Historical Events on May 7: Significant Moments in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on May 7, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on May 7 - Key Moments Throughout History

1900 Anti-Asian Rhetoric by San Francisco Mayor: San Francisco Mayor James D. Phelan delivered a deeply discriminatory speech at Union Square, explicitly denouncing Chinese and Japanese residents as non-citizens. His inflammatory remarks reflected the pervasive xenophobic and racist sentiments prevalent in early 20th-century California, contributing to the systemic marginalization of Asian immigrants.
1901 Ilya Repin Begins Monumental State Council Painting: Russian painter Ilya Repin commenced work on his massive historical painting 'The Ceremonial Meeting of the State Council, 7 May 1901'. This extraordinary artwork, measuring an impressive 400 cm x 877 cm (approximately 13'2" high by 28'9" wide), represents a significant moment in Russian political and artistic history. The painting is now preserved in the Russian Museum in Saint Petersburg, showcasing Repin's exceptional skill in capturing historical and political scenes.
1902 La Soufrière Volcanic Eruption on Saint Vincent: On May 7, 1902, the Soufrière volcano on Saint Vincent erupted catastrophically, devastating the northern portion of the island and resulting in a massive loss of life. The volcanic event killed between 2,000 and 5,000 people, making it one of the deadliest volcanic disasters in the Caribbean region during the early 20th century.
1903 Uneventful Day in 1903: While no major historical events were specifically documented for May 7, 1903, this does not necessarily mean nothing of significance occurred. Many days in history pass without remarkable global events, yet local or personal histories continue to unfold.
1904 Tokyo Celebration Tragedy: During a massive public celebration commemorating Japanese war victories, a devastating human crush occurred in Tokyo, resulting in 21 fatalities and 40 injuries. The incident highlighted the potential dangers of large, densely packed public gatherings.
1905 Formation of the Japanese and Korean Exclusion League: On May 7, 1905, the Japanese and Korean Exclusion League was established in San Francisco, California. The organization was founded by prominent labor union leaders, including P. H. McCarthy from the San Francisco Building Trades Council and Andrew Furuseth of the International Seamen's Union. Their primary objective was to lobby for the restriction and prevention of further Asian immigration to the United States, reflecting the prevalent xenophobic and racist sentiments of the early 20th century.
1906 Birth of Jon Lormer, American Actor: Jon Lormer was born on May 7, 1906, in the United States. He would go on to become a notable character actor in film and television during the mid-20th century, contributing to the entertainment industry with his performances.
1907 First Isle of Man TT Race Won by Charles Collier: Charles Collier made motorsport history by winning the inaugural Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (TT) motorcycle race, achieving an average speed of 38.22 miles per hour. This groundbreaking event marked the beginning of what would become one of the most prestigious and challenging motorcycle races in the world, establishing the Isle of Man TT as a landmark competition in motorsport history.
1908 Birth of Max Grundig, German Electronics Pioneer: Max Grundig was born in Nuremberg, Germany, and would go on to become a significant figure in the electronics industry. As the founder of the Grundig electronics company, he played a crucial role in developing consumer electronics in post-World War II Germany. His innovations helped establish Germany as a leader in radio, television, and consumer electronics manufacturing during the mid-20th century.
1909 Foundation of Tel Aviv's First Residential Neighborhood: Construction begins on the first 100 houses in Ahuzat Bayit, a pivotal moment in the establishment of Tel Aviv. This marks the beginning of what would become Israel's most populous and economically significant city, representing an important milestone in urban development and Zionist settlement.
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.
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.
1912 First Machine Gun Fired from an Airplane: The United States Army conducted a groundbreaking test near the College Park, Maryland airfield, where a machine gun was fired from an airplane for the first time. Charles deForest Chandler, chief of the Aeronautical Division of the Signal Corps, successfully fired a 28-pound Lewis gun while Lt. Thomas D. Milling piloted the Wright biplane, demonstrating a revolutionary military aviation capability.
1913 British Parliament Denies Women's Suffrage: On May 7, 1913, the British House of Commons voted against granting women the right to vote, continuing the long-standing resistance to women's political participation. This event was part of the broader women's suffrage movement in the United Kingdom, where women activists were fighting for equal political representation and democratic rights.
