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Major Events of May 1911: 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 1911 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of May 1911: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 02 May 1911 British Parliament Bill Amendment Approved: The British House of Commons passed significant amendments to the Parliament Bill, which aimed to reduce the legislative power of the House of Lords. The first reading was approved with 299 votes in favor and 193 against, marking a crucial moment in the evolution of British parliamentary democracy and the balance of political power.
  • 03 May 1911 German Antarctic Expedition Departure: On May 3, 1911, the German Antarctic Expedition, meticulously organized by polar explorer Wilhelm Filchner, set sail from the port of Bremerhaven aboard the specially equipped research vessel Deutschland. This ambitious scientific mission aimed to conduct comprehensive geographical, meteorological, and geological studies of the Antarctic continent, representing a significant moment in early 20th-century polar exploration.
  • 04 May 1911 British National Insurance Bill Introduction: On May 4, 1911, the British government, under the leadership of Chancellor of the Exchequer David Lloyd George, introduced a groundbreaking National Insurance Bill. This landmark legislation was a pivotal moment in social welfare policy, establishing compulsory health insurance and unemployment insurance for workers. The bill represented a significant step towards creating a social safety net for British workers, providing financial protection and medical support during periods of illness or job loss.
  • 05 May 1911 Progressive Suffrage Bill Advances in UK Parliament: Sir George Kemp's significant suffrage bill passed its second reading in Parliament, proposing voting rights for women who could demonstrate economic self-sufficiency. This proposed legislation represented a progressive step towards women's political enfranchisement, suggesting that women who could financially support themselves and their families should be granted the right to vote.
  • 06 May 1911 First International Hygiene Exhibition in Dresden: The inaugural International Hygiene Exhibition opened in Dresden, Germany, marking a significant milestone in public health awareness and education. This groundbreaking event attracted an impressive five million visitors, showcasing innovative medical technologies, health practices, and scientific advancements of the early 20th century. The exhibition played a crucial role in promoting public understanding of hygiene, sanitation, and medical science during a period of rapid technological and social transformation.
  • 07 May 1911 Germany Warns France Over Moroccan Territorial Intentions: Heightening diplomatic tensions, Germany issued a stern warning to France, asserting that any attempted occupation of the Moroccan city of Fes would be considered a violation of existing treaties between the two nations. This event underscores the complex geopolitical landscape and growing international rivalries preceding World War I.
  • 08 May 1911 Pancho Villa's Attack on Ciudad Juarez: During the Mexican Revolution, revolutionary leader Pancho Villa launched an unauthorized attack against government troops in Ciudad Juarez. Despite acting without permission from Francisco I. Madero, Villa's forces successfully compelled government troops to surrender by May 10, 1911. This action demonstrated Villa's independent military strategy and growing influence in the revolutionary movement.
  • 09 May 1911 Birth of Naval Aviation: Captain Washington Irving Chambers of the U.S. Navy awarded a contract to Curtiss Aeroplane and Motor Company for the Curtiss A-1 Triad, a pivotal moment that effectively launched naval aviation and transformed military technology.
  • 10 May 1911 Birth of Blues Legend Robert Johnson: Robert Johnson, a legendary American blues musician who would profoundly influence rock and roll, was born on May 10, 1911. Later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Johnson became an iconic figure in music history, known for his exceptional guitar skills and influential blues recordings.
  • 11 May 1911 United States Signs Buenos Aires Copyright Treaty: On May 11, 1911, the United States officially became a signatory to the Buenos Aires Copyright Treaty, a significant international agreement that helped standardize intellectual property protections across participating nations in the Americas. This treaty represented an important step in establishing consistent copyright laws and mutual recognition of creative works between countries.
  • 12 May 1911 William Morgan Shuster's Iranian Economic Mission: In May 1911, William Morgan Shuster, a 34-year-old American lawyer, arrived in Iran to serve as the nation's Treasurer General with the ambitious goal of managing and reforming the country's economy. However, his mission was dramatically cut short when the Russian Empire intervened militarily, sending troops to prevent Shuster from seizing the assets of the former royal family. After just eight months, he was forced to leave, highlighting the complex geopolitical tensions and imperial interventions in Iran during the early 20th century.
  • 13 May 1911 Imperial Railroad Annexation in China: An Imperial Decree was issued in China, officially annexing the railroad lines connecting the strategic cities of Hankou, Guangzhou, and Chongqing, signaling a significant expansion of transportation infrastructure during the late Qing Dynasty.
  • 14 May 1911 Coronation of Emperor Iyasu V: On May 14, 1911, Prince Lij Iyasu was officially proclaimed as Emperor Iyasu V of Ethiopia (then known as Abyssinia), marking a significant moment in Ethiopian royal succession and political history.
  • 15 May 1911 Standard Oil Antitrust Case: In a landmark antitrust decision, the United States Supreme Court declares Standard Oil Company of New Jersey an 'unreasonable' monopoly under the Sherman Antitrust Act, ordering the company to be broken up into multiple smaller entities.
