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Major Events of May 1998: 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 1998 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

history

Major Events of May 1998: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 May 1998 European Monetary Union Agreement: European nations reached a historic milestone by agreeing on the implementation of a single currency, marking a significant step towards economic integration. At a pivotal conference in Brussels, France and Germany resolved their previous disagreements over central bank leadership, paving the way for the eventual launch of the Euro.
  • 02 May 1998 European Central Bank Established: The European Central Bank was officially founded in Brussels, establishing a central institution to define and execute the European Union's monetary policy and economic strategy.
  • 03 May 1998 Titleholders Golf Championship Victory: On May 3, 1998, a notable victory was achieved at the Titleholders Golf Championship. The event showcased exceptional golfing skill and competitive spirit, marking an important moment in the sport's annual calendar.
  • 04 May 1998 Theodore Kaczynski Sentenced for Unabomber Crimes: In a landmark legal proceeding, a federal judge in Sacramento, California sentenced Theodore Kaczynski, infamously known as the 'Unabomber', to four consecutive life sentences plus an additional 30 years. Kaczynski accepted a plea agreement that spared him from the death penalty, concluding a long and complex legal case involving a series of mail bombings that terrorized the United States for nearly two decades.
  • 05 May 1998 USS Yorktown Wreck Discovered by Robert D. Ballard: Renowned marine archaeologist and former US Navy officer Robert D. Ballard successfully located the wreck of the USS Yorktown near Midway Atoll. The aircraft carrier was sunk during the pivotal Battle of Midway in 1942, a turning point in the Pacific Theater of World War II. This discovery provided significant historical and archaeological insights into the naval warfare of the era.
  • 06 May 1998 Apple Introduces Revolutionary iMac Computer: Apple Computer launched the groundbreaking iMac computer, featuring a 233 MHz PowerPC G3 processor, 32 MB RAM, 4 GB hard drive, and a 15-inch monitor, priced at US$1,300. This model marked a significant design and technological shift for Apple, introducing a colorful, all-in-one computer that would help revive the company's fortunes.
  • 07 May 1998 DaimlerChrysler Merger: Mercedes-Benz completed a historic $40 billion acquisition of Chrysler, forming DaimlerChrysler in what was then the largest industrial merger in automotive history. This landmark transaction represented a significant moment of global corporate consolidation and cross-border industrial collaboration.
  • 08 May 1998 India's Nuclear Tests at Pokhran: India conducts a significant nuclear weapons test in Pokhran, Rajasthan, which includes three underground nuclear tests, notably featuring one thermonuclear device. This event dramatically escalates regional geopolitical tensions and demonstrates India's nuclear capabilities.
  • 09 May 1998 Dana International Wins Eurovision Song Contest: Dana International, a groundbreaking transgender singer from Israel, won the Eurovision Song Contest 1998 in Birmingham, United Kingdom, marking a significant moment for LGBTQ+ representation in international music competitions.
  • 10 May 1998 Viktor Orbán Becomes Prime Minister of Hungary: Viktor Orbán was elected Prime Minister of Hungary, leading a centre-right coalition formed by his Fidesz party, the Independent Smallholders Party, and the Hungarian Democratic Forum. This marked a significant political shift in Hungary's post-communist era, with Orbán representing a conservative nationalist political approach.
  • 11 May 1998 First Euro Coins Minted: The first euro coins were minted in Pessac, France, marking a crucial milestone in the European monetary integration process. However, due to incomplete final specifications, these initial coins would need to be remelted and reminted in 1999, symbolizing the complex process of creating a unified European currency.
  • 12 May 1998 Trisakti University Shootings and Indonesian Political Upheaval: On May 12, 1998, a pivotal moment in Indonesian history unfolded when four students were fatally shot during protests at Trisakti University in Jakarta. These killings sparked widespread riots and civil unrest that ultimately led to the downfall of President Suharto's authoritarian regime, marking a critical turning point in Indonesia's transition to democracy.
  • 13 May 1998 International Sanctions Against India's Nuclear Tests: Following India's nuclear weapons tests, the United States and Japan responded by imposing economic sanctions to discourage further nuclear proliferation and demonstrate international disapproval of nuclear weapon development.
  • 14 May 1998 Frank Sinatra Dies: Frank Sinatra, legendary American singer, actor, and cultural icon known as 'Ol' Blue Eyes', passed away at age 82 due to heart and kidney disease, bladder cancer, and senility. He was one of the most influential musical artists of the 20th century.
  • 15 May 1998 Iraqi Missile Technology Acquisition Attempt: The United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) discovered that an Iraqi delegation traveled to Bucharest, Romania, with the intention of meeting with scientists to potentially acquire advanced missile guidance systems. This event was significant in the context of ongoing international tensions and concerns about Iraq's weapons capabilities in the late 1990s, following the Gulf War and during the period of UN sanctions.
  • 16 May 1998 Megan's Law Signed: U.S. President Bill Clinton signed Megan's Law, a critical piece of legislation requiring law enforcement to notify local schools, day-care centers, and residents about the presence of registered sex offenders, aimed at enhancing community safety and protecting children.
