Events on May 31 - Key Moments Throughout History
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Historical Events on May 31: Significant Moments in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on May 31, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

history

Events on May 31 - Key Moments Throughout History

  • 1900 British forces occupy Johannesburg during the Second Boer War: On May 31, 1900, British forces captured Johannesburg, the capital of the Transvaal Republic, during the Second Boer War. This marked a significant turning point in the conflict, as British troops advanced towards Pretoria, the Boer capital. The occupation followed the Battle of Doornkop, where British forces defeated Boer troops, paving the way for the capture of Johannesburg. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1901 Death of Ernest de Sarzec, French Archaeologist: Ernest de Sarzec, a French diplomat and archaeologist renowned for his excavations at Telloh (ancient Girsu) in present-day Iraq, passed away on May 31, 1901, in Poitiers, France. His work significantly contributed to the understanding of ancient Sumerian civilization. source: francearchives.gouv.fr
  • 1902 Treaty of Vereeniging details: On May 31, 1902, details of the Treaty of Vereeniging were finalized, marking the end of the Second Boer War between the British Empire and the Boer Republics. This treaty had significant implications for South Africa's future governance. source: britannica.com
  • 1904 Dorr v. United States Supreme Court decision on Philippine rights: On May 31, 1904, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered its decision in Dorr v. United States, addressing issues related to the rights of the Philippines under American governance. This case was significant in the context of U.S. colonial policy. source: oyez.org
  • 1905 German Emperor's Diplomatic Visit to Tangier: On March 31, 1905, German Emperor Wilhelm II visited Tangier, Morocco, delivering a speech calling for an international conference to ensure Morocco's independence, with war as the alternative. This event marked the beginning of the First Moroccan Crisis, a significant diplomatic incident that heightened tensions between European powers. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1907 First gasoline-powered taxis introduced in New York City: Harry N. Allen launched the New York Taxicab Company, introducing 65 gasoline-powered cabs imported from France. These cabs were initially painted red and green but were later repainted yellow for better visibility. source: nationalgeographic.com
  • 1911 Deadly lightning at Epsom Derby: On May 31, 1911, a sudden thunderstorm struck Epsom Downs after the Derby race, causing panic and resulting in the deaths of 17 people and four horses. The storm brought heavy rain, hailstones, and frequent lightning, leading to numerous fatalities among racegoers and animals. source: irishtimes.com
  • 1919 First transatlantic flight by US Navy aircraft: On May 31, 1919, the US Navy conducted its first transatlantic flight, marking a milestone in aviation history. This flight demonstrated the potential for long-distance air travel and military aviation capabilities. source: britannica.com
  • 1920 Gaston Chevrolet triumphs at Indianapolis 500: Gaston Chevrolet won the Indianapolis 500 on May 31, 1920, becoming the first French-born driver to secure victory in this prestigious American automobile race. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre: The Tulsa Race Massacre occurred from May 31 to June 1, 1921, resulting in the destruction of the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma. source: neh.gov
  • 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
  • 1924 Soviet-China Diplomatic Agreement on Outer Mongolia: On May 31, 1924, the Soviet Union and the Republic of China signed a diplomatic agreement concerning Outer Mongolia. This agreement addressed territorial and political issues, aiming to stabilize the region and define the spheres of influence of both nations. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1926 Portuguese Presidential Coup: On May 31, 1926, a military coup in Portugal led to the overthrow of the government, marking the beginning of a period of military dictatorship that lasted until 1933. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1929 United Kingdom general election results in hung parliament: The general election held in the United Kingdom on May 31, 1929, resulted in a hung parliament, with no party gaining an outright majority. This political outcome led to significant discussions and negotiations among parties. source: bbc.co.uk
  • 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
  • 1935 Devastating Quetta earthquake: On May 31, 1935, a catastrophic earthquake struck Quetta, Pakistan, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life. The quake registered a magnitude of 7.7 and led to the deaths of approximately 30,000 people. source: britannica.com
  • 1936 Indalecio Prieto shooting incident: The Indalecio Prieto shooting incident occurred on May 31, 1936, during the Spanish Civil War. This event highlighted the political tensions and violence of the era, impacting the course of the conflict. source: bbc.com
  • 1937 German warships bombard Almería during Spanish Civil War: German warships conducted a bombardment of Almería, Spain, during the Spanish Civil War, targeting Republican positions. This action was part of Germany's support for Francisco Franco's Nationalist forces.
