Barbara Walters’ Iconic Farewell
Barbara Walters, a trailblazer in television journalism, signed off for the last time on May 16, 2014, marking the end of a spectacular career that spanned over five decades. Walters was known for her pioneering work as a female news anchor, her interviews with global leaders, and her role as a host and co-creator of […]
The First Academy Awards
The very first Academy Awards ceremony took place on May 16, 1929, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, California. This private dinner event, attended by less than 300 people, marked the beginning of what would become the Oscars, an annual celebration that has grown into the most prestigious and widely watched awards ceremony […]
Louis XVI Marries Marie Antoinette
On May 16, 1770, Louis-Auguste, the French Dauphin who would later become King Louis XVI, married the Austrian Archduchess Marie Antoinette. Their union, intended to solidify the alliance between France and Austria, became one of the most scrutinized and criticized partnerships during the turbulent times leading up to the French Revolution. The extravagant lifestyle and […]
Gasoline Rationing During World War II
On May 15, 1942, seventeen U.S. states began rationing gasoline as part of the wartime effort to conserve fuel during World War II. This measure reflected the broad impact of the war on daily life in the United States and was part of a larger system of rationing that included food and other commodities. Gasoline […]
The Birth of Madeleine Albright
Madeleine Albright, born on May 15, 1937, in Prague, Czechoslovakia, would grow up to become the first female Secretary of State of the United States in 1997. A key figure in American politics, Albright’s tenure was marked by her advocacy for democracy and human rights across the globe. Her leadership and diplomatic skills helped navigate […]
The Outbreak of the Seven Years’ War
The Seven Years’ War, a global conflict that pitted the major powers of Europe against each other, officially began on May 15, 1756, when England declared war on France. Emerging from a series of territorial and colonial disputes, this war involved nearly all the great powers of the time and spanned five continents, affecting Europe, […]
The Legendary Frank Sinatra Passes Away
Frank Sinatra, one of the most influential and popular American musical artists of the 20th century, died on May 14, 1998. Known for his smooth voice and charismatic stage presence, Sinatra’s career spanned five decades, reshaping jazz and pop music. Beyond his musical impact, Sinatra was also known for his film career and his role […]
Lewis and Clark Set Out on Their Expedition
The Lewis and Clark Expedition, commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson after the Louisiana Purchase, began its journey westward from St. Louis, Missouri, on May 14, 1804. Led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, this expedition aimed to explore the newly acquired western portion of the United States and to find a practical route across the […]
Early Smallpox Vaccine is Tested
On May 14, 1796, Edward Jenner, an English physician, tested his hypothesis that cowpox could protect against smallpox by inoculating James Phipps, a young boy, with material taken from cowpox sores. This experiment proved successful, leading to the development of the first vaccine. Jenner’s pioneering work not only introduced the concept of vaccination but also […]
Pope John Paul II Shot
Pope John Paul II was shot and critically wounded by Mehmet Ali Ağca, a Turkish gunman, in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on May 13, 1981. The assassination attempt shocked the world and deeply affected the Catholic community. Pope John Paul II’s remarkable recovery and his subsequent forgiveness of his assailant were widely admired […]