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On This Day

May 30

YEAR 2024

Donald Trump is convicted of falsifying business records in his New York trial, the first time a former President of the United States has been found...

Donald Trump is convicted of falsifying business records in his New York trial, the first time a former President of the United States has been found guilty in a criminal case.

YEAR 2020

The Crew Dragon Demo-2 launches from the Kennedy Space Center, becoming the first crewed orbital spacecraft to launch from the United States since 201...

The Crew Dragon Demo-2 launches from the Kennedy Space Center, becoming the first crewed orbital spacecraft to launch from the United States since 2011 and the first commercial flight to the International Space Station.

YEAR 2013

Nigeria passes a law banning same-sex marriage.

Nigeria passes a law banning same-sex marriage.

YEAR 2012

Former Liberian president Charles Taylor is sentenced to 50 years in prison for his role in atrocities committed during the Sierra Leone Civil War.

Former Liberian president Charles Taylor is sentenced to 50 years in prison for his role in atrocities committed during the Sierra Leone Civil War.

YEAR 2008

Convention on Cluster Munitions is adopted.

Convention on Cluster Munitions is adopted.

YEAR 2008

TACA Flight 390 overshoots the runway at Toncontín International Airport in Tegucigalpa, Honduras and crashes, killing five people.

TACA Flight 390 overshoots the runway at Toncontín International Airport in Tegucigalpa, Honduras and crashes, killing five people.

YEAR 2003

Depayin massacre: At least 70 people associated with the National League for Democracy are killed by government-sponsored mob in Burma. Aung San Suu K...

Depayin massacre: At least 70 people associated with the National League for Democracy are killed by government-sponsored mob in Burma. Aung San Suu Kyi flees the scene, but is arrested soon afterwards.

YEAR 1998

The 6.5 Mw  Afghanistan earthquake shook the Takhar Province of northern Afghanistan with a maximum Mercalli intensity of VII (Very strong), killing a...

The 6.5 Mw  Afghanistan earthquake shook the Takhar Province of northern Afghanistan with a maximum Mercalli intensity of VII (Very strong), killing around 4,000–4,500.

YEAR 1998

Nuclear Testing: Pakistan conducts an underground test in the Kharan Desert. It is reported to be a plutonium device with yield of 20kt TNT equivalent...

Nuclear Testing: Pakistan conducts an underground test in the Kharan Desert. It is reported to be a plutonium device with yield of 20kt TNT equivalent.

YEAR 1990

Croatian Parliament is constituted after the first free, multi-party elections, today celebrated as the National Day of Croatia.

Croatian Parliament is constituted after the first free, multi-party elections, today celebrated as the National Day of Croatia.

YEAR 1989

Tiananmen Square protests of 1989: The 10-metre high "Goddess of Democracy" statue is unveiled in Tiananmen Square by student demonstrators.

Tiananmen Square protests of 1989: The 10-metre high "Goddess of Democracy" statue is unveiled in Tiananmen Square by student demonstrators.

YEAR 1982

Cold War: Spain joins NATO.

Cold War: Spain joins NATO.

YEAR 1979

Downeast Flight 46 crashes on approach to Knox County Regional Airport in Rockland, Maine, killing 17.

Downeast Flight 46 crashes on approach to Knox County Regional Airport in Rockland, Maine, killing 17.

YEAR 1975

European Space Agency is established.

European Space Agency is established.

YEAR 1974

The Airbus A300 passenger aircraft first enters service.

The Airbus A300 passenger aircraft first enters service.

YEAR 1972

The Angry Brigade goes on trial over a series of 25 bombings throughout the United Kingdom.

The Angry Brigade goes on trial over a series of 25 bombings throughout the United Kingdom.

YEAR 1972

In Ben Gurion Airport (at the time: Lod Airport), Israel, members of the Japanese Red Army carry out the Lod Airport massacre, killing 24 people and i...

In Ben Gurion Airport (at the time: Lod Airport), Israel, members of the Japanese Red Army carry out the Lod Airport massacre, killing 24 people and injuring 78 others.

