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Major Events of May 1970: 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 1970 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of May 1970: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 May 1970 Nixon announces Cambodian campaign: On May 1, 1970, President Nixon announced the Cambodian Campaign, a series of military operations conducted by U.S. and South Vietnamese forces in eastern Cambodia. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 02 May 1970 96th Kentucky Derby winner: On May 2, 1970, Dust Commander, ridden by jockey Mike Manganello, won the 96th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The horse was trained by Don Combs and owned by Robert E. Lehmann. Dust Commander completed the race in 2:03.4, finishing ahead of My Dad George and High Echelon. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 03 May 1970 New York Knicks win NBA Championship: On May 3, 1970, the New York Knicks secured their first NBA Championship by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. The Knicks won 113-99, with Willis Reed playing a pivotal role despite an earlier injury. This victory marked a significant achievement in the franchise's history. source: nba.com
  • 04 May 1970 Kent State shootings: A tragic day in American protest history: On May 4, 1970, during a protest against the Vietnam War at Kent State University in Ohio, the Ohio National Guard opened fire on unarmed students, resulting in four deaths and nine injuries. This incident intensified national division over the war and led to significant student protests, with around 4 million students striking and temporarily closing approximately 900 colleges and universities. source: apnews.com
  • 05 May 1970 Kyan Douglas birth: Kyan Douglas, born Hugh Edward Douglas Jr., is an American television personality and stylist, best known as the grooming expert on the TV program 'Queer Eye' from 2003 to 2007. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 06 May 1970 First ski descent of Mount Everest: On May 6, 1970, Japanese mountaineer Yuichiro Miura became the first person to ski from the South Col of Mount Everest, descending nearly 6,600 vertical feet. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 08 May 1970 The Beatles release their final album, 'Let It Be': On May 8, 1970, The Beatles released 'Let It Be,' their twelfth and final studio album. Recorded before their previous album, 'Abbey Road,' 'Let It Be' features classics like the title track, 'Get Back,' 'The Long and Winding Road,' and 'Across The Universe.' The album topped the Billboard Album chart for four weeks. source: digital.abcaudio.com
  • 09 May 1970 Death of labor leader Walter Reuther: Walter Reuther, a prominent labor leader and president of the United Auto Workers, died in a plane crash on May 9, 1970. His death marked a significant loss for the labor movement in the United States. source: nytimes.com
  • 10 May 1970 Devastating Lubbock tornado: On May 10, 1970, a powerful tornado struck Lubbock, Texas, causing extensive damage and resulting in fatalities. This event is remembered as one of the most destructive tornadoes in Texas history. source: weather.gov
  • 11 May 1970 Augusta Civil Rights Uprising of 1970: Beginning on May 11, 1970, Augusta, Georgia, witnessed a significant uprising by Black citizens protesting the death of Charles Oatman, a 16-year-old Black teenager who died under suspicious circumstances in the county jail. The unrest led to property damage and the deaths of six Black men. source: georgiahistory.com
  • 12 May 1970 Tragic Race Riots in Augusta, Georgia: On May 12, 1970, the unrest in Augusta, Georgia, continued, resulting in further property damage and the deaths of additional Black residents. The riots were a response to systemic racial injustices and the death of Charles Oatman in the county jail. source: georgiahistory.com
  • 13 May 1970 Franz Stangl war crimes trial begins: The war crimes trial of Franz Stangl, former commandant of the Treblinka and Sobibor extermination camps, began on May 13, 1970. Stangl was charged with the murder of approximately 900,000 Jews during the Holocaust. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 14 May 1970 Andreas Baader's prison break: On May 14, 1970, Andreas Baader, a member of the Red Army Faction, was freed from custody in Berlin. The escape was orchestrated by fellow RAF members, including Ulrike Meinhof, who facilitated his release by creating a diversion and allowing him to flee through a window. This event marked a significant moment in the history of the RAF. source: mustardayonnaise.com
  • 15 May 1970 IOC extends South Africa’s ban from Olympic Games: On May 15, 1970, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) extended South Africa's ban from the Olympic Games, resulting in the country's exclusion from the 1972 Munich Games. This decision was influenced by South Africa's apartheid policies, which led to widespread international condemnation. source: sahistory.org.za
  • 17 May 1970 Hank Aaron reaches 3,000 hit milestone: On May 17, 1970, Hank Aaron of the Atlanta Braves achieved his 3,000th career hit with a single off Cincinnati Reds pitcher Wayne Simpson at Crosley Field. Aaron became the ninth player in Major League Baseball history to reach this milestone, joining an exclusive club of hitters. source: mlb.com
  • 18 May 1970 Release of The Beatles' 'Let It Be' album: On May 18, 1970, The Beatles released their final studio album, "Let It Be." The album features the band's last recorded songs and includes the iconic title track, "Let It Be." source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 20 May 1970 Vietnam War Support March in New York: On May 20, 1970, over 100,000 New Yorkers marched through lower Manhattan to demonstrate support for the Vietnam War and the Nixon administration. The event was organized by the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York, featuring participants such as construction workers and union members. The demonstration was marked by American flags, patriotic tunes, and fervent speeches, with signs denouncing Mayor John Lindsay's anti-war stance. source: janos.nyc
  • 23 May 1970 Soviet nuclear underground test: On May 23, 1970, the Soviet Union conducted a nuclear underground test, part of its ongoing nuclear weapons program. This test was part of a series of tests during the Cold War, contributing to global tensions and arms control discussions. The event is documented in various nuclear test archives. source: ctbto.org
  • 24 May 1970 Kola Superdeep Borehole drilling commences: On May 24, 1970, drilling began on the Kola Superdeep Borehole, a scientific drilling project in Russia aimed at exploring the Earth's crust. This project has provided valuable geological insights and remains one of the deepest boreholes in the world. It has contributed significantly to our understanding of geology. source: britannica.com
  • 25 May 1970 Indiana Pacers win third ABA Championship: On May 25, 1970, the Indiana Pacers secured their third American Basketball Association (ABA) Championship. The Pacers were a dominant team in the ABA during the late 1960s and early 1970s, contributing to the league's growth and popularity. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 27 May 1970 Devastating Ancash earthquake in Peru: On May 27, 1970, a catastrophic earthquake struck the Ancash region of Peru, registering a magnitude of 7.9. The disaster resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction, particularly in the town of Yungay, which was buried under an avalanche triggered by the quake. Estimates suggest that around 66,000 people died as a result of the earthquake and its aftermath. source: britannica.com
  • 28 May 1970 Bobby Moore arrested in Colombia: On May 28, 1970, English footballer Bobby Moore was arrested in Colombia for allegedly attempting to steal a bracelet from a shop. The incident occurred just before the 1970 FIFA World Cup, where Moore was the captain of the England national team. He was later released without charges, and the incident became a notable moment in World Cup history. source: bbc.com
  • 30 May 1970 Jimi Hendrix's penultimate live performance: On May 30, 1970, Jimi Hendrix performed at the Berkeley Community Theatre in California. This concert was part of his 'The Cry of Love Tour' and was recorded for the live album 'Live at Berkeley,' released in 2003. The setlist included classics like 'Hey Joe,' 'Purple Haze,' and 'Voodoo Child (Slight Return),' showcasing Hendrix's enduring influence on rock music. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 31 May 1970 Ancash earthquake in Peru: On May 31, 1970, a devastating earthquake struck the Ancash region in Peru. The earthquake, with a magnitude of 7.9, caused widespread destruction and resulted in significant loss of life. It remains one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in Peruvian history. source: en.wikipedia.org