  • 1938 Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streak: On May 31, 1938, American baseball player Lou Gehrig extended his consecutive games played streak to 1,308 games, a record that stood for decades and highlighted his durability and commitment to the sport. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1940 Operation Dynamo peak evacuation: On May 31, 1940, Operation Dynamo reached its peak as Allied forces evacuated from Dunkirk. This operation was crucial in saving hundreds of thousands of soldiers from capture by German forces. source: britannica.com
  • 1941 Nazi discrimination in Netherlands: On May 31, 1941, the Nazi regime intensified its discriminatory policies in the Netherlands, targeting Jewish citizens and implementing restrictive measures. This marked a significant escalation in the persecution of Jews in occupied territories. source: britannica.com
  • 1942 Mexico declares war on Axis powers: On May 31, 1942, Mexico officially declared war on the Axis powers, joining the Allies in World War II. This declaration marked a significant shift in Mexico's foreign policy and military involvement in the conflict. source: britannica.com
  • 1943 Allied U-boat victories in the Atlantic: On May 31, 1943, Allied forces achieved significant victories against German U-boats in the Atlantic, marking a turning point in the Battle of the Atlantic. These victories were crucial for securing supply lines for the Allies during World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 1944 Allied Breakthrough in Italy: On May 31, 1944, Allied forces achieved a significant breakthrough in Italy, following the earlier advances by the U.S. Fifth Army and British Eighth Army. This breakthrough was crucial for the liberation of Rome and the defeat of Axis forces in Italy. source: britannica.com
  • 1945 U.S. Air Raid on Taipei during World War II: On May 31, 1945, the U.S. Fifth Air Force conducted the largest air raid on Taihoku (now Taipei), Taiwan, during World War II. A total of 117 B-24 bombers dropped approximately 3,800 bombs on military and governmental facilities, resulting in over 3,000 civilian deaths and tens of thousands wounded or displaced. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1949 Alger Hiss Perjury Trial Begins: The first perjury trial of Alger Hiss, a former U.S. State Department official accused of espionage, began on May 31, 1949, in New York before Judge Samuel Kaufman. The trial ended in a hung jury on July 7, 1949. source: fbi.gov
  • 1951 Uniform Code of Military Justice established: The Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) was enacted by the U.S. Congress on May 5, 1950, and became effective on May 31, 1951. It consolidated and standardized military legal procedures across all U.S. armed services, replacing the previous Articles of War and Articles for the Government of the Navy. The UCMJ introduced significant reforms, including the establishment of the United States Court of Military Appeals, now known as the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, to provide civilian review of courts-martial. source: loc.gov
  • 1952 Harry S. Truman serves as U.S. President: On May 31, 1952, Harry S. Truman was serving as the President of the United States during a critical period of the Cold War and post-World War II reconstruction. source: takemeback.to
  • 1955 Brown v. Board of Education: School desegregation order: On May 31, 1955, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, ordering the desegregation of public schools across America. This landmark decision built upon the Court's earlier ruling in 1954, which declared that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The ruling was a significant step in the Civil Rights Movement, aiming to dismantle institutionalized racism in education. source: archives.gov
  • 1958 Mervyn Rose wins French Tennis Championship: Australian tennis player Mervyn Rose secured the men's singles title at the 1958 French Championships, defeating Chilean Luis Ayala 6–3, 6–4, 6–4 in the final. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1961 Republic of South Africa Established: South Africa officially became a republic, ending its status as a British dominion. The last Governor-General, Charles R. Swart, was sworn in as the first State President. source: sahistory.org.za
  • 1962 Execution of Adolf Eichmann: Adolf Eichmann, a key figure in organizing the Holocaust, was executed by hanging in Israel on May 31, 1962. His trial and execution were significant events in post-war history. source: history.com
  • 1963 Edith Hamilton's death: Edith Hamilton, an American educator and author renowned for popularizing classical literature, died on May 31, 1963, in Washington, D.C. source: britannica.com
  • 1964 First Pied Piper Murder: The first murder linked to the Pied Piper case occurred on May 31, 1964, raising concerns about safety in the community. This case drew significant media attention and public interest. source: nytimes.com
  • 1965 Florida International University established: Florida International University (FIU) was established on May 31, 1965, in Miami, Florida. This institution has grown to become one of the largest universities in the United States, serving a diverse student body. source: fiu.edu