1914 Official Recognition of Mother's Day: The United States Congress officially established Mother's Day as a national holiday, formalizing the celebration proposed by Anna Jarvis in 1908. This legislative action provided national recognition to a day honoring mothers and maternal bonds, which would become an important annual tradition in American culture.
1915 Sinking of the RMS Lusitania: During World War I, the German submarine SM U-20 torpedoed and sank the British passenger liner RMS Lusitania off the coast of Ireland, resulting in the tragic loss of 1,198 lives, including 128 American citizens. This devastating event dramatically shifted public opinion in the United States, transforming many pro-German sentiments into strong anti-German sentiment and ultimately contributing to the United States' decision to enter World War I.
1916 Battle of Verdun: Strategic Hill Contested: During the prolonged Battle of Verdun in World War I, German troops momentarily captured Côte 304, a strategically critical hill on the Verdun defensive line. Despite initial success in forcing French troops off the position, the Germans were unable to maintain their hold due to intense and devastating French artillery bombardments. This episode exemplified the brutal and attritional nature of combat on the Western Front.
1917 Battle of the Crna Bend During World War I: During World War I, the Allies intensified their bombardment of Central Powers defenses along the Crna River in Serbia. Despite four days of sustained shelling that resulted in 945 Bulgarian casualties, the Central Powers maintained their defensive positions.
1918 Asquith Challenges British War Cabinet Troop Strength Claims: On May 7, 1918, Liberal Party leader H. H. Asquith raised serious allegations against the British War Cabinet, challenging their reported troop strengths on the Western Front. These allegations were based on a letter published in the press by Major-General Frederick Maurice of the British Army, suggesting potential misrepresentation of military capabilities during World War I.
1919 Paris Peace Conference Territorial Decisions: During the Paris Peace Conference, the United Kingdom was granted control of German East Africa, a significant colonial redistribution following World War I. Belgium strongly objected to this territorial allocation, highlighting the complex geopolitical negotiations of the post-war period.
1920 Kiev Offensive by Polish and Ukrainian Forces: Polish troops led by Jozef Piłsudski and Edward Rydz-Śmigły, supported by Ukrainian forces, captured Kiev in a bold military operation. However, the Red Army launched a successful counter-offensive within a month, recapturing the city.
1921 Birth of Historian Asa Briggs: Asa Briggs, a prominent English historian known for his extensive work in social and cultural history, was born in Keighley, Yorkshire. Briggs would go on to become a significant academic figure, contributing substantially to historical research and understanding of 19th and 20th-century British society.
1922 Construction of Yankee Stadium Begins: The iconic Yankee Stadium's construction commenced in New York City, marking the beginning of a legendary sports venue that would become a symbol of baseball history.
1923 Queen Wilhelmina's Historic Radio Broadcast: A groundbreaking moment in telecommunications history occurred when Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands transmitted the first broadcast from The Hague using the world's most powerful radio station at the time. The transmission was specifically designed to reach the Dutch East Indies, spanning an impressive 7,500 miles (12,100 km), demonstrating the technological advancements of early 20th-century communication.
1924 Formation of APRA Political Party in Peru: On May 7, 1924, Víctor Raúl Haya de la Torre founded the Alianza Popular Revolucionaria Americana (APRA), a significant political movement in Latin American history. This left-wing political party was established to promote anti-imperialism, indigenous rights, and social reform across the Americas, becoming a pivotal organization in Peruvian and regional political discourse.
1925 Rare Unassisted Triple Play by Glenn Wright: Pittsburgh Pirates' shortstop Glenn Wright achieved a remarkable defensive feat by completing an unassisted triple play against the St. Louis Cardinals, a highly uncommon baseball play that occurs extremely rarely in Major League history.
1926 Léon Theremin's Experimental Television Demonstration: Soviet inventor Léon Theremin made a groundbreaking technological presentation by demonstrating an experimental television system in the Soviet Union. His innovative device electrically transmitted and projected near-simultaneous moving images onto a five-foot square screen, representing a significant milestone in early television technology and visual communication research.
1927 First Long-Distance Television Transmission: Bell Telephone Company successfully demonstrates long-distance television transmission by sending an image of Secretary of Commerce Herbert Hoover from Washington D.C. to New York City, a groundbreaking moment in telecommunications technology.
