Historical Events on May 11: 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 11, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on May 11 - Key Moments Throughout History

1900 Heavyweight Boxing Championship: Jeffries Defeats Corbett: In a dramatic heavyweight boxing match, James J. Jeffries defeated James J. Corbett in the 23rd round, knocking out the former champion with a powerful right to the jaw. This fight marked a significant moment in early 20th-century boxing history, with Jeffries solidifying his position as the reigning heavyweight champion.
1902 Sayão Niterói Performance in La Bohème: Brazilian soprano Bidu Sayão performed in the opera La Bohème in Niterói, Brazil, showcasing her early musical talents. Sayão would later become an internationally renowned opera singer, particularly celebrated for her interpretations of French and Italian repertoire.
1903 Execution of Panamanian Revolutionary Victoriano Lorenzo: Victoriano Lorenzo, a prominent revolutionary freedom fighter who fought for Panama's liberation from Gran Colombia, was executed on this day. His death was a pivotal moment in Panama's struggle for independence, highlighting the personal sacrifices made during the country's path to sovereignty.
1904 Carnegie's Peace Palace Donation: Andrew Carnegie, the renowned industrialist and philanthropist, donated $1.5 million to support the construction of the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands, demonstrating his commitment to international diplomacy and conflict resolution.
1905 Einstein's Miracle Year: Groundbreaking Scientific Contributions: Albert Einstein submitted his doctoral dissertation 'On the Motion of Small Particles' explaining Brownian motion. During 1905, he published four revolutionary scientific papers that fundamentally transformed physics, including formulating the theory of special relativity and explaining the photoelectric effect through quantum theory. This year is widely recognized as Einstein's 'miracle year', marking a pivotal moment in scientific understanding.
1906 Birth of Pioneering Aviator and Women's Rights Advocate: On May 11, 1906, two remarkable women were born who would significantly impact aviation and women's rights: Jacqueline Cochran and Ethel Weed. Jacqueline Cochran would become a legendary aviator, setting numerous aviation records and becoming the first woman to break the sound barrier in 1953. She was a crucial figure in the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) during World War II. Ethel Weed was a dedicated women's rights promoter who worked to advance gender equality and expand opportunities for women in various professional and social spheres.
1907 Lompoc Shriners Train Disaster: A tragic train derailment near Surf Depot in Lompoc, California resulted in the deaths of 32 Shriners when their chartered train jumped the tracks at a switch.
1909 Design Patent for Banker's Lamp: On May 11, 1909, Harrison D. McFaddin was granted a U.S. Design Patent (No. 39,984) for an innovative banker's lamp design. This patent represented a significant moment in the evolution of office lighting, providing a specialized illumination solution for professionals working in financial and administrative settings. The banker's lamp, typically characterized by a green glass shade and brass or bronze base, became an iconic symbol of early 20th-century professional workspaces.
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.
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.
1912 Alaska Becomes a US Territory: On May 11, 1912, the United States officially organized Alaska as a territory, marking a significant milestone in the expansion and governance of the United States. This territorial status preceded Alaska's eventual statehood, which would occur 47 years later in 1959. The territorial designation provided a formal administrative structure for the region and represented the federal government's increasing interest in developing and integrating the resource-rich Alaskan landscape.
1913 Devastating Typhoon in the Philippines: A catastrophic typhoon struck the Philippines on May 11, 1913, causing unprecedented destruction in the Albay province. Massive 16-foot waves swept across the coastal region, resulting in a tragic loss of 827 lives. The storm's intensity and devastating impact highlighted the vulnerability of Philippine coastal communities to extreme weather events during the early 20th century.
1914 U.S. National Tribute for Servicemen Killed in Veracruz Occupation: A solemn national tribute was held in New York City to honor U.S. servicemen who lost their lives during the military intervention and occupation of Veracruz, Mexico. The event commemorated the sacrifices made during a complex period of early 20th-century U.S. foreign policy and military engagement.
1915 Publication of 'The Story of the Great War': A comprehensive historical documentation of World War I was published, compiling official sources and historical records of the European conflict up to that point in time. This publication represented an early attempt to chronicle the ongoing global war, providing insights into the events, strategies, and impacts of the conflict from contemporary perspectives.
