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Aristotle Onassis

Greek-Argentine business magnate

Aristotle Onassis was a prominent figure in the business world, known for owning the world's largest shipping fleet. He had high-profile relationships and ventures, including with Maria Callas and Jacqueline Kennedy. Born in Smyrna, he later moved to Argentina and Monaco, engaging in various business endeavors. He faced personal tragedies, including the loss of his son, Alexander.

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Timeline

Birth of Aristotle Onassis

Aristotle Onassis, a prominent Greek shipping magnate, was born in Smyrna, Turkey (now İzmir).

Aristotle Onassis was born in Izmir on January 15, 1906.

Birth of Aristotle Socrates Onassis

Aristotle Socrates Onassis was born in 1906 in Karataş, Smyrna (now İzmir, Turkey) to Greek parents. He later became a prominent Greek and Argentine business magnate known for his shipping fleet and wealth.

Onassis Family Becomes Refugees after the Greco-Turkish War

During the Greco-Turkish War (1919–22), Smyrna was retaken by Turkey, leading to the loss of the Onassis family's substantial property and forcing them to flee to Greece in 1922.

Aristotle Onassis makes his first millions of dollars

By the age of 25, Aristotle Onassis had already accumulated his first millions of dollars through his successful business ventures. This financial success laid the foundation for his future endeavors as a prominent figure in the shipping industry.

Aristotle Onassis Launches Own Line of Cigarettes

Facing an unsuccessful negotiation with Juan Gaona, head of an Argentine corporation, Aristotle Onassis decided to launch his own line of cigarettes, leveraging his business acumen to generate significant wealth.

Trade Agreement with Argentina

Onassis was tapped by the Greek government to negotiate a trade agreement with Argentina in 1928.

Onassis Obtains Argentine Citizenship

Aristotle Onassis obtained Argentine citizenship in 1929 after establishing his first shipping trading company in Buenos Aires, Astilleros Onassis.

Purchase of First Six Freight Ships

During the Great Depression in 1932, Onassis bought his first six freight ships for a fraction of their actual value.

Construction of First Oil Tanker

Onassis had his first oil tanker built in 1938 and acquired two more by World War II.

Marriage to Athina Livanos

Aristotle Onassis married Athina Mary 'Tina' Livanos, daughter of shipping magnate Stavros G. Livanos, in December 1946. The marriage produced two children but ended in divorce in 1960 due to Onassis's affair with Maria Callas.

Onassis's takeover of Société des bains de mer de Monaco

In 1953, Aristotle Onassis arrived in Monaco and began purchasing shares of Monaco's SBM, which included assets like the Monte Carlo Casino and the Monaco Yacht Club. His takeover was initially welcomed by Monaco's ruler, Prince Rainier III, but their relationship deteriorated over differing visions for Monaco's development.

Aristotle Onassis Charged with Violation of Shipping Laws

In 1954, Aristotle Onassis was charged with violating shipping laws and committing fraud against the U.S. Government. He pleaded guilty and paid a hefty fine of $7 million dollars.

Onassis's Acquisition of Greek Air Transport Industry

In 1956, Aristotle Onassis signed a contract granting him operational rights to the Greek air transport industry. This marked the beginning of his involvement in the aviation sector, leading to the establishment of Olympic Airways.

Founding of Olympic Airways

In 1957, Aristotle Onassis founded Olympic Airways after acquiring operational rights to the Greek air transport industry. This marked the beginning of his significant contributions to the aviation sector and the establishment of a renowned airline.

Speculation of Aristotle Onassis and Maria Callas' Son

There are speculations that Maria Callas gave birth to a son believed to be fathered by Aristotle Onassis in 1959. However, the baby reportedly lived only for a few hours, adding a tragic element to their controversial relationship.

Aristotle Onassis' marriage with Athina Mary ‘Tina’ Livanos ends

Their marriage ended bitterly in 1960 when Athina caught Onassis having an affair.

Onassis Divorced His Wife

In 1961, Aristotle Onassis divorced his wife.

French boycott of Monaco initiated by Charles de Gaulle

In 1962, Charles de Gaulle started a French boycott of Monaco, leading to financial losses and share decline for Onassis in Monaco’s Société des bains de mer de Monaco. As a result, Onassis sold his remaining shares to the state and departed from Monaco.

Reduction of Onassis's stake in SBM

In June 1966, Prince Rainier III approved a plan to create 600,000 new shares in SBM held by the state, reducing Onassis's stake from 52% to under a third. Onassis challenged this in court but lost, leading him to sell his holdings in SBM and leave Monaco.

Onassis Whaling Incident

Onassis' whaling ships were captured by the Peruvian military for whaling too close to Peru's waters without permission, leading to bombs being dropped near the vessels. He eventually sold his company to a Japanese whaling company.

Wedding of Onassis and Jackie Kennedy

On 20 October 1968, Aristotle Onassis married Jacqueline Kennedy on his private Greek island, Skorpios. Despite his reputation as a womanizer, their marriage provided Jackie Kennedy with protection and luxury, although it was controversial among conservative Catholics due to Onassis being a divorcee.

SS Arrow Oil Spill in Chedabucto Bay

In 1970, the Liberian-registered tanker SS Arrow, part of Aristotle Onassis's fleet, ran aground and spilled oil into Chedabucto Bay, Nova Scotia. This incident led to a Commission of Inquiry revealing serious operational deficiencies.

Birth of Alexander Onassis

Alexander Onassis, son of Aristotle Onassis and Athina Mary Livanos, was born on July 30, 1973.

Death of Aristotle Onassis

Aristotle Onassis died at the age of 69 at the American Hospital of Paris in France. He was buried on his island of Skorpios in Greece.

Death of Christina Onassis

Christina Onassis, another child of Aristotle Onassis, died at an early age in 1988, leaving his granddaughter as the sole heir of his multibillion-dollar estate.

End of the Timeline
Aristotle Onassis

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