Publication of “Dracula”
“Dracula,” a novel by Irish author Bram Stoker, went on sale in London on May 26, 1897. This gothic horror story introduced the character of Count Dracula and established many conventions of subsequent vampire fantasy. The novel has had a profound impact on the genre of horror literature and has inspired countless adaptations in film, […]
President Andrew Johnson’s Impeachment Trial
President Andrew Johnson was acquitted in his Senate impeachment trial on May 26, 1868, narrowly escaping removal from office by one vote. Johnson’s presidency had been marked by contentious relations with Congress, particularly regarding policies of Reconstruction and the treatment of the defeated Southern states after the Civil War. His trial, the first impeachment of […]
The Pequot Massacres Begin
On May 26, 1637, the Pequot massacres began with the Mystic Massacre during the Pequot War, one of the first major conflicts between colonists and Native Americans in New England. In a pre-dawn raid, English settlers and their Native American allies set fire to a Pequot village near the Mystic River in Connecticut, killing hundreds […]
The Killing of George Floyd
George Floyd, an African American man, was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25, 2020. Captured on video, Floyd’s death showed the officer kneeling on his neck for over nine minutes, leading to widespread outrage. This event ignited historic protests across the United States and around the world, calling for an […]
“Star Wars” Revolutionizes Cinema
On May 25, 1977, “Star Wars” opened in theaters and fundamentally changed the landscape of motion pictures. Created by George Lucas, this groundbreaking film introduced audiences worldwide to its epic storytelling, special effects, and complex mythology, spawning a massive franchise. Its release marked a watershed moment in film history, influencing countless filmmakers and captivating generations […]
The Beginning of the Constitutional Convention
The Constitutional Convention began on May 25, 1787, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with the aim of addressing the inadequacies of the Articles of Confederation. This gathering of delegates, including George Washington, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin, led to the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. The Constitution would become a foundational document of the United States, establishing […]
The Sinking of HMS Hood by the Bismarck
In a significant naval confrontation during World War II, the German battleship Bismarck sank Britain’s HMS Hood on May 24, 1941. The battle occurred in the North Atlantic, where the Hood, one of the pride ships of the Royal Navy, was struck and sunk within minutes, resulting in the loss of all but three of […]
The Opening of the Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge, an iconic feat of 19th-century engineering, officially opened to the public on May 24, 1883. Connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn across the East River, the bridge was celebrated as an engineering marvel of its time, featuring the longest suspension bridge span in the world at that point. Its construction, led by John A. […]
John Hancock Assumes a Pivotal Role
John Hancock was unanimously elected President of the Second Continental Congress on May 24, 1775, amid growing tensions between the thirteen American colonies and the British Crown. Hancock’s leadership came at a crucial time, as the Congress grappled with the onset of the American Revolutionary War following battles at Lexington and Concord. Known for his […]
Tsunami Devastates Hawaii
A massive tsunami, triggered by a powerful earthquake off the coast of Chile, struck the Hawaiian Islands on May 23, 1960. This deadly wave resulted in significant loss of life and property, highlighting the vulnerabilities of island communities to oceanic natural disasters. The tragedy spurred advancements in tsunami detection and warning systems, leading to better […]