1928 UK Women's Suffrage Age Lowered: The United Kingdom passed legislation reducing the voting age for women from 30 to 21 years old, a significant milestone in women's electoral rights. This change effectively expanded political participation for younger women and brought their voting privileges in line with male voters.
1929 Al Capone's Brutal Gang Execution: Al Capone hosted a party that turned into a deadly betrayal. During the event, he accused gang members John Scalise, Albert Anselmi, and Joseph Giunta of treachery. In a shocking display of violence, Capone personally beat them with a club and then shot them dead. Their bodies were subsequently dumped on a roadside near Hammond, Indiana, and discovered the following day.
1930 Senate Rejects Hoover's Supreme Court Nominee: The U.S. Senate rejected President Herbert Hoover's Supreme Court Justice nominee, John J. Parker, in a close vote of 39 in favor and 41 against his confirmation. This politically significant event highlighted the challenges of judicial appointments during the early Great Depression era.
1931 Francis Crowley Apartment Siege: A dramatic standoff unfolded in New York City when notorious criminal Francis Crowley was cornered by 300 members of the New York Police Department in his fifth-floor apartment on West 91st Street. This intense confrontation highlighted the law enforcement challenges of dealing with dangerous criminals during the early 1930s gangster era.
1932 French President Assassinated: Paul Doumer, the 75-year-old President of France, died from wounds sustained in an assassination the previous day, marking a significant political tragedy in early 1930s France.
1933 FDR's Second Fireside Chat: On May 7, 1933, eight weeks after his inauguration, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his second Fireside Chat. In this groundbreaking radio address, he directly communicated with the American people about the progress of his administration and the details of the New Deal program, helping to build public trust and understanding during the Great Depression.
1934 Deadly Potash Mine Fire in Müllheim, Germany: A catastrophic fire swept through a potash mine in Müllheim, Germany, resulting in the tragic loss of 87 miners' lives, highlighting the dangerous working conditions in industrial mining during the 1930s.
1935 Uneventful Day in 1935: While no specific major historical events were documented for May 7, 1935, this does not necessarily mean nothing of significance occurred. Many historical moments happen without immediate widespread recognition. During this period, the world was still recovering from the Great Depression, and various social, political, and economic transformations were quietly unfolding across different regions.
1936 Italian Annexation of Ethiopia: Italy formally annexes Ethiopia, marking a significant moment in colonial expansion under Benito Mussolini's fascist regime. This act completed the Italian invasion that began in October 1935, transforming Ethiopia from an independent African kingdom into an Italian colonial territory.
1937 U.S. Neutrality Legislation Passed: The U.S. Congress enacted neutrality legislation that allowed the sale of certain commodities while prohibiting American citizens from traveling on enemy ships. This law reflected the United States' attempt to maintain diplomatic distance and avoid direct involvement in emerging international conflicts.
1938 Diplomatic Negotiations over Sudetenland: British and French ambassadors met in Prague to discuss the Sudeten German minority, advising Czechoslovakia to make significant concessions to ethnic Germans, a critical moment in the lead-up to the Munich Agreement.
1939 Formation of the Rome-Berlin Axis: Germany and Italy formally announce their military alliance, known as the Rome-Berlin Axis, which solidifies the strategic partnership between Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. This pact, also referred to as the 'Pact of Steel', represents a significant diplomatic and military collaboration that would play a crucial role in the lead-up to World War II, signaling the growing alignment of Axis powers.
1940 Winston Churchill Becomes Prime Minister of Britain: In a pivotal moment during World War II, Winston Churchill assumes the role of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, replacing Neville Chamberlain. This leadership transition occurs during a critical period of the war, marking a significant turning point in British political and military strategy.
1941 Churchill Receives Overwhelming Parliamentary Support: The British House of Commons demonstrated overwhelming confidence in Prime Minister Winston Churchill, voting 477-3 in his favor during a critical period of World War II.
1942 Battle of the Coral Sea: First Naval Battle Without Direct Visual Contact: During World War II, the Battle of the Coral Sea marked a significant milestone in naval warfare. United States Navy aircraft carrier aircraft attacked and sank the Imperial Japanese Navy light aircraft carrier Shōhō, becoming the first naval battle in history where enemy fleets engaged without direct visual contact between warring ships.