YEAR 1971

Mariner program: Mariner 9 is launched to map 70% of the surface, and to study temporal changes in the atmosphere and surface, of Mars.

Mariner program: Mariner 9 is launched to map 70% of the surface, and to study temporal changes in the atmosphere and surface, of Mars.

YEAR 1968

Charles de Gaulle reappears publicly after his flight to Baden-Baden, West Germany, and dissolves the French National Assembly by a radio appeal. Imme...

Charles de Gaulle reappears publicly after his flight to Baden-Baden, West Germany, and dissolves the French National Assembly by a radio appeal. Immediately after, less than one million of his supporters march on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. This is...

YEAR 1967

The Nigerian Eastern Region declares independence as the Republic of Biafra, sparking a civil war.

The Nigerian Eastern Region declares independence as the Republic of Biafra, sparking a civil war.

YEAR 1966

Former Congolese Prime Minister, Évariste Kimba, and several other politicians are publicly executed in Kinshasa on the orders of President Joseph Mob...

Former Congolese Prime Minister, Évariste Kimba, and several other politicians are publicly executed in Kinshasa on the orders of President Joseph Mobutu.

YEAR 1963

A protest against pro-Catholic discrimination during the Buddhist crisis is held outside South Vietnam's National Assembly, the first open demonstrati...

A protest against pro-Catholic discrimination during the Buddhist crisis is held outside South Vietnam's National Assembly, the first open demonstration during the eight-year presidency of Ngo Dinh Diem.

YEAR 1961

The long-time Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo is assassinated in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The long-time Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo is assassinated in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

YEAR 1961

Viasa Flight 897 crashes after takeoff from Lisbon Airport, killing 61.

Viasa Flight 897 crashes after takeoff from Lisbon Airport, killing 61.

YEAR 1959

The Auckland Harbour Bridge, crossing the Waitemata Harbour in Auckland, New Zealand, is officially opened by Governor-General Charles Lyttelton, 10th...

The Auckland Harbour Bridge, crossing the Waitemata Harbour in Auckland, New Zealand, is officially opened by Governor-General Charles Lyttelton, 10th Viscount Cobham.

YEAR 1958

Memorial Day: The remains of two unidentified American servicemen, killed in action during World War II and the Korean War respectively, are buried at...

Memorial Day: The remains of two unidentified American servicemen, killed in action during World War II and the Korean War respectively, are buried at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

YEAR 1948

A dike along the flooding Columbia River breaks, obliterating Vanport, Oregon within minutes. Fifteen people die and tens of thousands are left homele...

A dike along the flooding Columbia River breaks, obliterating Vanport, Oregon within minutes. Fifteen people die and tens of thousands are left homeless.

YEAR 1943

The Holocaust: Josef Mengele becomes chief medical officer of the Zigeunerfamilienlager (Romani family camp) at Auschwitz concentration camp.

The Holocaust: Josef Mengele becomes chief medical officer of the Zigeunerfamilienlager (Romani family camp) at Auschwitz concentration camp.

YEAR 1942

World War II: One thousand British bombers launch a 90-minute attack on Cologne, Germany.

World War II: One thousand British bombers launch a 90-minute attack on Cologne, Germany.

YEAR 1941

World War II: Manolis Glezos and Apostolos Santas climb the Athenian Acropolis and tear down the German flag.

World War II: Manolis Glezos and Apostolos Santas climb the Athenian Acropolis and tear down the German flag.

YEAR 1937

Memorial Day massacre: Chicago police shoot and kill ten labor demonstrators.

Memorial Day massacre: Chicago police shoot and kill ten labor demonstrators.

YEAR 1925

May Thirtieth Movement: Shanghai Municipal Police Force shoot and kill 13 protesting workers.

May Thirtieth Movement: Shanghai Municipal Police Force shoot and kill 13 protesting workers.

YEAR 1922

The Lincoln Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D.C.

The Lincoln Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D.C.

YEAR 1914

The new, and then the largest, Cunard ocean liner RMS Aquitania, 45,647 tons, sets sails on her maiden voyage from Liverpool, England, to New York Cit...

