Major Events of May 1910: 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 1910 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of May 1910: Key Historical Moments from the Month

01 May 1910 International Workers' Day (May Day): May Day is a significant annual celebration with deep historical roots, commemorating workers' rights and marking the arrival of spring. Originating from ancient spring festivals and later evolving into a labor movement symbol, the day is recognized globally as a time to honor workers' contributions and achievements. In socialist and communist countries, it has particular political significance, while in many other nations, it represents a broader cultural and social observance.
02 May 1910 Charles Evans Hughes Confirmed as Supreme Court Justice: On May 2, 1910, the United States Senate confirmed Charles Evans Hughes as a Supreme Court Justice in a swift, undebated process. Hughes was a prominent legal figure who would later become Governor of New York and run for President, marking a significant moment in the judicial appointment history of the early 20th century.
03 May 1910 President William Howard Taft Returns to Cincinnati: President William Howard Taft made a notable personal journey back to his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 3rd, 1910. In a remarkable display of humility, he specifically requested to be treated as an ordinary citizen during his visit. This gesture allowed him to reconnect with old acquaintances and experience a moment of normalcy amidst his presidential duties, highlighting Taft's down-to-earth character and connection to his roots.
04 May 1910 Naval Service Act Passed: Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier passed the Naval Service Act on May 4, 1910, formally creating the Royal Canadian Navy. This legislation was a landmark moment in Canadian military history, signaling the country's growing autonomy and international presence.
05 May 1910 Devastating Cartago Earthquake in Costa Rica: On May 5, 1910, a catastrophic earthquake struck the city of Cartago, Costa Rica, resulting in widespread destruction and significant loss of life. The seismic event completely devastated the urban landscape, killing more than 1,500 people and leaving the city in ruins. This earthquake was one of the most destructive natural disasters in Costa Rican history, causing immense human suffering and long-lasting economic and social impacts.
06 May 1910 Death of King Edward VII: King Edward VII of the United Kingdom died at 11:45 p.m. after a brief illness of six days, marking the end of his reign and the immediate succession of his son, George V.
07 May 1910 USS Cyclops Naval Launch: The USS Cyclops, a critical U.S. Navy coal-carrying collier ship, was launched, representing the expanding maritime capabilities of the United States in the early 20th century. This vessel would later become famous for mysteriously disappearing in the Bermuda Triangle in 1918.
08 May 1910 Landmark U.S. Supreme Court Decision on Cruel Punishment: In a historic ruling, the United States Supreme Court ordered the first-ever release of a convict based on constitutional grounds of cruel and unusual punishment. The case involved Paul Weems, a former lighthouse worker in the Philippines who had been subjected to excessive imprisonment and harsh physical restraints for malfeasance of office.
09 May 1910 King George V Formally Proclaimed King of British Empire: On May 9, 1910, King George V was formally proclaimed as the monarch of the British Empire, three days after his father's death. The official proclamation was read by the Duke of Norfolk at St James's Palace, concluding with the traditional proclamation 'God Save the King!'
10 May 1910 First International Women's Congress in South America: The first Congreso Femenino Internacional was held in Buenos Aires, bringing together 200 women from Peru, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina. This groundbreaking event represented a significant moment in the early feminist movement in South America, discussing women's rights, education, and social progress.
11 May 1910 Establishment of Glacier National Park: On May 11, 1910, U.S. President William Howard Taft signed legislation establishing Glacier National Park in Montana, marking the creation of the nation's 10th national park. This pristine wilderness area, located in the Rocky Mountains, was designed to preserve the region's stunning alpine landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and unique geological features for future generations to appreciate and explore.
12 May 1910 Birth of Dorothy Crowfoot-Hodgkin: Dorothy Crowfoot-Hodgkin was born, a pioneering British chemist who would later make groundbreaking contributions to X-ray crystallography and win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1964 for her work on the structure of important biochemical substances, including penicillin and vitamin B12.
13 May 1910 Early Aviation Tragedy: Gabriel Hauvette-Michelin's Fatal Crash: On May 13, 1910, French aviator Gabriel Hauvette-Michelin met a tragic end during the nascent era of aviation, becoming the seventh recorded fatality in airplane accident history. While attempting to take off during an aviation demonstration in Lyon, France, Hauvette-Michelin's aircraft crashed, highlighting the extreme risks faced by early pioneers of flight. This incident underscored the dangerous and experimental nature of aviation technology in the early 20th century, when aircraft design and pilot safety protocols were still in their infancy.
14 May 1910 Colonial Border Agreement in Africa: Representatives from Belgium, Great Britain, and Germany signed a comprehensive border agreement defining territorial boundaries for their respective central African colonial possessions. This diplomatic arrangement was part of the complex geopolitical negotiations that characterized European colonial expansion during the early 20th century.
15 May 1910 Italy National Football Team's First International Match: The Italy national football team played its inaugural international match, achieving a remarkable 6-2 victory against France in Milan, marking a significant milestone in the nation's sporting history.
16 May 1910 United States Bureau of Mines Established: The U.S. Congress authorized the creation of the United States Bureau of Mines, a pivotal moment in the government's approach to mining safety, resource management, and industrial regulation. This new bureau would play a crucial role in studying mining technologies, improving worker safety, and managing mineral resources.
