Major Events of May 1922: 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 1922 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of May 1922: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 06 May 1922 Lynching of three Black men in Kirvin, Texas: On May 6, 1922, three Black men—McKinley "Snap" Curry, Johnny Cornish, and Mose Jones—were lynched in Kirvin, Texas, after being accused of the alleged murder of a 17-year-old white girl, Eula Ausley. The incident was part of a series of lynchings in the region during that period. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 07 May 1922 Coupe de France Final: Red Star Olympique secured a decisive victory against Stade Rennais UC in the Coupe de France Final, winning 2-0 and claiming the prestigious football championship.
- 08 May 1922 Eight sentenced to death in Moscow for opposing church property confiscation: On May 8, 1922, eight priests, two laymen, and one woman were sentenced to death in Moscow for resisting the Bolshevik government's requisitioning of church treasures. This action was part of a broader campaign by the Soviet authorities to seize church valuables to fund famine relief efforts. The trials and executions were part of a series of repressive measures against the Russian Orthodox Church during this period. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 13 May 1922 48th Kentucky Derby won by Morvich: On May 13, 1922, Morvich, a California-bred Thoroughbred, won the 48th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, becoming the first California-bred to secure the title. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 17 May 1922 British Army transfers Portobello Barracks to Irish Free State: On May 17, 1922, the British Army handed over Portobello Barracks in Dublin to the newly-formed National Army of the Irish Free State. This event marked a significant step in the implementation of the Anglo-Irish Treaty, symbolizing the transfer of military control to the Irish government. source: gov.ie
- 21 May 1922 Yankees Ownership Transaction: On May 21, 1922, Colonel Jacob Ruppert purchased Tillinghast L'Hommedieu Huston's interest in the New York Yankees for $1.5 million, becoming the sole owner of the team. source: mlb.com
- 22 May 1922 Assassination of William J. Twaddell: On May 22, 1922, William John Twaddell, a Unionist politician from Belfast, was assassinated by the Irish Republican Army while walking in Garfield Street, Belfast. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 26 May 1922 Lenin's first major health crisis: On May 26, 1922, Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin suffered a significant stroke, leading to partial paralysis and impaired speech. This event marked a critical turning point in Soviet leadership, as Lenin's reduced capacity created uncertainty about the revolution's future direction. source: britannica.com
- 27 May 1922 Paraguayan Civil War erupts: On May 27, 1922, a significant political crisis unfolded in Paraguay when President Eusebio Ayala unilaterally canceled planned presidential elections, triggering a civil war. This event highlighted the fragile democratic processes in early 20th-century South American politics and demonstrated the ongoing political instability in the region. source: takemeback.to
- 31 May 1922 Birth of Denholm Elliott, renowned British actor: Denholm Elliott, an English actor known for his roles in films such as 'Trading Places' and 'A Room with a View,' was born in Kensington, London. source: en.wikipedia.org