1943 Allied Forces Capture Tunis and Bizerte: American and British forces successfully captured the strategic North African cities of Tunis and Bizerte, resulting in the surrender of 160,000 German and Italian soldiers. This decisive victory marked a significant turning point in the North African Campaign during World War II.
1944 German Assault on Tito's Headquarters in Drvar: On May 7, 1944, German forces launched a major military operation targeting the headquarters of Yugoslav Partisan leader Josip Broz Tito in the small town of Drvar, Bosnia. This strategic assault, known as Operation Rösselsprung (Knight's Move), was a carefully planned attempt to capture or eliminate Tito, who was a key resistance leader against Nazi occupation. The operation involved a complex airborne and ground attack, with German paratroopers and ground forces attempting to surprise and neutralize Tito and his high command.
1945 Auschwitz Concentration Camp Mass Murder Report: The Soviet Union's Extraordinary State Commission officially documented the systematic murder of over four million citizens from multiple European countries at the Auschwitz (Oswiecim) concentration camp, representing the most extensive documented mass murder in recorded human history.
1946 Sony Corporation Founded: Sony Corporation is established in Tokyo, Japan, initially as Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering, founded by visionary entrepreneurs Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita. The company begins with approximately 20 employees and will later become a global technology and electronics powerhouse.
1947 MacArthur Approves Japanese Constitution: U.S. General Douglas MacArthur, as the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers, officially approves the new Japanese constitution. This landmark moment represents a pivotal point in post-World War II reconstruction, establishing a democratic framework for Japan and fundamentally reshaping its political system.
1948 Council of Europe Established: The Council of Europe was officially founded during the historic Hague Congress, marking a significant milestone in post-World War II European integration efforts.
1949 Cold War Media Strategy: Voice of America and BBC Collaboration: Voice of America and the BBC initiated a joint effort to counteract Soviet broadcast jamming attempts, successfully developing strategies to penetrate communication barriers into the Soviet Union.
1950 Fall of Dien Bien Phu to Vietminh Forces: In a pivotal moment of the First Indochina War, the French military outpost of Dien Bien Phu in northwestern Vietnam was decisively defeated by the Vietminh army led by General Vo Nguyen Giap. This battle marked a critical turning point in the conflict, effectively ending French colonial control in Indochina and paving the way for Vietnamese independence.
1951 Russia Rejoins Olympic Movement: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) made a significant diplomatic decision by allowing the Soviet Union to participate in the 1952 Olympic Games, marking a crucial moment of post-World War II international sports reconciliation.
1952 Integrated Circuit Concept Proposed: Geoffrey W.A. Dummer, a British engineer and pioneer in electronics, first publicly proposed the groundbreaking concept of the integrated circuit, which would later become the fundamental building block of modern digital technology. His visionary paper laid the theoretical groundwork for miniaturizing electronic components and revolutionizing computing and telecommunications.
1953 Germany's Unconditional Surrender: Germany surrenders unconditionally to the Allied Powers, marking the end of World War II in Europe.
1954 Battle of Dien Bien Phu: A Turning Point in Indochina: The Battle of Dien Bien Phu ended with a decisive Viet Minh victory over French colonial forces. This pivotal battle, which began on March 13 and concluded on May 7, 1954, marked a critical moment in the First Indochina War. Led by the brilliant military strategist General Vo Nguyen Giap, the Vietnamese forces successfully besieged and overwhelmed the French garrison in northern Vietnam, effectively signaling the end of French colonial control in the region.
1955 USSR Signs Peace Treaty with Western Powers: The Soviet Union signed a peace treaty with France and Great Britain, signaling a potential diplomatic thaw during the early Cold War period and attempting to reduce international tensions.
1956 Battle of Oran, Algeria: A significant military engagement in Oran, Algeria, resulted in approximately 300 casualties, highlighting the ongoing tensions and conflicts in the region during the mid-1950s.
1957 Tragic Baseball Injury: Herb Score Hit by Line Drive: During a baseball game, Cleveland Indians pitcher Herb Score suffered a severe facial injury when struck by a line drive hit by New York Yankees player Gil McDougald. This incident was a significant moment in baseball history, potentially altering Score's promising career.
1958 Howard Johnson Sets Aircraft Altitude Record: Major Howard Johnson of the United States Air Force achieved a remarkable aviation milestone by setting a new aircraft altitude record using the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter. He reached an impressive altitude of 27,810 meters (approximately 91,186 feet), demonstrating the extraordinary capabilities of high-performance jet aircraft during the late 1950s Cold War era.
