born: 5/2/1903 in New Haven, Connecticut
Died: 1998
Pediatrician whose book, "Baby and Child Care" (1946) would become the manual for the parents of Baby Boomers. Spock's book would be translated into 39 languages and sell more than 50 million copies, making it second in sales only to the Bible.
J. D. Salinger
Born: 5/27/1915 in New York City
An American writer whose first major work, "The Caine Mutiny" (1951) was later turned into a popular movie starring Humphrey Bogart. Then came Marjorie Morningstar (1955) which was made into a movie starring Natalie Wood. Two later novels about World War II, The Winds of War (1971) and War and Remembrance (1978), were equally successful and formed the basis for two television miniseries.
"Mickey" Spillane (Frank Morrison Spillane)
Born: 3/9/1918 in Brooklyn, New York
Paperback novels enjoyed banner sales in the Fifties with Mickey Spillane's creation of Mike Hammer at the front of the pack. There have been 13 Mike Hammer books, 2 television series and many movies and made for TV movies. Spillane has sold over 130 million books.
Jackson Pollack
Born:1912 in Cody, Wyoming
Died: 1956
Painter who's style is considered abstract expressionism. His experimentations led to the development of his famous “drip” technique, in which he energetically drew or “dripped” complicated linear rhythms onto enormous canvases. He was killed in an automobile accident.
Rosa Parks
On December 1, 1955 she boarded a bus in Montgomery, Alabama and sat down in the colored section. Several white passengers then boarded and the driver asked her to give up her seat for one of them . She refused and the driver called the police and she was arrested.
Martin Luther King Jr
Assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee He organized and led marches for blacks rights to vote, desegregation, labor rights, and other basic civil rights.
Joseph MacCarthy
the term "McCarthyism" coined in 1950 in reference to McCarthy's practices, was soon applied to similar anti-communist pursuits
Beginning in 1950, McCarthy became the most visible public face of a peroid of intense anti-communist suspicion inspired by the tensions of the Cold war. He was noted for making claims that there were large numbers of Communists and Soviet spies and sympathizers inside the federal government and elsewhere. Ultimately, McCarthy's tactics and his inability to substantiate his claims led to his being discredited and censured by the United States Senate.
Queen Elizabeth II
Born on April 21, 1926 and (still Living)
Married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and has four children and eight grandchildren. Elizabeth II also holds a variety of other positions, among them is Head of the Commonwealth, Supreme Governor of the Church of England, Duke of Normandy, Lord of Mann, and Paramount Chief of Fiji. the Queen regnant of sixteen independent states and their overseas territories and dependencies, which are the United Kindom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Island, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, and Saint Kitts and Nevis
Arthur Miller
Leading American dramatist whose best known work, "Death of a Salesman" (1949) won the Pulitzer Prize. Other works include "The Crucible" (1953), "A View From the Bridge" (1955 also a Pulitzer Prize), "After the Fall" (1964) and the screenplay for "The Misfits" (1961).
Miller's fame increased when he married Marilyn Monroe in 1956, later to divorce in 1961.
In 1957 Miller was convicted of contempt of Congress for refusing to name names to the House Un-American Activities Committee. In 1958 United States Court of Appeals overturned the conviction.
Arthur Miller (Best known as author of death of a Salesman) was born on October 17, 1915 in New York city and was a leading American dramatist who is best known work “Death of the salesman” won the Pulitzer Prize. Miller’s fame increased especially in 1956 when he married Marilyn Monroe. In 1956, Miller was awarder honorary Degree at the university of Michigan but also called before the house Committee on un-American like activities. In 1958, the United States Court of Appeals overturned the conviction.
Luice Armstrong
Paul Moustapha Anka
Chuck Berry
Maria Callas
Sophia Loren
Sophia Loren is an Italian film actress and international sex symbol of modern times. She rose to fame in the 50s to win an Academy Award and become a Hollywood star. Some of her most recognized films include Houseboat, Desire under the Elms and Boy on a Dolphin.
Ernest Hemingway
Born:1899 in Oak Park, Illinois
Died: 7/2/1961One of the great American writers of the 20th century. Hemingway's lean stories usually dealt with men living active, dangerous lives, soldiers, fishermen, athletes, bullfighters, who meet challenge and hardship with quiet courage. Works include "A Farewell to Arms" (1929),"To Have and Have Not" (1937), "For Whom the Bell Tolls" (1940), and "The Old Man and the Sea" (1952). Many of Hemingway's books were made into movies. He was awarded the 1954 Nobel Prize in literature
Hemingway shot himself, committing suicide by gun as had his father before him.