1916 Einstein Presents Theory of General Relativity: Albert Einstein formally presented his groundbreaking Theory of General Relativity, revolutionizing our understanding of gravity, space, and time. This scientific milestone fundamentally transformed physics and our comprehension of the universe's fundamental mechanics.
1917 Battle of the Crna Bend during World War I: On May 11, 1917, during World War I, German and Bulgarian forces initiated strategic counter-maneuvers against Allied patrols along the Crna River in Serbia. These military operations were part of the complex defensive strategies employed by the Central Powers to maintain their positions in the Balkan theater of war.
1918 End of the Finnish Civil War: The Finnish Civil War concludes, a significant internal conflict that had divided Finland between the conservative, pro-monarchy White Guards and the socialist, pro-revolutionary Red Guards, with lasting implications for Finland's political and social landscape.
1919 Bessarabian Soviet Socialist Republic Proclaimed: The Bessarabian Soviet Socialist Republic was officially proclaimed in Odessa and established in Tiraspol, marking a significant political development in the region that would later become part of Moldova during the post-World War I period of political reorganization.
1920 French Government Dissolves Labor Federation: The French government under Premier Alexandre Millerand took decisive action to dissolve the General Federation of Labor (Confédération Générale du Travail), a major trade union organization. This move represented significant political tension between the government and organized labor during the post-World War I period.
1921 Jaffa Riots of 1921: On May 11, 1921, violent communal tensions erupted in Jaffa during the British Mandate for Palestine. The riots began when a Jewish Communist Party march through the mixed neighborhood of Manshiyya escalated into large-scale violence involving Jews, Christians, Arabs, and Muslims. The conflict resulted in at least 40 fatalities within days, highlighting the deep-seated ethnic and political tensions in the region during this period.
1922 Narrow Vote of Confidence for Greek Prime Minister: Dimitrios Gounaris, the Prime Minister of Greece, narrowly secured a vote of confidence in the Greek parliament, winning by the slimmest of margins - 161 votes to 160. This razor-thin victory highlights the political tensions and fragile parliamentary dynamics of early 1920s Greece.
1923 Major League Baseball Home Run Record Set: On May 11, 1923, the Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals set a new major league baseball record by combining to hit 10 home runs in a single game. The Phillies won a high-scoring contest 20-14 at Baker Bowl in Philadelphia, creating a memorable moment in baseball history.
1924 Formation of Mercedes-Benz: Automotive pioneers Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz merged their respective companies, Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft and Benz & Cie, to create the legendary automotive brand Mercedes-Benz, revolutionizing the automotive industry.
1925 Scopes Monkey Trial Begins: The landmark Scopes Trial commenced in Dayton, Tennessee, challenging the Butler Act's prohibition on teaching evolution in public schools. This legal battle would become a pivotal moment in the debate between scientific education and religious doctrine, symbolizing the broader cultural tensions of the 1920s.
1926 First Air Crossing of the Arctic Ocean: The airship Norge, led by Roald Amundsen, departed from Spitsbergen on a groundbreaking expedition to complete the first successful aerial crossing of the Arctic Ocean. This historic journey represented a significant milestone in polar exploration and aviation technology, demonstrating humanity's expanding capabilities to navigate and explore extreme environments.
1927 Lindbergh's Cross-Country Flight: Charles Lindbergh completes a remarkable cross-country flight, landing in St. Louis 14 hours after departing from San Diego. This journey was part of his groundbreaking achievements in early aviation that would soon include his historic transatlantic flight.
1928 Jinan Incident: Japanese Military Aggression in China: The Japanese Army forcibly pushed Chinese forces out of the Jinan region, resulting in thousands of Chinese casualties, escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict between Japan and China.
1929 First Regularly Scheduled TV Broadcasts: A significant milestone in media and communication technology occurs with the launch of the first regularly scheduled television broadcasts, which air three nights per week. This groundbreaking event marks the beginning of a new era in mass communication and entertainment.
1930 New York Crime Statistics Report of 1929: New York Police Commissioner Whalen released an official report analyzing crime trends in the city for the year 1929. The report revealed a nuanced picture of urban crime: while overall violent crime decreased by 11% compared to 1928, the number of murders showed a slight increase, rising from 339 to 357 homicides.
1931 Creditanstalt Bank Bankruptcy Triggers Global Financial Crisis: On May 11, 1931, the Creditanstalt, Austria's largest and most prestigious bank, collapsed, marking a critical moment in the global economic downturn. The bank's failure sent shockwaves through the international financial system, precipitating a widespread banking crisis in Central Europe that would contribute significantly to the Great Depression. Investors rapidly withdrew funds, causing a domino effect of financial instability across multiple countries.