1959 C.P. Snow's Two Cultures Lecture: Renowned English scientist and novelist C.P. Snow delivered a groundbreaking Rede Lecture at Cambridge University, exploring the critical divide between scientific and humanistic intellectual traditions. His lecture highlighted the growing communication gap and mutual incomprehension between these two fundamental domains of knowledge, sparking significant academic and cultural discourse.
1960 U-2 Spy Plane Incident Escalates Cold War Tensions: Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev dramatically announced that the USSR was holding American U-2 pilot Gary Powers, marking a critical moment in Cold War espionage and diplomatic relations between the United States and Soviet Union.
1961 Mount Pelée Catastrophic Eruption: On May 7, 1961, Mount Pelée, an active volcano located on the Caribbean island of Martinique, erupted with devastating consequences. The volcanic explosion completely destroyed the port city of Saint-Pierre, resulting in the tragic loss of approximately 30,000 lives, which represented about 15 percent of the island's total population. This event is considered one of the deadliest volcanic eruptions in modern history, highlighting the immense destructive power of natural disasters.
1962 CIA-Mafia Collaboration Revelation: A shocking meeting reveals the CIA's covert attempts to collaborate with organized crime, where three agency officials met with Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy to discuss a $150,000 contract offered to Mafia criminals to assassinate Cuban Prime Minister Fidel Castro, exposing the complex and controversial Cold War-era intelligence tactics.
1963 Death of Theodore von Kármán: Theodore von Kármán, a renowned Hungarian-American mathematician, engineer, and physicist who made groundbreaking contributions to aerodynamics and aerospace engineering, passes away at 81.
1964 Pacific Airlines Flight 773 Hijacking and Crash: On May 7, 1964, Pacific Airlines Flight 773, a Fairchild F-27 airliner, was hijacked by Francisco Gonzales and crashed near San Ramon, California, resulting in the tragic death of all 44 people aboard. The FBI investigation revealed that a suicidal passenger shot the pilot and co-pilot, causing the aircraft to crash in Contra Costa County.
1965 Rhodesian Front Maintains Political Control: The Rhodesian Front political party, led by Prime Minister Ian Smith, successfully retained its majority in the general election for the House of Assembly, solidifying its political power in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) during a period of significant racial and political tension.
1966 Lurleen Wallace's Political Breakthrough: Lurleen Wallace, wife of Alabama Governor George C. Wallace, secured a landmark victory in the Democratic Party primary for the gubernatorial nomination. Her overwhelming win on May 3, 1966, virtually guaranteed her election in November in the traditionally Democratic state, marking a significant moment for women in Southern politics.
1967 CIA U-2 Reconnaissance Mission Over China: A CIA-sponsored U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, piloted by a Nationalist Chinese pilot based in Taiwan, conducted a covert surveillance mission over the People's Republic of China. The aircraft's primary objective was to drop specialized instrumentation designed to monitor and gather intelligence about China's nuclear testing capabilities during the Cold War era.
1968 May 1968 Paris Student Protests: A significant social movement erupted in Paris, with students and workers launching widespread protests against traditional societal structures, government policies, and capitalist systems. These protests challenged the conservative governance of President Charles de Gaulle and represented a pivotal moment of youth-led social rebellion in 20th-century France.
1969 Queen Elizabeth 2 Arrives in New York: The legendary ocean liner Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2), commanded by Captain William Warwick, made her maiden voyage into New York Harbor, docking at the West 52nd Street pier. This historic maritime moment symbolized the continued prestige of transatlantic sea travel.
1970 Devastating Eruption of Mount Pelée: On May 7, 1970, Mount Pelée, an active volcano located on the Caribbean island of Martinique, unleashed a catastrophic eruption that obliterated the port city of Saint-Pierre. The volcanic event was particularly deadly, resulting in the immediate death of approximately 30,000 residents, which represented about 15% of the island's total population. The eruption was characterized by pyroclastic flows—extremely hot clouds of gas, ash, and rock that swept down the mountainside at incredible speeds, instantly destroying everything in their path. This disaster is considered one of the deadliest volcanic events in modern history and dramatically transformed the demographic and economic landscape of Martinique.
