Major Events of May 1930: 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 1930 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.
Major Events of May 1930: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 01 May 1930 Pluto named: A celestial milestone: On May 1, 1930, the name 'Pluto' was officially adopted for the newly discovered celestial body. The name was suggested by 11-year-old Venetia Burney and was chosen unanimously by the Lowell Observatory staff. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 05 May 1930 1930 Bago earthquake in Burma: On May 5, 1930, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck Burma (now Myanmar), centered near Bago. The earthquake resulted in extensive damage, particularly in Bago and Yangon, with at least 550 fatalities and possibly up to 7,000. A moderate tsunami also affected the Burmese coast. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 06 May 1930 Great Salmas earthquake in Iran: On May 6, 1930, a significant earthquake occurred in the Salmas region of Iran, causing widespread destruction and numerous casualties. The exact magnitude and death toll are not specified in the available sources. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 09 May 1930 Lynching of George Hughes in Sherman, Texas: On May 9, 1930, George Hughes, an African American man accused of assaulting a white woman, was lynched by a white mob in Sherman, Texas. The mob stormed the Grayson County Courthouse, set it ablaze with Hughes inside, and subsequently destroyed the Black business district. Martial law was declared, and fourteen men were indicted on various charges, though none for lynching. source: washingtonpost.com
- 10 May 1930 Martial law declared in Sherman, Texas: Following the lynching of George Hughes on May 9, 1930, martial law was declared in Sherman, Texas, on May 10, 1930. The Texas National Guard was deployed to restore order after the white mob's destruction of the Black business district and the burning of the Grayson County Courthouse. source: washingtonpost.com
- 13 May 1930 Death of Fridtjof Nansen: Fridtjof Nansen, the Norwegian explorer, scientist, and humanitarian, died of a heart attack on May 13, 1930, at his home in Lysaker, near Oslo. He was 68 years old. source: britannica.com
- 19 May 1930 White women's voting rights in South Africa: On May 19, 1930, the Women's Enfranchisement Act was enacted in South Africa, granting white women over the age of 21 the right to vote and stand for election. source: sahistory.org.za
- 22 May 1930 Yankees set home run record in doubleheader against Athletics: On May 22, 1930, the New York Yankees played a doubleheader against the Philadelphia Athletics, combining for 14 home runs, setting a then-record for most home runs in a single game. Babe Ruth hit two home runs in the first game, and Lou Gehrig hit three in the second game, contributing to the Yankees' 10-1 and 20-13 victories. source: baseball-reference.com
- 27 May 1930 Chrysler Building opens in New York City: The Chrysler Building, an Art Deco skyscraper designed by William Van Alen, opens in New York City, becoming the world's tallest building at 1,046 feet. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 31 May 1930 Donald Bradman reaches 1,000 runs in English cricket season: On May 31, 1930, Australian cricketer Donald Bradman scored 191 runs against Hampshire, bringing his total to 1,000 first-class runs before the end of May. This achievement made him the first Australian and the fifth player overall to reach this milestone during an English cricket season. source: thenewdaily.com.au