1932 Britain Warns Irish Free State on Oath of Allegiance: On May 11, 1932, the British government issued a stern diplomatic warning to the Irish Free State, stating that it would revoke tariff preferences if the state proceeded to abolish the Oath of Allegiance to the British monarch, highlighting the ongoing tensions in Anglo-Irish relations.
1933 Louis Farrakhan Born: Louis Farrakhan was born on this date, a prominent African American religious and political leader who would become the influential minister of the Nation of Islam and a key organizer of the historic Million Man March in 1995, advocating for Black empowerment and social justice.
1934 Catastrophic Dust Bowl Storm Devastates Great Plains: A severe two-day dust storm swept across the Great Plains, causing massive soil erosion and environmental devastation. This event was part of the broader Dust Bowl phenomenon that dramatically impacted agricultural landscapes and human settlements in North America during the 1930s.
1935 Nazi Germany Prepares for Potential Air Attacks: Nazi Germany implemented a significant civil defense measure by mandating that all new and modified buildings must consult the Air Protection League regarding the construction of bomb- and gas-proof cellars. This directive reflected the growing tensions and preparation for potential military conflict in pre-World War II Europe.
1936 Italian Delegation Walks Out of League of Nations Session over Ethiopia: On May 11, 1936, tensions escalated at the League of Nations when the Italian delegation dramatically walked out of a session after Ethiopia's delegate was permitted to continue participating. This incident occurred during a critical period of international diplomatic tension, reflecting the growing hostility between Italy and Ethiopia in the lead-up to Italy's invasion and colonization of Ethiopia. The walkout symbolized Italy's increasing diplomatic isolation and its defiance of international norms under Mussolini's fascist regime.
1937 Picasso Begins Painting Guernica: Pablo Picasso commenced work on his iconic anti-war masterpiece *Guernica*, inspired by the devastating bombing of the Spanish city of Guernica by Nationalist forces under Francisco Franco's direction during the Spanish Civil War. The painting would become a powerful symbol of the horrors of war.
1938 Execution of Evgenii Miller, White Russian General: Evgenii Miller, a prominent Russian counter-revolutionary and former White Army general during the Russian Civil War, was executed on this date. Miller was a significant figure in the anti-Bolshevik resistance movement who continued to oppose the Soviet regime even after the Red Army's victory. His execution by Soviet authorities represented another instance of the Soviet government's systematic elimination of perceived political opponents.
1939 Hungarian Anti-Semitic Legislation Begins: The Hungarian government initiated state-sanctioned persecution of Jews through a series of discriminatory laws that systematically stripped Jewish citizens of their civil liberties. These early legislative actions were part of the broader Nazi-influenced antisemitic policies that would escalate during World War II.
1940 Allied Forces Mobilize on River Dyle: British and French military forces joined Belgian troops along the River Dyle in Belgium, preparing defensive positions against the anticipated German invasion.
1941 Hitler-Darlan Strategic Meeting: Adolf Hitler met with Vichy Vice-Premier François Darlan at the Berghof. In a strategic negotiation, Hitler agreed to release French World War I veterans from prisoner of war camps in exchange for the Vichy government compromising its neutrality by allowing German planes to land in French Syria and facilitating supply lines for the Afrika Korps through French Tunisia.
1942 British Destroyers Sunk in Mediterranean: In a devastating Luftwaffe air attack, three British destroyers - HMS Jackal, HMS Kipling, and HMS Lively - were bombed and sunk in the Mediterranean Sea, representing a significant naval loss for the Allies.
1943 US 7th Division Lands on Attu, Recapturing First US Territory in World War II: On May 11, 1943, the US 7th Infantry Division launched an amphibious invasion of Attu Island in the Aleutian Islands, marking a significant strategic moment in the Pacific Theater of World War II. This operation was the first successful recapture of US territory occupied by enemy forces during the war, representing an important turning point in the Aleutian Islands Campaign.
1944 Operation Diadem in Italy: U.S. and British forces conducted Operation Diadem in Italy, successfully breaking through German defensive positions in the Liri Valley, which was a critical strategic maneuver in the Italian Campaign of World War II.