  • 1968 Manchester United wins European Cup: On May 31, 1968, Manchester United won the European Cup, becoming the first English club to achieve this feat. The victory was a significant milestone in the club's history and marked a turning point in English football. source: bbc.com
  • 1969 John Lennon and Yoko Ono record iconic peace anthem: On May 31, 1969, John Lennon and Yoko Ono recorded the peace anthem 'Give Peace a Chance' in Montreal. This song became an anthem for the anti-war movement and is still celebrated today. source: bbc.com
  • 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
  • 1971 First observance of Memorial Day on last Monday in May: In 1971, Memorial Day was observed on the last Monday in May for the first time, following the Uniform Monday Holiday Act of 1968, which aimed to provide more three-day weekends for the nation's workers. source: nps.gov
  • 1972 CORONA Spy Satellite Program concludes: The CORONA program, America's first imaging satellite initiative, concluded on May 31, 1972, after 145 missions. It provided extensive photographic coverage of the Earth's surface, significantly enhancing U.S. intelligence capabilities during the Cold War. source: cia.gov
  • 1975 The Isley Brothers Release 'Fight the Power': The Isley Brothers released their single 'Fight the Power (Part 1 & 2)' on May 31, 1975. The song became one of their most popular recordings, reaching number 1 on the R&B singles chart and number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1976 Ronald Reagan wins Texas Republican primary: On May 31, 1976, Ronald Reagan secured a decisive victory in the Texas Republican primary, defeating incumbent President Gerald Ford. This win was pivotal in Reagan's campaign, as it demonstrated his strong support among conservative voters and bolstered his position in the race for the Republican nomination. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1977 Trans-Alaska Pipeline System completed: The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System was officially completed on May 31, 1977. This project was a major engineering feat and played a crucial role in the U.S. oil industry, facilitating the transport of oil across Alaska. source: alaska.edu
  • 1978 Funeral of Pope Paul VI: Pope Paul VI passed away on August 6, 1978, and his funeral took place on May 31, 1978. The ceremony was held in St. Peter's Basilica and was attended by numerous dignitaries and religious leaders from around the world. source: bbc.com
  • 1979 Blondie's 'Sunday Girl' tops UK music charts: Blondie's 'Sunday Girl' reached number one on the UK Singles Chart on May 26, 1979, and held the top position for three consecutive weeks. The song was released as the fourth single from their album 'Parallel Lines' and became one of the band's most iconic tracks. source: officialcharts.com
  • 1980 Japanese Prime Minister Masayoshi Ōhira hospitalized for exhaustion: On May 31, 1980, Japanese Prime Minister Masayoshi Ōhira was hospitalized for exhaustion during the general election campaign. He had been campaigning for his party when he complained of fatigue and entered Tokyo's Toranomon Hospital. Doctors diagnosed him with a heart ailment, and despite initial optimism, he died of a massive heart attack on June 12, 1980, just ten days before the elections. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1981 Burning of Jaffna Public Library: On May 31, 1981, the Jaffna Public Library in Sri Lanka was set ablaze by organized mobs, resulting in the destruction of over 97,000 books and manuscripts. The incident occurred amid escalating ethnic tensions and violence against the Tamil community, leading to widespread condemnation and marking a significant event in Sri Lanka's history. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1982 The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Broadway premiere: The musical 'The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas' premiered on Broadway on May 31, 1982. It was created by Larry L. King and Carol Hall, and it became known for its humorous take on the story of a Texas brothel and its legal troubles. The show received critical acclaim and was later adapted into a film starring Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds. source: ibdb.com
  • 1983 Philadelphia 76ers win NBA Championship: On May 31, 1983, the Philadelphia 76ers clinched their third NBA championship by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 115-108 in Game 4 of the NBA Finals, completing a four-game sweep. Center Moses Malone, who had predicted a postseason sweep, was named Finals MVP after averaging 25.8 points and 18 rebounds per game during the series. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 1985 Guatemala adopts new constitution after civil war: On May 31, 1985, Guatemala adopted a new constitution aimed at establishing democratic governance and addressing human rights issues following years of civil conflict. This reform was a significant step towards peace and stability in the country, promoting civil liberties and political participation. The constitution has undergone various amendments since its adoption, reflecting ongoing challenges in Guatemalan politics. source: loc.gov