1972 NBA Championship: Lakers Triumph: The 26th NBA Championship concluded with the Los Angeles Lakers defeating the New York Knicks in a decisive series, winning 4 games to 1. This victory solidified the Lakers' dominance in professional basketball during the early 1970s.
1973 Gary Cooper's Birthday: Gary Cooper, a legendary Hollywood actor known for his iconic roles in Western films and classic movies like 'High Noon', was born on this day. Cooper was a prominent figure in the Golden Age of Hollywood, winning two Academy Awards and known for his distinctive laconic acting style.
1974 Willy Brandt Resigns as West German Chancellor: West German Chancellor Willy Brandt presented his resignation to President Gustav Heinemann after his personal assistant, Günter Guillaume, was discovered to be a spy for East Germany. This dramatic resignation was a significant moment in Cold War-era German politics, highlighting the intense espionage tensions between East and West.
1975 End of the Vietnam Era: US President Gerald Ford officially declared an end to the Vietnam Era, marking a significant milestone in American history and signaling the country's transition from the prolonged and controversial conflict to a post-war period of healing and reconstruction.
1976 Devastating Friuli Earthquake in Italy: A catastrophic 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck northeastern Italy, specifically the town of Gemona del Friuli in the Province of Udine. The disaster resulted in 978 fatalities, 2,400 injuries, and left 157,000 people homeless. This seismic event was one of the most significant natural disasters in Italy during the 1970s, causing widespread destruction and long-term humanitarian challenges.
1977 Assassination Attempt on Argentine Foreign Minister: Vice Admiral Cesar Guzzetti, Argentina's Foreign Minister, was critically wounded in an assassination attempt while attending a meeting, reflecting the volatile political climate in Argentina during the late 1970s.
1979 5th UNCTAD Conference Opens in Manila: The 5th United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) convened in Manila, Philippines, bringing together international delegates to discuss global economic policies, trade strategies, and development initiatives.
1980 Sunshine Skyway Bridge Disaster: In a tragic maritime accident in Florida, the Liberian freighter 'Summit Venture' collided with the Sunshine Skyway Bridge over Tampa Bay, causing a catastrophic 1,400-foot section of the bridge to collapse. The incident resulted in the deaths of 35 people, most of whom were passengers in a bus.
1981 US Expels Libyan Diplomats Over Terrorism Concerns: The United States government took decisive diplomatic action by ordering the closure of the Libyan Embassy in Washington, D.C. This move was a direct response to Libya's alleged support of international terrorism, marking a significant escalation in U.S.-Libyan diplomatic tensions during the Cold War era.
1982 US Nuclear Testing: The United States conducts a nuclear test at the Nevada Test Site, continuing Cold War-era nuclear weapons research and development.
1983 109th Kentucky Derby Winner: Ed Delahoussaye rode Sunny's Halo to victory in the 109th Kentucky Derby, completing the race in an impressive time of 2:02.2. This marked a significant achievement in horse racing for the year.
1984 Agent Orange Lawsuit Settlement: A landmark out-of-court settlement of US$180 million was reached for American Vietnam War veterans who suffered illnesses and disabilities caused by exposure to Agent Orange during the conflict.
1985 Uneventful Day in Global History: While no major global events were recorded on May 7, 1985, this does not diminish the potential significance of daily life and local occurrences happening around the world. Every day contributes to the broader tapestry of human experience, even when no landmark historical moments are immediately apparent.
1986 First Person to Climb Seven Summits: Canadian mountaineer Patrick Morrow achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first person to successfully climb the highest peaks on all seven continents.
1987 Shelley Long Departs 'Cheers': Actress Shelley Long aired her final episode as Diane Chambers in the iconic TV comedy 'Cheers', marking a significant moment in 1980s television history.
1988 Soviet Nuclear Test at Novaya Zemlya: The Soviet Union conducts a nuclear test at the Novaya Zemlya archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, continuing its nuclear weapons development program during the late Cold War period. This test was part of the ongoing nuclear arms race between the USSR and the United States.
1989 Tiananmen Square Protests Begin: Approximately one million protesters, predominantly students, marched through Beijing demanding greater democracy, a pivotal moment that would lead to the infamous Tiananmen Square crackdown.