Tennessee Williams (Thomas Lanier Williams)
Born: 3/26/1911 in Columbus, Mississippi
Died: 2/24/1983 in New York CitySouth's greatest playwright whose plays reflected his Southern experience. He achieved more fame when many of his plays were made into movies. Works include "The Glass Menagerie" (1945), "A Streetcar Named Desire" (1947 for which he won the Pulitzer), "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" (1955 for which he won the Pulitzer) and "Night of the Iguana" (1961).
Dr. Benjamin Spock
Died: 1998
Pediatrician whose book, "Baby and Child Care" (1946) would become the manual for the parents of Baby Boomers. Spock's book would be translated into 39 languages and sell more than 50 million copies, making it second in sales only to the Bible.
J. D. Salinger
Born:1/1/1919 in New York City
His work consists mainly of one book and some short stories. But what a book. "The Catcher in the Rye" (1951), a novel about a schoolboy at odds with society, was wildly popular with college students. In 1965, Salinger retreated from public life.Herman Wouk
An American writer whose first major work, "The Caine Mutiny" (1951) was later turned into a popular movie starring Humphrey Bogart. Then came Marjorie Morningstar (1955) which was made into a movie starring Natalie Wood. Two later novels about World War II, The Winds of War (1971) and War and Remembrance (1978), were equally successful and formed the basis for two television miniseries.
"Mickey" Spillane (Frank Morrison Spillane)
Paperback novels enjoyed banner sales in the Fifties with Mickey Spillane's creation of Mike Hammer at the front of the pack. There have been 13 Mike Hammer books, 2 television series and many movies and made for TV movies. Spillane has sold over 130 million books.
Jackson Pollack
Died: 1956
Painter who's style is considered abstract expressionism. His experimentations led to the development of his famous “drip” technique, in which he energetically drew or “dripped” complicated linear rhythms onto enormous canvases. He was killed in an automobile accident.
10 Beloved Political Leaders who were Assassinated
10. ASLAN MASKHADOV (1951 – 2005) : CHECHNYA
Aslan Aliyevich Maskhadov was a leader of the Chechen separatist movement and the third President of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria. He was credited by many with the Chechen victory in the First Chechen War, which allowed for the establishment of the de facto independent Chechen Republic of Ichkeria. Maskhadov was elected President of Chechnya in January 1997. Following the start of the Second Chechen War in August 1999, he returned to leading the guerrilla resistance against the Russian army. He was killed in Tolstoy-Yurt, a village in northern Chechnya, in March 2005.
9. KING FAISAL (1904 – 1975) : SAUDI ARABIA
HRH Faisal ibn Abdul Aziz Al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia ruled from 1964 to 1975. Not exactlypolitical but since he is was a great leader of his country and govt. he is on list. As king he is credited with rescuing the country’s finances and implementing a policy of modernization and reform, while his main foreign policy themes were pan-Islamism, anti-Communism, and anti-Zionism. Faisal viewed the restoration of the country’s finances as his main priority. He continued to pursue his conservative financial policies during the first few years of his reign, and his aims of balancing the country’s budget eventually succeeded, helped by an increase in oil production. Faisal embarked on a modernization project that encompassed vast parts of the kingdom and involved various public sector institutions. The pinnacle of his achievements in modernizing the Kingdom was the establishment of a judicial system, a project led and executed by an international lawyer and judge, the former Syrian Minister of Justice, Zafer Moussly. Several universities were established or expanded during his rule. Many of the country’s ministries, government agencies, and welfare programs were begun during Faisal’s reign, and he invested heavily in infrastructure. He was literally a favourite Saudi King. On March 25, 1975, Faisal was shot point-blank and killed by his half-brother’s son, Faisal bin Musa’id, who had just come back from the United States. The murder occurred at an event where the king or leader opens up his residence to the citizens to enter and petition the king. The stated reason was revenge for Faisal bin Musa’id’s brother Khaled, who had been killed by Saudi Defense Force members while taking part in a demonstration in 1965. Prince Faisal Bin Musa’id was captured directly after the attack and declared officially insane. He was later found guilty of regicide and in June 1975, despite Faisal’s dying request that the life of his assassin be spared, he was beheaded in the public square in Riyadh.