  • 1986 1986 FIFA World Cup begins in Mexico: The 1986 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Mexico, kicked off on May 31, 1986. This tournament was notable for the introduction of the 'Golden Goal' rule and featured memorable performances, including Diego Maradona's legendary 'Hand of God' goal. The event marked the second time Mexico hosted the World Cup, having previously done so in 1970. source: britannica.com
  • 1987 Edmonton Oilers win Stanley Cup in 1987: The Edmonton Oilers won the Stanley Cup on May 31, 1987, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers in a dramatic Game 7. This victory marked the Oilers' third championship in four years, solidifying their dominance in the NHL during the 1980s. Wayne Gretzky played a pivotal role in the series, contributing significantly to the team's success. source: britannica.com
  • 1988 Reagan's Historic Moscow State University Speech: On May 31, 1988, President Ronald Reagan delivered a significant address at Moscow State University, emphasizing themes of peace, economic freedom, and technological advancement. This speech was part of the Moscow Summit between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. source: reaganlibrary.gov
  • 1989 Jim Wright Resigns as US House Speaker: Jim Wright, the 57th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, resigned on May 31, 1989, amid ethics investigations and allegations of financial misconduct. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1990 Seinfeld TV series premiere: The American television sitcom 'Seinfeld' premiered on NBC on July 5, 1989, as 'The Seinfeld Chronicles'. After initial low ratings, NBC ordered four more episodes, which began airing on May 31, 1990, marking the start of the show's first season. The episode 'The Stake Out' attracted a Nielsen rating of 16.2/24, indicating a strong viewership. The series concluded on May 14, 1998, after nine successful seasons. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 1992 46th Tony Awards honor Broadway excellence: On May 31, 1992, the 46th Tony Awards were held, celebrating outstanding achievements in Broadway theater. source: tonyawards.com
  • 1994 San Diego Padres' historic offensive performance against Pittsburgh Pirates: On May 31, 1994, the San Diego Padres achieved a remarkable 15-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates, with the Padres scoring 13 runs in the second inning. source: baseball-reference.com
  • 1995 Tim Mara, New York Giants owner, passes away: Tim Mara, the founder and owner of the New York Giants, passed away on May 31, 1995. He was instrumental in the establishment and success of the franchise in the National Football League. source: nytimes.com
  • 1996 Iraq disarmament crisis continues: The Iraq disarmament crisis, marked by tensions between Iraq and the United Nations over weapons inspections, continued as Iraq resisted compliance with UN resolutions. This standoff raised concerns about regional stability and international security. source: un.org
  • 1997 Iraq disarmament crisis escalation: On May 31, 1997, tensions escalated regarding Iraq's compliance with UN disarmament obligations. The situation raised concerns about potential military action and international relations in the region. source: reuters.com
  • 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
  • 1999 Olusegun Obasanjo elected President of Nigeria: Former military leader Olusegun Obasanjo was elected as Nigeria's civilian president in the 1999 presidential election, marking the return to democratic governance after years of military rule. source: britannica.com
  • 2000 Survivor TV Show Premieres: The American reality television series 'Survivor' premiered on May 31, 2000, on CBS. The first season, 'Survivor: Borneo,' featured 16 contestants competing in challenges on a remote island in Malaysia. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2002 2002 FIFA World Cup begins in South Korea and Japan: The 2002 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, commenced on May 31, 2002. This marked the first time the tournament was held in Asia and co-hosted by two nations. The opening ceremony was declared by South Korean President Kim Dae-jung in Seoul. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2003 President Bush Visits Auschwitz: On May 31, 2003, U.S. President George W. Bush visited the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to do so. The visit was part of a European trip to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
  • 2004 Israeli Gaza pullout concerns: On May 31, 2004, Israel announced plans to withdraw unilaterally from the Gaza Strip, a move that raised concerns among Palestinians and the international community about the future of the region and the peace process. source: aljazeera.com
  • 2005 Deep Throat reveals identity in Watergate scandal: In May 2005, W. Mark Felt, former associate director of the FBI, publicly revealed himself as 'Deep Throat,' the anonymous source who provided information to journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein during the Watergate scandal in the 1970s. source: nytimes.com
  • 2006 Katie Couric Leaves Today Show: On May 31, 2006, Katie Couric announced her departure from NBC's "Today" show after 15 years to become the anchor of the "CBS Evening News." source: cbsnews.com