1990 Hubble Space Telescope Launch: On May 7, 1990, NASA successfully deployed the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) into low Earth orbit, marking a pivotal moment in astronomical research. This groundbreaking space observatory, named after astronomer Edwin Hubble, was designed to capture unprecedented high-resolution images of celestial objects, free from the atmospheric distortions that limit ground-based telescopes. The Hubble Space Telescope would go on to provide scientists with extraordinary insights into the universe, revealing intricate details of distant galaxies, nebulae, and planetary systems, and helping to reshape our understanding of cosmic evolution and structure.
1991 French Nuclear Test at Muruora Island: France conducted a nuclear test at Muruora Island in French Polynesia, continuing its nuclear weapons testing program in the Pacific region. Such tests were controversial due to potential environmental and health impacts.
1992 Space Shuttle Endeavour's Maiden Voyage: The Space Shuttle Endeavour was launched on its inaugural mission, marking a significant milestone in NASA's Space Shuttle program following the Challenger disaster. This first flight represented the space agency's resilience and commitment to space exploration.
1993 South Africa's Historic Multi-Racial Election Agreement: On May 7, 1993, South Africa made a landmark decision to hold multi-racial elections, a pivotal moment in dismantling the apartheid system. This agreement represented a critical turning point in the nation's political landscape, signaling the end of institutionalized racial segregation and paving the way for a more inclusive democratic process. The negotiations involved key political figures like Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk, who were instrumental in transitioning the country from a racially divided state to a democratic society.
1994 The Scream Painting Recovered: Edvard Munch's iconic painting 'The Scream' was recovered undamaged from the National Gallery of Norway, three months after its theft in February 1994. The recovery was significant for the art world, highlighting the painting's cultural importance and the successful efforts of law enforcement to retrieve stolen artwork.
1995 Jacques Chirac Wins French Presidential Election: Jacques Chirac was elected as the President of France, marking a significant moment in French political history. He defeated incumbent President François Mitterrand, representing a shift in the country's political leadership.
1996 Ariane 5 Rocket's Maiden Flight: The European Space Agency successfully launched the Ariane 5 rocket for its first test flight from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. This advanced launch vehicle represented a significant milestone in European space technology, designed to compete with American rocket systems and enhance Europe's space exploration capabilities.
1997 Intel Releases Pentium II Processor: Intel launched the Pentium II processor, a significant advancement in computer technology. The processor featured a new 66 MHz bus interface called Slot 1, 200 MHz 32 kB Level 1 cache, MMX instructions, and 512 kB Level 2 external cache. Available in speeds of 233, 266, and 300 MHz, the processor incorporated 7.5 million transistors using 0.35 micron process technology. Prices ranged from US$636 to $1,981, with the development code-name being 'Klamath'.
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.
1999 NATO Accidentally Bombs Chinese Embassy in Belgrade: During the Kosovo War, a NATO aircraft mistakenly bombed the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, resulting in the tragic deaths of three Chinese embassy workers and wounding 20 others. This incident significantly escalated diplomatic tensions between NATO and China.
2000 Vladimir Putin is inaugurated as president of Russia.
2001 U.S. Resumes Spy Flights Near China: The United States resumed reconnaissance flights along the Chinese coast following a previous diplomatic incident in April, when a U.S. Navy surveillance aircraft collided with a Chinese fighter jet. This mission was completed without further incident, signaling a cautious de-escalation of tensions between the two nations.
2002 Deadly Suicide Bombing in Rishon LeZion, Israel: A devastating suicide bombing occurred in a billiards and gaming club in Rishon LeZion, Israel, killing 15 people and injuring 58 others. Simultaneously, U.S. President George W. Bush was meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in Washington D.C., underscoring the ongoing tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
2003 Recovery of Iraqi Cultural Artifacts: U.S. Customs agents successfully recovered nearly 40,000 manuscripts and 700 artifacts from the National Museum of Iraq. Many items initially reported as missing were actually preserved in secret storage vaults before the war. Some looters voluntarily returned items after being promised rewards and amnesty.
2004 Putin's Second Presidential Term: Vladimir Putin was sworn in for his second and final four-year term as President of Russia, continuing his significant political leadership of the country.
2005 Insurgent Attacks in Iraq: Ongoing insurgent violence continues in Iraq, with at least 35 Iraqis killed in bombings in Mosul and Baghdad, highlighting the persistent instability in the region.