8. THOMAS D’ARCY MCGEE (1825 – 1868) : CANADA
Thomas D’Arcy Etienne Hughes McGee, was an Irish Nationalist, Catholic spokesman, journalist, and a Father of Canadian confederation. He fought for the development of Irish and Canadian national identities that would transcend their component groups. He is, to date, the only Canadian victim of political assassination at the federal level. In terms of economics he promoted modernization, calling for extensive economic development by means of railway construction, the fostering of immigration, and the application of a high protective tariff to encourage manufacturing. Politically active, he advocated a new nationality in Canada, to escape the sectarianism of Ireland. In 1858. On April 7, 1868, McGee participated in a parliamentary debate that went on past midnight. He walked to the doorstep of his Sparks St. apartment afterward, and was assassinated by Patrick Whelan. Patrick J. Whelan, a Fenian sympathizer and a Catholic, was accused, tried, convicted, and hanged for the crime. Decades later, his guilt was questioned and many believe that he was a scapegoat for a Protestant plot.
7. RAFIC HARIRI (1944 – 2005) : LEBANON
Rafic Baha El Deen Al-Hariri, a business tycoon, was the Prime Minister of Lebanon from 1992 to 1998 and again from 2000 until his resignation, 20 October 2004. He headed five cabinets during his tenure. Hariri dominated the country’s post-war political and business life and is widely credited with reconstructing Beirut after the 15-year civil war. Hariri was assassinated on 14 February 2005 when explosives equivalent to around 1000 kg of TNT were detonated as his motorcade drove past the St. George Hotel in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. The investigation, by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, into his assassination is still ongoing and currently led by the independent investigator Daniel Bellemare. In its first two reports, UNIIIC indicated that the Syrian government may be linked to the assassination. Hariri’s killing led to massive political change in Lebanon, including the Cedar Revolution and the withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon.
6. MOHANDAS KARAMCHAND GANDHI (1869 – 1948) : INDIA
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was the pre-eminent political and spiritual leader of India during the Indian independence movement. He pioneered satyagraha—resistance to tyranny through mass civil disobedience, a philosophy firmly founded upon ahimsa, or total nonviolence, which helped India to gain independence, and inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. Gandhi swore to speak the truth and advocated that others do the same. He lived modestly in a self-sufficient residential community and wore the traditional Indian dhoti and shawl. On 30 January 1948, Gandhi was shot while he was walking to a platform from which he was to address a prayer meeting. The assassin, Nathuram Godse, was a Hindu nationalist with links to the extremist Hindu Mahasabha, who held Gandhi responsible for weakening India by insisting upon a payment to Pakistan. Gandhi’s ashes were poured into urns which were sent across India for memorial services. Most were immersed at the Sangam at Allahabad on 12 February 1948 but some were secretly taken away.
5. LIAQUAT ALI KHAN (1896 – 1951) : PAKISTAN
Liaquat Ali Khan was a Pakistani politician who became the first Prime Minister of Pakistan, Foreign Affairs and Commonwealth, Kashmir Affairs and Defence Minister. He was also the first Finance Minister of India in the interim government of India prior to independence of both India and Pakistan in 1946. Liaquat rose to political prominence as a member of the All India Muslim League. He played a vital role in the independence of India and Pakistan. In 1947, he became the prime minister of Pakistan. He is regarded as the right-hand man of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the leader of the Muslim League and first governor-general of Pakistan. Liaquat was given the titles of Quaid-e-Millat (Leader of the Nation), and posthumously Shaheed-e-Millat (Martyr of the Nation). On 16 October 1951, Khan was shot twice in the chest during a public meeting of the Muslim City League at Company Bagh (Company Gardens), Rawalpindi. The police immediately shot the assassin who was later identified as Saad Akbar Babrak. Khan was rushed to a hospital and given a blood transfusion, but he succumbed to his injuries. The exact motive behind the assassination has never been fully revealed.