1945 USS Bunker Hill Kamikaze Attack: During World War II, off the coast of Okinawa, the aircraft carrier USS Bunker Hill was struck by two kamikaze aircraft in a devastating attack. The suicide missions resulted in 346 crew members being killed. Despite the severe damage, the ship demonstrated remarkable resilience by successfully returning to the United States under its own power.
1946 SS Members Convicted for Mauthausen Concentration Camp Atrocities: In a landmark war crimes trial, sixty-one SS members were convicted of murdering 70,000 people, primarily Jewish victims, at the Mauthausen concentration camp. Forty-nine of the convicted were executed, while 12 were eventually released by 1951. This trial was part of the post-World War II efforts to bring Nazi war criminals to justice.
1947 BF Goodrich Tubeless Tire Development: BF Goodrich announced the groundbreaking development of the tubeless tire in Akron, Ohio. This innovation would revolutionize automotive technology, providing improved safety, better air retention, and reduced risk of sudden tire failure.
1948 Kfar Etzion Massacre: A devastating massacre occurred at Kfar Etzion after a two-day battle, where Arab forces overwhelmed Jewish Kibbutz residents and Haganah militia. 129 Jews were killed, and the kibbutz was completely destroyed, representing one of the tragic episodes of the 1948 conflict.
1949 Israel Joins the United Nations: On May 11, 1949, Israel was admitted as the 59th member of the United Nations, with a decisive vote of 37-12. This momentous event came shortly after Israel's establishment as a state and represented significant international recognition, despite strong opposition from Arab nations.
1950 Communist Chinese Troops Capture Dongshan Island: In a significant military operation during the Chinese Civil War, approximately 10,000 Communist Chinese troops successfully captured Dongshan Island from the Nationalist Chinese forces, marking another strategic advancement in the ongoing conflict.
1951 Jay Forrester Patents Computer Core Memory: On May 11, 1951, Jay Forrester, a pioneering computer engineer at MIT's Lincoln Laboratory, was granted a patent for magnetic core memory, a revolutionary computer memory technology. This invention was a significant breakthrough in computer memory storage, allowing for faster and more reliable data retention compared to previous memory systems. Forrester's magnetic core memory became the standard computer memory technology for nearly two decades, playing a crucial role in the development of early digital computers and laying the groundwork for modern computer memory technologies.
1952 Warren Littlefield and Christine Baranski Born: On May 11, 1952, Warren Littlefield, a prominent television executive known for his work with NBC during the 1990s, was born. Additionally, actress Christine Baranski, famous for her roles in television and film, was born on May 2, 1952.
1953 Devastating Waco Tornado Outbreak: On May 11, 1953, an unprecedented F5 tornado struck downtown Waco, Texas, causing catastrophic destruction and resulting in 114 fatalities. This tornado was one of the most deadly and destructive in Texas history, leaving a lasting impact on the city's landscape and community resilience.
1954 Dulles Declares Indochina Non-Essential to U.S. Security: On May 11, 1954, U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles made a pivotal foreign policy statement regarding Indochina. By declaring the region 'important but not essential' to Southeast Asian security, Dulles effectively signaled the United States would not militarily support France in its colonial conflict, which was then centered on the French struggle against Vietnamese independence forces led by Ho Chi Minh. This statement was a critical moment in the lead-up to the French defeat at Dien Bien Phu and marked a significant shift in U.S. Cold War strategic thinking.
1955 Tragic Maritime Disaster in Japan: A devastating maritime accident occurred when the Japanese National Railways' ferry 'Shiun Maru' collided with its sister ship 'Uko Maru' in thick fog off Takamatsu, Shikoku, in the Seto Inland Sea. The incident resulted in the tragic loss of 166 passengers, many of whom were children, and two crew members. This catastrophic event significantly influenced subsequent infrastructure planning, ultimately contributing to the construction of the Akashi-Kaikyō Bridge between 1986 and 1998.
1956 Passing of Astronomer Walter Sydney Adams: Walter Sydney Adams, a distinguished American astronomer renowned for his significant contributions to stellar spectroscopy and astrophysics, passed away at the age of 79. Adams was particularly known for his work at the Mount Wilson Observatory and his research on stellar classification and the properties of stellar atmospheres.