  • 17 May 1998 David Wells Perfect Game: On May 17, 1998, New York Yankees pitcher David Wells achieved a remarkable feat by throwing a perfect game against the Minnesota Twins at Yankee Stadium. Wells retired all 27 batters he faced in the Yankees' 4-0 victory, joining an elite group of Major League Baseball pitchers who have accomplished this rare accomplishment.
  • 18 May 1998 United States v. Microsoft Antitrust Lawsuit: The United States Department of Justice and 20 U.S. states filed a landmark antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft, alleging the company was using monopolistic practices to dominate the computer software and internet browser markets. The lawsuit charged Microsoft with violations of the Sherman Antitrust Act, focusing on the company's alleged anti-competitive behavior in bundling Internet Explorer with its Windows operating system and attempting to stifle competition in the emerging digital marketplace.
  • 19 May 1998 Introduction of Euro Coins and Banknotes: A historic moment in European economic integration: the first euro coins and banknotes are introduced in 11 European Union countries, marking a significant step towards monetary unification.
  • 20 May 1998 Microsoft Antitrust Lawsuit: The United States Department of Justice and 20 state Attorneys General filed comprehensive antitrust lawsuits against Microsoft Corporation, alleging the company was using its dominant position in personal computer operating systems to unfairly control internet browser markets and stifle competition.
  • 21 May 1998 Suharto Resigns as President of Indonesia: After 32 years in power and seven consecutive re-elections by the Indonesian Parliament (MPR), President Suharto resigned from his position. His hand-picked Vice President, B. J. Habibie, succeeded him as Indonesia's third president, marking a significant political transition during a period of social and economic unrest.
  • 22 May 1998 Lewinsky Scandal: Secret Service Testimony Ruling: A federal judge ruled that United States Secret Service agents could be compelled to testify before a grand jury regarding the Monica Lewinsky scandal involving President Bill Clinton. This legal decision was a significant development in the high-profile political controversy.
  • 23 May 1998 Good Friday Agreement Referendum: The Good Friday Agreement was accepted in a referendum in Northern Ireland, with approximately 75% of voters supporting the historic peace accord. This landmark democratic process represented a significant milestone in resolving decades of conflict between nationalist and unionist communities in Northern Ireland.
  • 24 May 1998 51st Cannes Film Festival - Palme d'Or Winner: At the 51st Cannes Film Festival, Greek director Theo Angelopoulos' film 'Eternity and a Day' (original title: 'Mia aioniotita kai mia mera') won the prestigious Palme d'Or award, highlighting significant international cinema achievements.
  • 25 May 1998 India's Pokhran Nuclear Tests: On May 25, 1998, India conducted three significant underground nuclear tests at the Pokhran Test Range in Rajasthan. These tests, codenamed 'Operation Shakti', included a thermonuclear device and demonstrated India's nuclear weapons capabilities. The tests were led by nuclear scientists and military strategists, marking a pivotal moment in India's strategic defense posture and global geopolitical landscape.
  • 26 May 1998 Australia's First National Sorry Day: The inaugural National Sorry Day was held across Australia, a pivotal moment in the nation's reconciliation efforts with Indigenous peoples. Over one million people participated in nationwide events, symbolizing a collective acknowledgment of historical injustices and a commitment to healing.
  • 27 May 1998 Michael Fortier Sentenced for Oklahoma City Bombing Involvement: Michael Fortier was sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined $200,000 for his failure to alert authorities about the Oklahoma City bombing terrorist plot, which was a significant legal consequence for his role in the domestic terrorist attack.
  • 28 May 1998 Pakistan's Nuclear Tests in Response to India: On May 28, 1998, Pakistan conducted its first nuclear tests, codenamed Chagai-I, in the Chaghai hills of Baluchistan. These tests were a direct response to India's earlier nuclear tests, marking a significant escalation in the nuclear arms race between the two nations. The international community, including the United States and Japan, reacted swiftly by imposing economic sanctions on Pakistan.
  • 29 May 1998 RMS Empress of Ireland Disaster: The RMS Empress of Ireland, a Canadian Pacific Ocean liner, sank tragically in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, resulting in the devastating loss of 1,024 lives. This maritime disaster is considered one of the worst peacetime shipwrecks in Canadian history, occurring during a dense fog that contributed to a catastrophic collision.
  • 30 May 1998 Pakistan's Second Nuclear Test: On May 30, 1998, Pakistan conducted its second nuclear test, demonstrating its nuclear capabilities and escalating regional tensions in South Asia. This test followed closely after its first nuclear test earlier that month.
  • 31 May 1998 Historic May 1998 Tornado Outbreak and Derecho: A significant severe weather event spanning May 30-31, 1998, which impacted the northern United States and southern Ontario. The outbreak was characterized by 60 confirmed tornadoes, with the most devastating being the Spencer, South Dakota tornado that resulted in six fatalities and 150 injuries. The accompanying derecho caused extensive infrastructure damage, leading to over 2 million power outages, with some regions experiencing power disruptions for up to 10 days.