4. ABRAHAM LINCOLN (1809 – 1865) : UNITED STATES
Abraham Lincoln served as the 16th President of the United States from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He successfully led his country through its greatest internal crisis, the American Civil War, preserving the Union and ending slavery.Lincoln won the Republican Party nomination in 1860 and was elected president later that year. His tenure in office was occupied primarily with the defeat of the secessionist Confederate States of America in the American Civil War. He introduced measures that resulted in the abolition of slavery. Lincoln had closely supervised the victorious war effort, especially the selection of top generals, including Ulysses S. Grant. Historians have concluded that he handled the factions of the Republican Party well, bringing leaders of each faction into his cabinet and forcing them to cooperate. Lincoln successfully defused the Trent affair, a war scare with Britain late in 1861. Lincoln successfully rallied public opinion through his rhetoric and speeches; his Gettysburg Address (1863) became an iconic symbol of the nation’s duty. At the close of the war, Lincoln held a moderate view of Reconstruction, seeking to speedily reunite the nation through a policy of generous reconciliation. Lincoln has consistently been ranked by scholars as one of the greatest of all U.S. Presidents. His was carried out on Good Friday, April 14, 1865. President Lincoln died from the gunshot wound the following morning. Lincoln was shot at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. The American Civil War was drawing to a close, just six days after the large-scale surrender of Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee to Union General U. S. Grant. The assassination was planned and carried out by John Wilkes Booth as part of a larger conspiracy in an effort to rally the remaining Confederate troops to continue fighting.
3. BENAZIR BHUTTO ( 1953 – 2007) : PAKISTAN
Benazir Bhutto was a Pakistani politician who chaired the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), a centre-left political party in Pakistan. Bhutto was the first woman elected to lead a Muslim state, having twice been Prime Minister of Pakistan (1988–1990; 1993–1996). She was Pakistan’s first and to date only female prime minister. Almost everyone was awed by the tireless strength with which she struggles to bring freedom to the people of her country. As the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benazir Bhutto was an icon of the battle for democracy, and stands with only a handful of female executive leaders who have shaped the global events of the last century. On 27 December 2007, Bhutto was killed while leaving a campaign rally for the PPP at Liaquat National Bagh, where she had given a spirited address to party supporters in the run-up to the January 2008 parliamentary elections. After entering her bulletproof vehicle, Bhutto stood up through its sunroof to wave to the crowds. At this point, a gunman fired shots at her and subsequently explosives were detonated near the vehicle killing approximately 20 people. Bhutto was critically wounded and was rushed to Rawalpindi General Hospital but she was pronounced dead within thirty minutes.
2. JOHN F. KENNEDY (1917 – 1963) : UNITED STATES
John Fitzgerald Kennedy was the 35th President of the United States, serving from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. After Kennedy’s military service as commander of the Motor Torpedo Boat PT-109 during World War II in the South Pacific, his aspirations turned political. Kennedy defeated then Vice President and Republican candidate Richard Nixon in the 1960 U.S. presidential election, one of the closest in American history. He was the second-youngest President, the first President born in the 20th century, and the youngest elected to the office, at the age of 43. Kennedy is the first and only Catholic and the first Irish American president, and is the only president to have won a Pulitzer Prize. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. Lee Harvey Oswald was charged with the crime but was shot and killed two days later by Jack Ruby before he could be put on trial. The FBI, the Warren Commission, and the House Select Committee on Assassinations concluded that Oswald was the assassin, with the HSCA allowing for the probability of conspiracy based on disputed acoustic evidence. The event proved to be an important moment in U.S. history because of its impact on the nation and the ensuing political repercussions. Today, Kennedy continues to rank highly in public opinion ratings of former U.S. presidents.
1. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. (1929 – 1968) : UNITED STATES
Martin Luther King, Jr. was an American clergyman, activist, and prominent Afro-American leader in the African American civil rights movement. He has become an iconic figure in the history of American liberalism, best known for his dedication to civil rights. A Baptist minister, King became a civil rights activist early in his career. He led the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott and helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957, serving as its first president. King’s efforts led to the 1963 March on Washington, where King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. There, he expanded American values to include the vision of a color blind society, and established his reputation as one of the greatest orators in American history. In 1964, King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his work to end racial segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other non-violent means. By the time of his death in 1968, he had refocused his efforts on ending poverty and stopping the Vietnam War. He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Freedom in 1977 and Congressional Gold Medal in 2004; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a U.S. national holiday in 1986. On April 4, 1968, a shot rang out as King stood on the motel’s second floor balcony. The bullet entered through his right cheek, smashing his jaw, then traveled down his spinal cord before lodging in his shoulder. The events following the shooting have been disputed. After emergency chest surgery, King was pronounced dead at St. Joseph’s Hospital in an hour. King’s autopsy revealed that though only thirty-nine years old, he had the heart of a sixty-year-old man, perhaps a result of the stress of thirteen years in the civil rights movement. The assassination led to a nationwide wave of riots in more than 100 cities.''
