Major Events of May 1991: Key Historical Moments from the Month
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Major Events of May 1991: 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 1991 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of May 1991: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 May 1991 Rickey Henderson breaks MLB base stealing record: On May 1, 1991, Rickey Henderson stole his 939th base, surpassing Lou Brock's previous record of 938. This historic steal occurred during a game between the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees. source: mlb.com
  • 02 May 1991 End of Angolan Civil War: The Angolan Civil War concluded on May 2, 1991, following the signing of the Bicesse Accords on May 1, 1991. This marked the end of a prolonged conflict in Angola. source: mlb.com
  • 03 May 1991 Windhoek Declaration on Media Freedom adopted: The Windhoek Declaration for the Development of a Free, Independent and Pluralistic Press was adopted at a UNESCO seminar in Windhoek, Namibia, from April 29 to May 3, 1991. This declaration laid the foundation for World Press Freedom Day, celebrated annually on May 3. source: press.un.org
  • 04 May 1991 Space Shuttle Discovery launches mission STS-39: On May 4, 1991, the Space Shuttle Discovery launched mission STS-39, a classified Department of Defense mission.
  • 06 May 1991 Time Magazine publishes critical article on Scientology: On May 6, 1991, Time magazine published "The Thriving Cult of Greed and Power," an investigative article by Richard Behar that was highly critical of the Church of Scientology, describing it as a "ruthless global scam." source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 07 May 1991 Tragic fireworks factory explosion in Malaysia: On May 7, 1991, a catastrophic explosion occurred at the Bright Sparklers fireworks factory in Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia. The disaster resulted in 26 deaths and 103 injuries, with 46 homes destroyed and 149 damaged. The explosion was so powerful that it was audible 7–8 km away. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 09 May 1991 Death of Rudolf Serkin: Renowned pianist Rudolf Serkin passed away on May 9, 1991. He was celebrated for his interpretations of classical music and his contributions to the art form. source: nytimes.com
  • 10 May 1991 Death of Armand Boni, Flemish poet and writer: Armand Boni, a notable Flemish poet and writer, died on May 10, 1991. He was recognized for his contributions to Flemish literature and poetry. source: dbnl.org
  • 11 May 1991 Death of North Korean Foreign Minister Ho Dam: Ho Dam, the Foreign Minister of North Korea, passed away on May 11, 1991. He was a significant figure in North Korean diplomacy and politics. source: nytimes.com
  • 12 May 1991 Hollis Stacy Wins LPGA Golf Tournament: Hollis Stacy won the 1991 Crestar-Farm Fresh Classic, an LPGA Tour event held from May 9 to 12, 1991, at Greenbrier Country Club in Chesapeake, Virginia. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 13 May 1991 Apple releases System 7.0: On May 13, 1991, Apple Computer released System 7.0, a significant update to its Macintosh operating system. This version introduced features such as virtual memory, improved multitasking, and a new user interface, enhancing the overall user experience. source: apple.com
  • 14 May 1991 Winnie Mandela sentenced for kidnapping: On May 14, 1991, Winnie Mandela was sentenced to six years in prison for her involvement in the kidnapping of four young men in 1990. The sentence was later reduced to a fine, reflecting the complex political climate in South Africa at the time. source: theguardian.com
  • 15 May 1991 Edith Cresson becomes France's first female prime minister: On May 15, 1991, Edith Cresson was appointed as France's first female Prime Minister, serving under President François Mitterrand. Her tenure marked a significant milestone in French politics, as she was the first woman to hold this position in the country's history. source: bbc.com
  • 16 May 1991 Queen Elizabeth II addresses U.S. Congress: On May 16, 1991, Queen Elizabeth II delivered a historic address to a joint session of the United States Congress. This marked the first time a reigning British monarch spoke before Congress, emphasizing the strong ties between the U.S. and the U.K. source: archives.gov
  • 17 May 1991 Disney's Port Orleans Resort opens: On May 17, 1991, Disney's Port Orleans Resort officially opened in Walt Disney World, Florida. The resort, themed after the French Quarter of New Orleans, has since become a popular destination for visitors to the park. source: wdwinfo.com
  • 18 May 1991 Somaliland declares independence: On May 18, 1991, Somaliland declared independence from Somalia, marking a significant moment in the region's history. This declaration was part of a broader movement for self-determination and has led to ongoing discussions about recognition and governance. source: bbc.com
  • 19 May 1991 Willy T. Ribbs makes Indianapolis 500 history: Willy T. Ribbs made history on May 19, 1991, by becoming the first African American driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500. This milestone was significant for diversity in motorsports. source: nytimes.com
  • 20 May 1991 Michael Jordan wins NBA MVP: On May 20, 1991, Michael Jordan was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player for the 1990-91 season. He led the Chicago Bulls to a franchise-record 61 wins and averaged 31.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. source: upi.com
  • 21 May 1991 Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi: On May 21, 1991, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a suicide bomber in Tamil Nadu. The assassination was attributed to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a separatist organization. source: britannica.com
  • 22 May 1991 Channel Tunnel breakthrough: On May 22, 1991, workers from the United Kingdom and France met under the English Channel, completing the Channel Tunnel. This tunnel, also known as the Eurotunnel, connects Folkestone, England, with Coquelles, France. source: britannica.com
  • 23 May 1991 Cuban troops withdraw from Angola: On May 23, 1991, Cuba announced the withdrawal of its troops from Angola, marking the end of a significant military presence in the country. This decision was part of a broader peace agreement in the region. source: reuters.com
  • 24 May 1991 Operation Solomon begins to airlift Ethiopian Jews: On May 24, 1991, Operation Solomon commenced, facilitating the airlift of thousands of Ethiopian Jews to Israel. This operation was a significant humanitarian effort during a time of crisis in Ethiopia. source: jewishvirtuallibrary.org
  • 25 May 1991 Suriname's general election: Suriname held its general election, marking a significant political event in the country's history. The election results had a profound impact on Suriname's political landscape. source: britannica.com
  • 26 May 1991 Lauda Air Flight 004 tragedy: On May 26, 1991, Lauda Air Flight 004, a Boeing 767-300ER, crashed in Thailand after an uncommanded deployment of the left engine's thrust reverser during climb-out from Bangkok International Airport. The accident resulted in the deaths of all 223 passengers and crew members on board. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 28 May 1991 Ethiopian Civil War ends with capital's fall: The Ethiopian Civil War concluded on May 28, 1991, when the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) captured Addis Ababa, leading to the fall of the Derg regime. This marked a significant shift in the country's political landscape, paving the way for a new government and eventual federal system. source: bbc.com
  • 29 May 1991 US Supreme Court ruling on prosecutor accountability: On May 29, 1991, the US Supreme Court issued a ruling that addressed the accountability of prosecutors in criminal cases. This decision had significant implications for the legal system, emphasizing the responsibilities of prosecutors in ensuring justice. source: law.cornell.edu
  • 30 May 1991 Landmark US Supreme Court decision on prosecutorial accountability: On May 30, 1991, the US Supreme Court delivered a landmark decision regarding prosecutorial accountability, reinforcing the standards for prosecutorial conduct and the implications of misconduct in criminal proceedings. This ruling was pivotal in shaping future legal standards. source: law.cornell.edu