  • 2007 Suicide bombing in Falluja: On May 31, 2007, a suicide bomber killed at least 20 people and wounded another 20 in Falluja, Iraq. The bomber detonated explosives among a queue of approximately 150 men at a police recruitment center. source: irishtimes.com
  • 2008 WHO calls for tobacco advertising ban: On May 31, 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for a global ban on tobacco advertising, promotion, and sponsorship. This initiative aimed to reduce tobacco consumption and its associated health risks worldwide. The call was part of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, which seeks to protect public health from the dangers of tobacco use. source: who.int
  • 2009 Death of last Titanic survivor: On May 31, 2009, Millvina Dean, the last surviving passenger of the Titanic disaster, passed away at the age of 97. Her death marked the end of an era for those connected to the tragic sinking of the ship in 1912. source: bbc.com
  • 2010 Gaza flotilla raid: Israeli navy intercepts aid ships: On May 31, 2010, the Israeli Navy intercepted several ships in a flotilla attempting to reach Gaza, leading to clashes that resulted in casualties. The incident sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability from the international community. source: bbc.com
  • 2011 Apple Announces iCloud Music Service: Apple introduced iCloud, a cloud-based music service, allowing users to store and access their music libraries online, marking a significant advancement in digital media storage. source: apple.com
  • 2012 SpaceX Dragon Capsule Returns to Earth from ISS: SpaceX's Dragon capsule successfully completed its mission by splashing down in the Pacific Ocean, marking the first time a privately developed spacecraft delivered cargo to the International Space Station and returned safely to Earth. source: sciencedaily.com
  • 2013 EF3 tornado devastates El Reno, Oklahoma, setting new records: On May 31, 2013, an EF3 tornado struck El Reno, Oklahoma, becoming the widest tornado ever recorded at 2.6 miles (4.2 km) in diameter. The tornado caused significant damage and was part of a series of severe weather events in the region. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 2014 Peter Mutharika Elected President of Malawi: Peter Mutharika was elected as the President of Malawi, marking a significant moment in the country's democratic process and political transition.
  • 2015 Russia-China naval cooperation: On May 31, 2015, Russia and China conducted joint naval exercises in the South China Sea, showcasing their military cooperation. The exercises were seen as a demonstration of the growing partnership between the two nations. source: reuters.com
  • 2016 Global Slavery Index Report Released: On May 31, 2016, the Global Slavery Index report was published, revealing that an estimated 45.8 million people were living in modern slavery worldwide. The report highlighted the need for urgent action to address this global issue. source: globalslaveryindex.org
  • 2017 Kabul bombing near German Embassy: On May 31, 2017, a massive truck bomb exploded near the German Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, killing at least 90 people and injuring hundreds. The attack targeted a diplomatic area, causing widespread damage and raising concerns about security in the capital. source: aljazeera.com
  • 2018 US Imposes Steel Tariffs: On May 31, 2018, the U.S. administration announced tariffs of 25% on steel and 10% on aluminum imports from the European Union, Canada, and Mexico, effective immediately. This move escalated trade tensions and prompted retaliatory measures from the affected countries. source: dw.com
  • 2019 Virginia Beach Municipal Building Shooting: On May 31, 2019, a shooting occurred at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center in Virginia, USA, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
  • 2020 Global COVID-19 Pandemic Milestone: The worldwide confirmed cases of COVID-19 surpassed six million, with the United States serving as the global epicenter, accounting for approximately 29% of all reported cases. This marked a significant moment in the global pandemic's progression, highlighting the severe impact of the virus on international public health.
  • 2021 Danish Intelligence Spying Scandal Revealed: Denmark's public broadcaster DR exposed a significant intelligence breach, revealing that the Danish Defence Intelligence Service collaborated with the U.S. National Security Agency to conduct surveillance on European leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, between 2012 and 2014. This revelation raised serious concerns about international diplomatic trust and privacy.
  • 2022 Russia-Ukraine Conflict's Economic Impact on Africa: As African countries struggle to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict presents another significant economic challenge, directly affecting multiple nations and potentially exacerbating existing socio-economic vulnerabilities.
  • 2023 UN Honors International Criminal Tribunal for Former Yugoslavia: The United Nations commended the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) upon delivering its final judgment, which included increased prison sentences for two former top Serbian security officials, marking a significant moment in international justice.

What Is special about May 31?

May 31 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about May 31.