17 May 1910 Deadly Industrial Explosion in Ohio: A catastrophic chain reaction explosion occurred at the American Sheet and Tin Plate Company in Canton, Ohio, on May 17, 1910. Seven boilers simultaneously detonated, resulting in thirteen fatalities and thirty serious injuries. This tragic industrial accident highlighted the significant safety risks in early 20th-century manufacturing environments.
18 May 1910 Birth of Non-Aristotelian Logic: Nicolai A. Vasiliev presented a groundbreaking lecture at Kazan University introducing non-Aristotelian logic, challenging traditional logical frameworks and proposing new approaches to logical reasoning and judgment.
19 May 1910 Halley's Comet Approaches Earth: Halley's Comet made its closest approach to Earth, creating a spectacular astronomical event that captivated global attention. The comet's arrival triggered widespread public fascination, with numerous businesses capitalizing on 'comet fever' by selling comet-themed merchandise and souvenirs.
20 May 1910 Funeral of King Edward VII: The funeral of King Edward VII was a significant royal event held at Westminster Abbey, marking the end of an era in British monarchy. The ceremony was attended by numerous European royals, symbolizing the complex diplomatic relationships of the early 20th century. King Edward VII, known for his diplomatic skills and role in shaping international relations, was laid to rest with full royal honors.
21 May 1910 Founding of Tel Aviv: On May 21, 1910, the settlement of Ahuzzat Bayit, originally established on April 11, 1909, by Jewish settlers in Ottoman Palestine, was officially renamed Tel Aviv. The name 'Tel Aviv', meaning 'the hill of the spring' in Hebrew, symbolizes renewal and hope. This marked a significant moment in the early Zionist movement, representing the first modern Jewish city in Palestine and laying the groundwork for what would become Israel's largest metropolitan area.
22 May 1910 King George V Grants Widespread Pardons: On May 22, 1910, King George V of the United Kingdom demonstrated royal clemency by issuing pardons for numerous prisoners serving short-term sentences. In a significant act of judicial mercy, he not only freed many individuals but also reduced the sentences of others, reflecting a compassionate approach to criminal justice during the early 20th century.
23 May 1910 Lake Huron Maritime Tragedy: A devastating maritime disaster occurred on Lake Huron when the steamer Frank H. Goodyear was rammed, resulting in the drowning of 16 men and one woman. This tragic incident highlights the perilous nature of Great Lakes shipping in the early 20th century and the significant risks faced by maritime workers.
24 May 1910 International Loan Negotiation with Imperial China: In a significant diplomatic and economic development, foreign powers renegotiated a substantial loan offer to the Imperial Chinese government, specifically targeting the strategic expansion of railroad infrastructure across China. This negotiation reflected the complex geopolitical and economic interactions between Western powers and the declining Qing Dynasty during the early 20th century, highlighting the intense competition for economic influence in China.
25 May 1910 Wright Brothers Fly Together for the First and Only Time: On May 25, 1910, Wilbur and Orville Wright made aviation history by flying together on the same aircraft at the Huffman Prairie airfield in Dayton, Ohio. This unique flight was notable because it was the only time the Wright Brothers would share an aircraft, with Orville serving as the pilot. The event symbolized their collaborative spirit and marked a significant moment in the early development of powered flight.
26 May 1910 Laurence S. Rockefeller's Business Leadership: Laurence S. Rockefeller, a prominent business leader and member of the influential Rockefeller family, was active in New York City as the CEO of Chase Manhattan Bank. As part of a dynasty known for significant financial and philanthropic contributions, Rockefeller played a key role in shaping the American banking landscape in the early 20th century.
27 May 1910 Robert Koch Dies - Nobel Laureate in Medicine: Robert Koch, a pioneering German physician and microbiologist, passed away. He was a Nobel Prize winner in Physiology or Medicine, renowned for his groundbreaking work in bacteriology, including identifying the causative agents of tuberculosis, cholera, and anthrax. His research fundamentally transformed medical understanding of infectious diseases and established the scientific foundations of modern epidemiology.
28 May 1910 Battle for Control of Bluefields, Nicaragua: On May 28, 1910, a significant military engagement occurred in Bluefields, a strategic coastal town in Nicaragua. Rebel forces led by General Estrada engaged in an intense, day-long battle to gain control of the town, reflecting the ongoing political instability and power struggles in the region during the early 20th century.
29 May 1910 Pope Pius X's Encyclical on Church Reform: Pope Pius X issued the encyclical 'Editae Saepe' on May 29, 1910, addressing concerns about potential reforms within the Catholic Church. The document was a critical response to emerging movements seeking to modify traditional church practices and doctrines, reflecting the Pope's conservative stance on ecclesiastical matters.
30 May 1910 First Prime Minister of South Africa: General Louis Botha became the first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa, marking a significant moment in the country's political transition and early governance.
31 May 1910 Establishment of the Union of South Africa: The South Africa Act comes into force, officially establishing the Union of South Africa as a unified political entity. This significant event merged the British Cape Colony and Colony of Natal with the previously independent Afrikaans-speaking territories, creating a new administrative structure under British dominion.