The Death of Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus, the Italian explorer credited with opening up the Americas to European colonization, died on May 20, 1506, in Valladolid, Spain. Though his voyages were marred by controversies, including his treatment of native populations, his expeditions across the Atlantic are pivotal in the context of global history, fundamentally altering the course of world events […]
The Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
On May 19, 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, in a ceremony that blended traditional British royal customs with modern and personal touches that reflected their unique backgrounds. Their union was celebrated as a marker of contemporary royal dynamics and the increasing diversity of the British royal […]
The Death of Lawrence of Arabia
T.E. Lawrence, better known as Lawrence of Arabia, died on May 19, 1935, from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Lawrence had become legendary for his role during the Arab Revolt against Ottoman Turkish rule during World War I, and his experiences were immortalized in the film “Lawrence of Arabia.” A scholar, writer, and archaeologist, […]
The Execution of Anne Boleyn
Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII of England, was executed on May 19, 1536. Her marriage to Henry had once caused a seismic shift in English religion and politics, leading to the English Reformation. Accused of treason, adultery, and incest—charges widely believed to be fabricated to allow Henry to marry Jane Seymour—Anne’s […]
Facebook’s Historic IPO
Facebook, founded by Mark Zuckerberg and his college roommates, made history on May 18, 2012, when it raised $16 billion in the largest technology initial public offering (IPO) in U.S. history. This landmark event not only reflected Facebook’s immense impact on social media and global communication but also highlighted the booming tech industry’s potential for […]
Mount St. Helens Eruption
On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington State, resulting in one of the most significant volcanic events in the United States in the 20th century. The eruption caused the entire north face of the mountain to slide away, creating a massive avalanche and killing 57 people while causing over a billion dollars […]
The Birth of Pope John Paul II
Pope John Paul II was born Karol Józef Wojtyła on May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland. His papacy, which began in 1978, was one of the longest in history and was marked by his charismatic leadership, profound influence on the Catholic Church’s approach to global issues, and efforts to improve the Church’s relations with Judaism, […]
A Milestone for Marriage Equality
On May 17, 2004, Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to perform legal same-sex marriages following a landmark state court ruling that it was unconstitutional to deny marriage rights to same-sex couples. This historic moment was a significant victory for the LGBTQ+ community and set the stage for the national legalization of same-sex marriage, which […]
Farewell to “Beverly Hills, 90210”
The final episode of “Beverly Hills, 90210” aired on May 17, 2000, after a decade-long run that helped define a generation. The show, which debuted in 1990, captivated audiences with its dramatized portrayal of issues facing teenagers and young adults, from romance and friendship to serious social issues. As one of the most iconic television […]
Brown v. Board of Education Decided
On May 17, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered its decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, ruling that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. This unanimous decision overturned the “separate but equal” doctrine established by Plessy v. Ferguson in 1896, marking a crucial victory in the fight for civil rights. It […]