The new, and then the largest, Cunard ocean liner RMS Aquitania, 45,647 tons, sets sails on her maiden voyage from Liverpool, England, to New York City.

YEAR 1913

The Treaty of London is signed, ending the First Balkan War; Albania becomes an independent nation.

The Treaty of London is signed, ending the First Balkan War; Albania becomes an independent nation.

YEAR 1911

At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the first Indianapolis 500 ends with Ray Harroun in his Marmon Wasp becoming the first winner of the 500-mile auto...

At the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the first Indianapolis 500 ends with Ray Harroun in his Marmon Wasp becoming the first winner of the 500-mile auto race.

YEAR 1899

Pearl Hart, a female outlaw of the Old West, robs a stage coach 30 miles southeast of Globe, Arizona.

Pearl Hart, a female outlaw of the Old West, robs a stage coach 30 miles southeast of Globe, Arizona.

YEAR 1883

In New York City, 12 people are killed in a stampede on the recently opened Brooklyn Bridge.

In New York City, 12 people are killed in a stampede on the recently opened Brooklyn Bridge.

YEAR 1876

Ottoman sultan Abdülaziz is deposed and succeeded by his nephew Murad V.

Ottoman sultan Abdülaziz is deposed and succeeded by his nephew Murad V.

YEAR 1876

The secret decree of Ems Ukaz, issued by Russian Tsar Alexander II in the German city of Bad Ems, was aimed at stopping the printing and distribution...

The secret decree of Ems Ukaz, issued by Russian Tsar Alexander II in the German city of Bad Ems, was aimed at stopping the printing and distribution of Ukrainian-language publications in the Russian Empire.

YEAR 1868

Decoration Day (the predecessor of the modern "Memorial Day") is observed in the United States for the first time after a proclamation by John A. Loga...

Decoration Day (the predecessor of the modern "Memorial Day") is observed in the United States for the first time after a proclamation by John A. Logan, head of the Grand Army of the Republic (a veterans group).

YEAR 1866

Bedrich Smetana's comic opera The Bartered Bride premiered in Prague.

Bedrich Smetana's comic opera The Bartered Bride premiered in Prague.

YEAR 1862

American Civil War: The Siege of Corinth ends in a Union victory, with General Henry Halleck capturing the critical rail junction of Corinth, Mississi...

American Civil War: The Siege of Corinth ends in a Union victory, with General Henry Halleck capturing the critical rail junction of Corinth, Mississippi from retreating Confederate forces under General P. G. T. Beauregard.

YEAR 1854

The Kansas–Nebraska Act becomes law establishing the U.S. territories of Kansas and Nebraska.

The Kansas–Nebraska Act becomes law establishing the U.S. territories of Kansas and Nebraska.

YEAR 1845

The Fatel Razack coming from India, lands in the Gulf of Paria in Trinidad and Tobago carrying the first Indians to the country.

The Fatel Razack coming from India, lands in the Gulf of Paria in Trinidad and Tobago carrying the first Indians to the country.

YEAR 1842

John Francis attempts to murder Queen Victoria as she drives down Constitution Hill in London with Prince Albert.

John Francis attempts to murder Queen Victoria as she drives down Constitution Hill in London with Prince Albert.

YEAR 1834

Minister of Justice Joaquim António de Aguiar issues a law seizing "all convents, monasteries, colleges, hospices and any other houses" from the Catho...

Minister of Justice Joaquim António de Aguiar issues a law seizing "all convents, monasteries, colleges, hospices and any other houses" from the Catholic religious orders in Portugal, earning him the nickname of "The Friar-Killer".

YEAR 1815

The East Indiaman Arniston is wrecked during a storm at Waenhuiskrans, near Cape Agulhas, in present-day South Africa, with the loss of 372 lives.

The East Indiaman Arniston is wrecked during a storm at Waenhuiskrans, near Cape Agulhas, in present-day South Africa, with the loss of 372 lives.

YEAR 1814

The First Treaty of Paris is signed, returning the French frontiers to their 1792 extent, and restoring the House of Bourbon to power.

