Major Events of May 1998: 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 1998 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.
Major Events of May 1998: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 02 May 1998 European Central Bank established: The European Central Bank (ECB) was established on May 2, 1998, to oversee monetary policy for the eurozone countries. Wim Duisenberg was appointed as its first president. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 04 May 1998 Theodore Kaczynski sentenced for Unabomber crimes: On May 4, 1998, Theodore Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for his series of bombings. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 06 May 1998 Kerry Wood's Historic Pitching Performance: On May 6, 1998, Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood delivered a remarkable performance by striking out 20 batters in a nine-inning game against the Houston Astros, tying the Major League Baseball record for most strikeouts in a single game. source: mlb.com
- 07 May 1998 Daimler-Benz and Chrysler announce merger: Daimler-Benz AG and Chrysler Corporation announced a $38 billion merger, creating DaimlerChrysler AG, the world's fifth-largest automaker. source: money.cnn.com
- 08 May 1998 India conducts nuclear tests at Pokhran: India conducted five nuclear tests at the Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan, marking its second series of nuclear tests after 1974. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 09 May 1998 Dana International wins Eurovision Song Contest: On May 9, 1998, Israeli singer Dana International won the Eurovision Song Contest in Birmingham, England, with her performance of "Diva," becoming the first openly transgender artist to win the competition. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 10 May 1998 Viktor Orbán becomes Prime Minister of Hungary: On May 10, 1998, Viktor Orbán was elected Prime Minister of Hungary, leading the country with his center-right government. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 May 1998 First Euro coins minted: On May 11, 1998, the first euro coins were minted, marking a significant milestone in the European Union's monetary integration. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 May 1998 Trisakti University shootings and Indonesian political upheaval: On May 12, 1998, Indonesian Army soldiers opened fire on unarmed protesters at Trisakti University in Jakarta, resulting in the deaths of four students. This incident triggered widespread riots and political upheaval, leading to the resignation of President Suharto later that month. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 13 May 1998 International sanctions against India's nuclear tests: In response to India's nuclear tests conducted on May 11 and 13, 1998, several countries, including the United States and Japan, imposed economic and military sanctions on India. These sanctions aimed to pressure India into signing the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty and to curb its nuclear weapons program. source: hindustantimes.com
- 14 May 1998 Frank Sinatra dies at 82: Frank Sinatra, the legendary singer and actor, died of a heart attack in Los Angeles at the age of 82. He was renowned for his contributions to music and film over a career spanning more than five decades. source: news.bbc.co.uk
- 17 May 1998 David Wells pitches perfect game for New York Yankees: On May 17, 1998, David Wells of the New York Yankees pitched a perfect game against the Minnesota Twins, becoming the 15th pitcher in Major League Baseball history to achieve this feat. Wells faced 27 batters and recorded 11 strikeouts during the game, which took place at Yankee Stadium. source: mlb.com
- 18 May 1998 United States v. Microsoft antitrust lawsuit filed: On May 18, 1998, the United States government filed an antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft Corporation, alleging that the company engaged in anti-competitive practices to maintain its monopoly in the software market. This landmark case had significant implications for the technology industry and antitrust law. source: justice.gov
- 19 May 1998 Introduction of Euro coins and banknotes announced: On May 19, 1998, the European Union announced the introduction of Euro coins and banknotes, set to be launched in 2002. This marked a significant step in European integration and the establishment of a single currency for member states. source: ec.europa.eu
- 21 May 1998 Suharto resigns as President of Indonesia: On May 21, 1998, Indonesian President Suharto resigned after 31 years in power, following a period of political instability and economic crisis in the country. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 22 May 1998 Lewinsky scandal: Secret Service testimony ruling: On May 22, 1998, a federal judge ruled that Secret Service agents could be compelled to testify about their interactions with Monica Lewinsky, a key figure in the scandal involving President Bill Clinton. This ruling was significant in the ongoing investigation into Clinton's conduct and the broader implications for presidential immunity. source: nytimes.com
- 23 May 1998 Good Friday Agreement referendum: On May 23, 1998, voters in Northern Ireland participated in a referendum to approve the Good Friday Agreement, a major political development aimed at ending decades of conflict. The agreement was overwhelmingly supported, marking a significant step towards peace. source: bbc.com
- 24 May 1998 51st Cannes Film Festival - Palme d'Or Winner: The 51st Cannes Film Festival concluded on May 24, 1998, with Greek filmmaker Theo Angelopoulos winning the Palme d'Or for his film "Eternity and a Day." The festival, held from May 13 to 24, 1998, was presided over by jury president Martin Scorsese and hosted by Isabelle Huppert. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 25 May 1998 India's Pokhran Nuclear Tests: On May 11 and 13, 1998, India conducted a series of five nuclear tests at the Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan, codenamed Operation Shakti. These tests included a 45 kiloton thermonuclear device, a 15 kiloton fission device, and three sub-kiloton devices, marking India's second instance of nuclear testing after the 1974 "Smiling Buddha" test. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 27 May 1998 Michael Fortier sentenced for Oklahoma City bombing involvement: Michael Fortier was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in the Oklahoma City bombing. He was convicted of failing to warn authorities about the attack planned by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols. Fortier's cooperation with the investigation was noted during sentencing. source: nytimes.com
- 28 May 1998 Pakistan's nuclear tests in response to India: On May 28, 1998, Pakistan conducted its nuclear tests as a direct response to India's earlier tests. This event marked a significant escalation in the nuclear arms race in South Asia. The tests were met with global concern regarding nuclear proliferation and regional stability. source: reuters.com
- 29 May 1998 US coin design law signed: On May 29, 1998, President Bill Clinton signed a law that mandated new designs for U.S. coins. This legislation aimed to modernize coinage and included provisions for commemorative coins. The law was part of ongoing efforts to enhance the aesthetic appeal of U.S. currency. source: congress.gov
- 30 May 1998 Pakistan's second nuclear test conducted on the same day: On May 30, 1998, Pakistan conducted its second nuclear test, further solidifying its status as a nuclear power. This test was part of a series of detonations that occurred in response to India's earlier nuclear activities. source: bbc.com
- 31 May 1998 Historic tornado outbreak and derecho strikes the Midwest: On May 31, 1998, a significant tornado outbreak and derecho impacted the Midwest, causing widespread damage. This event was characterized by multiple tornadoes and severe thunderstorms across several states. source: weather.gov