by Juan Rosero-Narvaez

As spring continues and the days grow longer, May is a time of reflection and movement. Historically, this month has seen the rise and fall of empires, courageous acts of resistance, and landmark advancements that shaped our world. Let’s look at some of the most significant events that occurred in May throughout history.

May 1, 1886

The Haymarket Affair began in Chicago during a labor demonstration advocating for an eight-hour workday. It became a symbol of the international labor movement and is commemorated globally as International Workers’ Day.

May 7, 1915

The RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat off the coast of Ireland, resulting in the deaths of over 1,100 people. The tragedy turned global opinion against Germany and pushed the United States closer to entering World War I.

May 8, 1945

Victory in Europe (V-E) Day marked the formal acceptance of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender by the Allied forces, effectively ending World War II in Europe.

May 17, 1954

The U.S. Supreme Court issued its landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education, ruling that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.

May 20, 1927

Charles Lindbergh took off from New York aboard the Spirit of St. Louis, beginning the first solo nonstop transatlantic flight. He landed in Paris on May 21, becoming an international hero.

May 29, 1953

Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay of Nepal became the first climbers confirmed to have reached the summit of Mount Everest.