  • 16 May 1911 Torreón Massacre during Mexican Revolution: During the Mexican Revolution, a tragic ethnic massacre occurred in Torreón when revolutionary forces led by Emilio Madero (brother of Francisco I. Madero) captured the city from Federal troops, resulting in the brutal killing of 303 Chinese and five Japanese immigrants, highlighting the complex racial tensions and violence of the period.
  • 17 May 1911 Mexican Revolution Political Turning Point: A critical moment in the Mexican Revolution occurs as pressure mounts on President Porfirio Díaz to resign from power, marking a significant political transition.
  • 18 May 1911 End of José Porfirio Díaz's Presidential Term in Mexico: President and long-time dictator José Porfirio Díaz's term ends, marking a significant moment in Mexican political history. Díaz had ruled Mexico for over 30 years, and his departure would soon lead to the Mexican Revolution.
  • 19 May 1911 Establishment of Parks Canada: Parks Canada, the world's first national park service, is officially established as the Dominion Parks Branch under the Department of the Interior. This groundbreaking organization would become a model for conservation and national park management worldwide, marking a significant milestone in environmental protection and public land preservation.
  • 20 May 1911 Hukuang Loan Agreement Signed: A significant financial agreement was signed in Beijing, where a $30,000,000 loan was provided to the Imperial Chinese Government. This loan would ultimately contribute to the downfall of the Manchu Dynasty and mark a critical moment in China's political transformation.
  • 21 May 1911 Treaty of Ciudad Juárez Ends Initial Phase of Mexican Revolution: Mexican President Porfirio Díaz and revolutionary leader Francisco Madero signed the Treaty of Ciudad Juárez, effectively concluding the initial phase of the Mexican Revolution. The historic agreement was negotiated to halt the ongoing armed conflict between their respective forces, marking a significant turning point in Mexico's political landscape.
  • 22 May 1911 Cliff Curtis Sets Unfortunate Baseball Record: On May 22, 1911, Cliff Curtis of the Boston Braves set an infamous Major League Baseball record by losing his 23rd consecutive game. This extraordinary streak of futility remains one of the most remarkable and disheartening performances in baseball history, highlighting the immense challenges a struggling pitcher can face.
  • 23 May 1911 New York Public Library Dedication Ceremony: On May 23, 1911, a grand dedication ceremony was held for the magnificent New York Public Library, marking a significant milestone in the city's cultural and educational landscape. President William Howard Taft presided over the event, officially inaugurating the iconic library building located at 5th Avenue. The ceremony symbolized the commitment to public knowledge, literacy, and access to information for all citizens.
  • 24 May 1911 Bloody Demonstration in Mexico City during Mexican Revolution: During the tumultuous Mexican Revolution, government troops violently suppressed anti-Diaz demonstrators in Mexico City. Official reports claimed 40 casualties, but independent sources suggest approximately 200 people were killed, highlighting the brutal nature of political repression during this period of Mexican history.
  • 25 May 1911 Mexican Revolution: Fall of Porfirio Díaz: On May 25, 1911, Mexican President Porfirio Díaz signed his resignation after decades of authoritarian rule. Following his resignation, he departed for Veracruz on May 31 and subsequently went into exile in France, marking a pivotal moment in Mexican political history.
  • 26 May 1911 First Indianapolis 500 Auto Race: The inaugural Indianapolis 500 mile automobile race takes place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, marking a pivotal moment in American motorsports history. The event, which would become one of the most prestigious and iconic auto races in the world, attracts top drivers and racing teams, establishing a new standard for motorsport competition and entertainment.
  • 27 May 1911 Hubert Humphrey: Political Career Milestone: Hubert Humphrey, a prominent Democratic Senator from Minnesota, was a significant political figure who served as the 38th Vice President of the United States under President Lyndon B. Johnson from 1965 to 1969. Known for his passionate advocacy for civil rights and liberal policies, Humphrey was a key player in the Democratic Party during the mid-20th century. In 1969, he ran for the presidency, continuing his long-standing commitment to progressive political ideals and social justice.
  • 28 May 1911 Murder of Belle Walker in Atlanta: On May 28, 1911, the body of Belle Walker, an African-American cook, was discovered approximately 25 yards from her home on Garibaldi Street in Atlanta. This tragic event highlights the racial tensions and potential violence against African-Americans during the early 20th century in the Southern United States.
  • 29 May 1911 American Tobacco Company Antitrust Dissolution: The United States Supreme Court issues a landmark antitrust decision, dissolving the American Tobacco Company, continuing its aggressive stance against monopolistic business practices following the earlier Standard Oil Company breakup.
  • 30 May 1911 First Indianapolis 500 Motor Race: On May 30, 1911, the inaugural Indianapolis 500-mile auto race was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Ray Harroun, driving the Marmon Wasp, became the first winner of this historic motorsport event, marking a significant milestone in automotive racing history. Harroun's victory not only established the prestige of the Indianapolis 500 but also showcased the emerging technological capabilities of early 20th-century automobiles.
  • 31 May 1911 Launch of RMS Titanic: The RMS Titanic, a massive ocean liner built by the White Star Line, was launched from the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This historic event marked the debut of what was then the largest mobile object ever constructed, symbolizing the pinnacle of early 20th-century maritime engineering and technological ambition.