previous year1909
1910191119121913191419151916191719181919
1920next year

Major Events of May 1915: 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 1915 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

history

Major Events of May 1915: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 May 1915 RMS Lusitania's final voyage: On May 1, 1915, the British ocean liner RMS Lusitania departed New York for Liverpool. Five days later, on May 7, it was torpedoed by a German U-boat off the coast of Ireland, resulting in the deaths of 1,198 people, including 124 Americans. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 02 May 1915 Gorlice–Tarnów Offensive in World War I: The Gorlice–Tarnów Offensive, launched by the Central Powers on May 2, 1915, was a significant military campaign on the Eastern Front during World War I, resulting in the capture of large areas of Russian territory. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 03 May 1915 Writing of 'In Flanders Fields': On May 3, 1915, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote the poem 'In Flanders Fields' during World War I, inspired by the death of his friend and the sight of poppies growing among soldiers' graves. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 04 May 1915 Italy abandons Triple Alliance: On May 4, 1915, Italy declared its neutrality in World War I, effectively abandoning the Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 05 May 1915 Gorlice–Tarnów Offensive: Major Russian Army collapse: On May 5, 1915, the Gorlice–Tarnów Offensive commenced, leading to a significant collapse of the Russian Army on the Eastern Front. This offensive was a pivotal moment in World War I, resulting in substantial territorial gains for the Central Powers. The Russian forces faced severe losses and were forced to retreat. source: britannica.com
  • 06 May 1915 Second Battle of Krithia in Gallipoli Campaign: The Second Battle of Krithia took place on May 6, 1915, during the Gallipoli Campaign. Allied forces aimed to capture the village of Krithia but faced fierce resistance from Ottoman troops. The battle resulted in heavy casualties and demonstrated the challenges of the campaign. source: britannica.com
  • 07 May 1915 Sinking of the RMS Lusitania: On May 7, 1915, the RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat off the coast of Ireland, resulting in the deaths of 1,198 passengers and crew. This event had significant political ramifications, influencing public opinion in the United States and contributing to the country's eventual entry into World War I. source: britannica.com
  • 08 May 1915 41st Kentucky Derby won by Regret: On May 8, 1915, Regret became the first filly to win the Kentucky Derby, marking a historic moment in horse racing. This victory was celebrated and remains a significant part of Derby history, showcasing the capabilities of female horses in competitive racing. source: britannica.com
  • 09 May 1915 Second Battle of Artois in World War I: The Second Battle of Artois commenced on May 9, 1915, as part of the larger campaign on the Western Front during World War I. This battle involved significant fighting between Allied and German forces, contributing to the ongoing stalemate of trench warfare. source: britannica.com
  • 10 May 1915 Second Battle of Artois: During World War I, the French launched a strategic feint attack to divert enemy attention while simultaneously repositioning new cavalry divisions to support the Tenth Army's military operations.
  • 14 May 1915 May 14 Revolt in Lisbon: On May 14, 1915, a military uprising in Lisbon, Portugal, led by Álvaro de Castro and General Sá Cardoso, overthrew the dictatorship of General Pimenta de Castro. The revolt aimed to restore the principles of the 1911 Constitution, resulting in the establishment of a Constitutional Junta and the resignation of President Manuel de Arriaga. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 15 May 1915 Costly British Offensive in Artois During World War I: On May 15, 1915, British forces launched the Battle of Festubert in the Artois region of France, part of the Second Battle of Artois. Despite a continuous three-day bombardment, the offensive resulted in approximately 16,648 British casualties and minimal territorial gains, marking it as a costly endeavor. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 16 May 1915 Battle of Hill 60: Gas Warfare Tactics: On May 16, 1915, during the Second Battle of Ypres, the Battle of Hill 60 saw the first large-scale use of poison gas by the British on the Western Front. The attack aimed to capture the strategically important Hill 60, but despite initial successes, the offensive ultimately failed to achieve its objectives. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 17 May 1915 Russian and Armenian Relief Forces in Van: On May 17, 1915, Russian and Armenian relief forces entered the city of Van in the Ottoman Empire to provide assistance to the Armenian population during the Armenian Genocide. This intervention aimed to alleviate the suffering of Armenians facing deportation and mass killings. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 18 May 1915 Battle of Festubert: Canadian Division's World War I Offensive: On May 18, 1915, the Canadian Division participated in the Battle of Festubert, a British offensive in the Artois region of France. The Canadians faced heavy casualties and challenging conditions, contributing to the overall British effort on the Western Front. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 19 May 1915 Third attack on Anzac Cove during Gallipoli Campaign: On May 19, 1915, Ottoman forces launched a third assault on the Allied positions at Anzac Cove. Despite initial surprise, the ANZAC troops were prepared and repelled the attack, resulting in heavy Ottoman casualties and minimal Allied losses. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 20 May 1915 Birth of Moshe Dayan: Moshe Dayan, an influential Israeli military leader and politician, was born on May 20, 1915, in Kibbutz Degania Alef, then part of the Ottoman Empire. He became a prominent figure in Israeli military history and politics. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 21 May 1915 Second Battle of Artois: French Resistance Under German Assault: On May 21, 1915, during the Second Battle of Artois, French forces faced a significant German assault. Despite the pressure, the French troops demonstrated resilience in defending their positions.
  • 25 May 1915 Allies evacuate Gallipoli Peninsula: The Gallipoli Campaign, initiated by the Allies in 1915, concluded with the evacuation of Allied forces from the Gallipoli Peninsula. The operation aimed to secure a sea route to Russia but resulted in heavy casualties and was deemed unsuccessful. source: britannica.com