On This Day in History
Discover the most significant historical events that occurred on this day throughout history
May
1 May
1886
International Workers’ Day
Labor demonstrations began in Chicago demanding an eight-hour workday.
Social
1707
Union of Scotland and England
Scotland and England united to form the Kingdom of Great Britain.
سياسة
2 May
1519
Death of Leonardo da Vinci
Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci died in France.
Art
3 May
1494
Discovery of Jamaica
Christopher Columbus reached Jamaica during his voyage.
Discovery
4 May
1980
Death of Josip Broz Tito
Yugoslav leader and co-founder of the Non-Aligned Movement passed away.
Politics
5 May
1818
Birth of Karl Marx
German philosopher and author of "Capital" was born.
Philosophy
6 May
1937
Hindenburg Disaster
The German airship Hindenburg caught fire while landing in New Jersey.
Disaster
7 May
1945
Germany Surrenders in World War II
Germany signed the unconditional surrender ending World War II in Europe.
History
8 May
1884
Birth of Harry Truman
Harry S. Truman, 33rd President of the United States, was born.
Politics
9 May
1950
Schuman Declaration
French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed European integration.
Politics
10 May
1994
Inauguration of Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela became the first Black president of South Africa.
Politics
11 May
1904
Birth of Salvador Dalí
Spanish surrealist painter Salvador Dalí was born.
Art
12 May
1820
Birth of Florence Nightingale
Florence Nightingale, pioneer of modern nursing known as the "Lady with the Lamp", was born.
Science
13 May
1981
Assassination Attempt on Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II was shot in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
Politics
14 May
1948
Declaration of the State of Israel
The State of Israel was declared on Palestinian land.
سياسة
1948
Establishment of the State of Israel
The State of Israel was proclaimed, marking the beginning of the Palestinian Nakba.
Politics
15 May
1948
Palestinian Nakba
The Palestinian Nakba began, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands.
سياسة
1948
Beginning of the Arab-Israeli War
Arab armies moved into Palestine following the declaration of Israel.
History
16 May
1916
Sykes-Picot Agreement
A secret agreement dividing spheres of influence in the Middle East was signed.
Politics
17 May
1940
German Occupation of Brussels
Nazi forces occupied Brussels during World War II.
History
18 May
1944
Deportation of Crimean Tatars
The Soviet Union began the forced deportation of Crimean Tatars.
History
19 May
1925
Birth of Malcolm X
Malcolm X, African American human rights activist and Muslim leader, was born.
Social
20 May
1927
Saudi Independence (Treaty of Jeddah)
Britain recognized the sovereignty of King Abdulaziz over Hejaz and Najd.
Politics
21 May
1927
First Solo Transatlantic Flight
Charles Lindbergh completed the first nonstop solo flight across the Atlantic.
Technology
22 May
1990
Yemeni Unification
The Republic of Yemen was proclaimed after the unification of North and South Yemen.
Politics
1967
Closure of the Strait of Tiran
President Gamal Abdel Nasser ordered the closure of the Strait of Tiran.
سياسة
23 May
1934
Death of Bonnie and Clyde
The infamous criminal duo Bonnie and Clyde were killed in a police ambush.
History
24 May
1844
First Telegraph Message
Samuel Morse sent the first official telegraph message.
Technology
25 May
1963
Founding of the Organization of African Unity
The Organization of African Unity was established (now the African Union).
سياسة
1946
Independence of Jordan
The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan declared independence from the British mandate.
Politics
26 May
1897
Publication of Dracula
Bram Stoker’s novel "Dracula" was first published.
Literature
27 May
1964
Death of Jawaharlal Nehru
India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru passed away.
Politics
28 May
1918
Independence of Armenia and Azerbaijan
Armenia and Azerbaijan declared independence as democratic republics.
Politics
29 May
1453
Fall of Constantinople
The Ottoman forces led by Sultan Mehmed II captured Constantinople.
History
30 May
1431
Execution of Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in France.
History
31 May
1911
Completion of the Titanic
Construction of the RMS Titanic was completed in Belfast.
History