2006 Iran Threatens Nuclear Treaty Withdrawal: Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad escalated tensions by threatening to withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty if the United States or EU3 countries did not accept Iran's nuclear program, further complicating international diplomatic relations.
2007 Nicolas Sarkozy Elected President of France: Nicolas Sarkozy was elected as the President of France, marking a significant moment in French political history.
2008 Putin Steps Down, Medvedev Becomes Russian President: In Moscow, Russia, Vladimir Putin formally steps down as president. Dmitry Medvedev is sworn in as Russian president, and nominates his predecessor Putin as prime minister, marking a significant transition of power in Russian political leadership.
2009 U.S. Bank Capital Reserves Crisis: The U.S. Federal Reserve reported that ten of the largest 19 banks lacked adequate capital reserves during the economic downturn, mandating a total capital raise of US$75 billion by the end of 2010. Bank of America was identified as the most vulnerable, requiring US$34 billion in additional capital.
2010 Neanderthal Genome Breakthrough: Scientists conducting the Neanderthal genome project announced a groundbreaking discovery: they had sequenced enough of the Neanderthal genome to suggest potential interbreeding between Neanderthals and humans, revolutionizing our understanding of human evolution.
2011 Osama bin Laden Killed by US Special Forces: Osama bin Laden, the mastermind behind the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, was killed by US Navy SEALs during a covert operation in Abbottabad, Pakistan. This marked a significant milestone in the United States' counterterrorism efforts following the 9/11 attacks.
2012 CIA Foils Al-Qaeda Bomb Plot: The CIA successfully prevented a potential terrorist attack by thwarting a plot by Fahd al-Quso, a Yemeni al-Qaida affiliate, who planned to use an improved version of the 2009 underwear bomb to target an American-bound plane.
2013 Delaware Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage: Governor Jack Markell signs legislation making Delaware the 11th US state to legalize same-sex marriage, continuing the national trend of marriage equality.
2014 Ukrainian Forces Recapture Mariupol City Hall: Ukrainian government forces successfully recaptured Mariupol's city hall from pro-Russian militants, marking a strategic victory in the ongoing conflict.
2015 UK General Election: Conservative Victory: The United Kingdom held its general election, with the Conservative Party securing a narrow majority in the House of Commons. Notably, the Scottish National Party dominated Scotland, significantly reducing the Scottish Labour Party's representation.
2016 Iranian Soldiers Killed in Aleppo Offensive: During the Syrian Civil War, at least 13 Iranian soldiers were killed in a battle with Islamist militants near Aleppo, representing the largest single-day loss for Iranian forces in the conflict.
2017 French Presidential Election: Emmanuel Macron won the French presidential election, defeating Marine Le Pen with 66.1% of the vote. At 39 years old, he became the youngest French head of state since Napoleon, signaling a significant political shift.
2018 US Sanctions Against Venezuela: The United States imposed sanctions on three Venezuelans and 20 drug entities in response to trafficking activities. Vice President Mike Pence also called for the suspension of Venezuela's upcoming presidential elections, citing corruption concerns.
2019 US-Iran Tensions: Pompeo's Emergency Iraq Visit: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made an emergency trip to Iraq amid escalating tensions with Iran. He met with Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi and President Barham Salih, reaffirming U.S. policy of non-interference in Iraq.
2020 Ahmaud Arbery Murder Arrests: A father and son were arrested in Brunswick, Georgia, for the racially motivated murder of Ahmaud Arbery, an African American jogger. The arrests came after a video of the killing surfaced, sparking national outrage and reigniting discussions about racial injustice and systemic racism in the United States.
2021 Palestinian-Israeli Tensions in East Jerusalem: Intense clashes erupted between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound and surrounding areas in East Jerusalem, resulting in at least 178 Palestinian injuries and escalating regional tensions.
2022 Mass Shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas: A devastating mass shooting occurred at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where an 18-year-old gunman tragically killed 19 children and two teachers, shocking the nation and reigniting debates about gun violence and school safety.
2023 Mass Shooting at Allen, Texas Mall: A tragic mass shooting occurred at a shopping mall north of Dallas, Texas, where a lone gunman killed eight people before being neutralized by a police officer. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence in the United States.

What Is special about May 7?

May 7 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about May 7.