Major Events of May 1911: Key Historical Moments from the Month
Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from May 1911 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of May 1911: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 05 May 1911 Progressive Suffrage Bill Advances in UK Parliament: On May 5, 1911, the Conciliation Bill, aiming to grant limited voting rights to women, passed its second reading in the UK House of Commons with a majority of 167 votes. This bill sought to enfranchise women-householders, widows, and spinsters, potentially adding about a million women to the parliamentary register. source: en.wikisource.org
- 06 May 1911 First International Hygiene Exhibition in Dresden: The International Hygiene Exhibition opened in Dresden, Germany, on May 6, 1911. Organized by Karl August Lingner, the exhibition focused on medicine and public health, attracting over five million visitors from 30 countries. It featured 100 buildings and emphasized accessible visual representations of the human body. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 07 May 1911 Germany Warns France Over Moroccan Territorial Intentions: On May 7, 1911, Germany issued a warning to France regarding its territorial ambitions in Morocco, leading to increased diplomatic tensions between the two nations. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 08 May 1911 Pancho Villa's Attack on Ciudad Juarez: On May 8, 1911, Pancho Villa led a significant attack on Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, during the Mexican Revolution, contributing to the eventual resignation of President Díaz. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 09 May 1911 Germany-France Diplomatic Tension over Morocco: On May 9, 1911, diplomatic tensions between Germany and France escalated over Morocco, following Germany's earlier warning to France regarding its territorial ambitions. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 10 May 1911 Bel Kaufman born in Berlin: Bel Kaufman, the renowned author and educator, was born in Berlin on May 10, 1911. She later emigrated to the United States, where she became famous for her novel 'Up the Down Staircase,' which offers a humorous and poignant look at life in a New York City high school. source: nytimes.com
- 11 May 1911 37th Kentucky Derby Held: The 37th Kentucky Derby took place on May 11, 1911, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
- 13 May 1911 37th Kentucky Derby Won by Meridian: Meridian won the 37th Kentucky Derby on May 13, 1911, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.
- 14 May 1911 Hans Vogt - German Composer: Hans Vogt, a German composer and conductor, was born on May 14, 1911, in Danzig. He studied at the Akademie der Künste in Berlin and had a significant career in music, including teaching composition at the Musikhochschule in Mannheim-Heidelberg. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 15 May 1911 National Insurance Act 1911 passed in UK Parliament: The National Insurance Act 1911, introduced by Chancellor of the Exchequer David Lloyd George, was passed by the UK Parliament on May 15, 1911. This landmark legislation established a system of national insurance against illness and unemployment. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 17 May 1911 Birth of Maureen O'Sullivan: Maureen O'Sullivan, an Irish-American actress best known for portraying Jane in the Tarzan film series, was born in Boyle, County Roscommon, Ireland. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 18 May 1911 Death of Gustav Mahler, Renowned Austrian Composer: Gustav Mahler, a prominent Austrian composer and conductor, passed away on May 18, 1911. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 May 1911 Treaty of Ciudad Juárez ends initial phase of Mexican Revolution: The Treaty of Ciudad Juárez marked the end of the initial phase of the Mexican Revolution, concluding hostilities between the government of Porfirio Díaz and revolutionary forces. This treaty set the stage for further political changes in Mexico. source: britannica.com
- 23 May 1911 New York Public Library dedication ceremony: The New York Public Library was officially dedicated on May 23, 1911, marking a significant cultural milestone in New York City. The library has since become a vital resource for education and research. source: britannica.com
- 24 May 1911 Early life of Ne Win in Burma: Ne Win, a significant figure in Burmese history, was born in 1911 and later became the leader of Burma. His early life and experiences shaped his future political career and the direction of the country. source: britannica.com
- 25 May 1911 End of José Porfirio Díaz's Presidential Term in Mexico: Porfirio Díaz resigned as President of Mexico on May 25, 1911, following the Treaty of Ciudad Juárez, marking the end of his 31-year rule. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 26 May 1911 First Indianapolis 500 auto race: The inaugural Indianapolis 500 auto race took place on May 26, 1911, becoming one of the most prestigious events in motorsport history. This race has since evolved into a significant annual tradition in the United States. source: britannica.com
- 27 May 1911 Hubert Humphrey born in Wallace, South Dakota: Hubert Horatio Humphrey Jr., future 38th Vice President of the United States, was born in Wallace, South Dakota, on May 27, 1911. source: senate.gov
- 28 May 1911 Birth of South African cricketer Bob Crisp: Robert James Crisp, a South African cricketer who played nine Test matches between 1935 and 1936, was born in Calcutta, British India, on May 28, 1911. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 29 May 1911 American Tobacco Company Antitrust Dissolution: On May 29, 1911, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the dissolution of the American Tobacco Company, a landmark antitrust decision in the United States. source: justice.gov
- 31 May 1911 Deadly lightning at Epsom Derby: On May 31, 1911, a sudden thunderstorm struck Epsom Downs after the Derby race, causing panic and resulting in the deaths of 17 people and four horses. The storm brought heavy rain, hailstones, and frequent lightning, leading to numerous fatalities among racegoers and animals. source: irishtimes.com