The First Treaty of Paris is signed, returning the French frontiers to their 1792 extent, and restoring the House of Bourbon to power.

YEAR 1806

Future U.S. President Andrew Jackson kills Charles Dickinson in a duel.

Future U.S. President Andrew Jackson kills Charles Dickinson in a duel.

YEAR 1796

War of the First Coalition: In the Battle of Borghetto, Napoleon Bonaparte manages to cross the Mincio River against the Austrian army. This crossing...

War of the First Coalition: In the Battle of Borghetto, Napoleon Bonaparte manages to cross the Mincio River against the Austrian army. This crossing forces the Austrians to abandon Lombardy and retreat to the Tyrol, leaving the fortress of Mantua as...

YEAR 1723

Johann Sebastian Bach assumed the office of Thomaskantor in Leipzig, presenting his first new cantata, Die Elenden sollen essen, BWV 75, in the St. Ni...

Johann Sebastian Bach assumed the office of Thomaskantor in Leipzig, presenting his first new cantata, Die Elenden sollen essen, BWV 75, in the St. Nicholas Church on the first Sunday after Trinity.

YEAR 1642

From this date all honors granted by Charles I of England are retroactively annulled by Parliament.

From this date all honors granted by Charles I of England are retroactively annulled by Parliament.

YEAR 1635

Thirty Years' War: The Peace of Prague is signed.

Thirty Years' War: The Peace of Prague is signed.

YEAR 1631

Publication of Gazette de France, the first French newspaper.

Publication of Gazette de France, the first French newspaper.

YEAR 1588

The last ship of the Spanish Armada sets sail from Lisbon heading for the English Channel.

The last ship of the Spanish Armada sets sail from Lisbon heading for the English Channel.

YEAR 1574

Henry III becomes King of France.

Henry III becomes King of France.

YEAR 1539

In Florida, Hernando de Soto lands at Tampa Bay with 600 soldiers with the goal of finding gold.

In Florida, Hernando de Soto lands at Tampa Bay with 600 soldiers with the goal of finding gold.

YEAR 1536

King Henry VIII of England marries Jane Seymour, a lady-in-waiting to his first two wives.

King Henry VIII of England marries Jane Seymour, a lady-in-waiting to his first two wives.

YEAR 1510

During the reign of the Zhengde Emperor, Ming dynasty rebel leader Zhu Zhifan is defeated by commander Qiu Yue, ending the Prince of Anhua rebellion.

During the reign of the Zhengde Emperor, Ming dynasty rebel leader Zhu Zhifan is defeated by commander Qiu Yue, ending the Prince of Anhua rebellion.

YEAR 1434

Hussite Wars: Battle of Lipany: Effectively ending the war, Utraquist forces led by Diviš Bořek of Miletínek defeat and almost annihilate Taborite for...

Hussite Wars: Battle of Lipany: Effectively ending the war, Utraquist forces led by Diviš Bořek of Miletínek defeat and almost annihilate Taborite forces led by Prokop the Great.

YEAR 1431

Hundred Years' War: In Rouen, France, the 19-year-old Joan of Arc is burned at the stake by an English-dominated tribunal.

Hundred Years' War: In Rouen, France, the 19-year-old Joan of Arc is burned at the stake by an English-dominated tribunal.

YEAR 1416

The Council of Constance, called by Emperor Sigismund, a supporter of Antipope John XXIII, burns Jerome of Prague following a trial for heresy.

The Council of Constance, called by Emperor Sigismund, a supporter of Antipope John XXIII, burns Jerome of Prague following a trial for heresy.

YEAR 1381

Beginning of the Peasants' Revolt in England.

Beginning of the Peasants' Revolt in England.

YEAR 70

Siege of Jerusalem: Titus and his Roman legions breach the Second Wall of Jerusalem. Jewish defenders retreat to the First Wall. The Romans build a ci...

Siege of Jerusalem: Titus and his Roman legions breach the Second Wall of Jerusalem. Jewish defenders retreat to the First Wall. The Romans build a circumvallation, cutting down all trees within fifteen kilometres (9.3 mi).