1957 Gabriel Paris Forms Colombian Government: On May 11, 1957, Gabriel Paris was appointed to form a new government in Colombia during a critical period of political transition. This occurred in the context of the National Front era, a power-sharing agreement between the Liberal and Conservative parties aimed at ending decades of political conflict and violence known as 'La Violencia'.
1958 US Nuclear Test at Bikini Island: The United States conducted an atmospheric nuclear test at Bikini Island, continuing Cold War-era nuclear weapons development and testing in the Pacific Ocean region, which raised significant environmental and geopolitical concerns.
1959 Geneva Conference on German Reunification: Foreign ministers from Britain, the United States, France, and the Soviet Union convened in Geneva for a 17-day conference aimed at discussing the reunification of Germany, though no definitive agreement was reached, reflecting the complex geopolitical tensions of the Cold War era.
1960 Capture of Adolf Eichmann in Argentina: Israeli Mossad agents successfully captured Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Eichmann, who had been living under the alias Ricardo Klement, was a key architect of the Holocaust and had been hiding in South America since the end of World War II. This operation was a significant moment in bringing Nazi war criminals to justice.
1961 Kennedy Authorizes CIA Covert Operations in South Vietnam: On May 11, 1961, U.S. President John F. Kennedy signed National Security Action Memorandum (NSAM) 52, which authorized the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to initiate a series of covert actions in South Vietnam. This strategic directive was a critical early step in U.S. military involvement in Vietnam, laying the groundwork for future escalation of American military engagement in the region during the Cold War era.
1962 US Deploys Troops to Thailand: The United States sent troops to Thailand, likely as part of its Cold War strategy to prevent the spread of communism in Southeast Asia. This deployment was consistent with the US policy of containment during the Vietnam War era.
1963 Canada Agrees to Host US Nuclear Weapons: Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson met with U.S. President John F. Kennedy and agreed to allow American nuclear weapons to be placed in Canada, a significant Cold War-era diplomatic and military decision that reflected the geopolitical tensions of the time.
1964 First BASIC Computer Program Executed: At Dartmouth College, the first BASIC (Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code) program was successfully run, marking a pivotal moment in computer programming history. This user-friendly programming language would democratize computing and influence generations of software developers.
1965 Deadly Cyclone in India: A catastrophic cyclone struck India, resulting in the tragic loss of 35,000 lives, marking one of the most devastating natural disasters of the year.
1966 Real Madrid wins 11th Europe Cup I.
1967 Egypt Demands UN Peacekeeping Force Withdrawal from Sinai: President Gamal Abdal Nasser of Egypt demands the withdrawal of the UN Emergency Force from the Sinai Peninsula, a critical moment escalating tensions in the Middle East. UN Secretary-General U Thant complies with the demand on May 18, creating a significant geopolitical shift.
1968 Night of the Barricades in Paris: A pivotal moment in the 1968 French student protests, the Night of the Barricades was a violent confrontation between students and police in Paris's Latin Quarter. Students erected barricades and were met with aggressive police tactics, including tear gas and physical violence. The event resulted in nearly 500 student arrests, over 250 injured police officers, and significant damage to the Latin Quarter. Importantly, the brutal police response increased public sympathy for the student movement.
1969 Battle of Hamburger Hill during Vietnam War: During Operation Apache Snow, American and South Vietnamese forces engaged in a fierce battle against North Vietnamese troops for control of Ap Bia Mountain (Hill 937), a strategically significant location near the Laos border. The battle was known for its intense combat and high casualty rates, symbolizing the brutal nature of the Vietnam War.
1970 Augusta Civil Rights Uprising of 1970: On May 11-12, 1970, Augusta, Georgia experienced a significant civil rights uprising. Sparked by the beating death of Charles Oatman, a 16-year-old African American, hundreds of black citizens protested racial injustice. The demonstration escalated into a riot where protesters targeted properties, and police responded with violence, killing six people and wounding dozens. The Georgia National Guard was deployed, and nearly 100 protesters were subsequently convicted.
1971 Steve Dunning's Historic Grand Slam: On May 11, 1971, Cleveland Indians pitcher Steve Dunning made baseball history by becoming the last American League pitcher to hit a grand slam, a remarkable achievement during a time when pitchers were increasingly specialized.
1972 Willie Mays Traded to New York Mets: Baseball legend Willie Mays was traded from the San Francisco Giants to the New York Mets, marking a significant moment in his illustrious career. The trade involved pitcher Charlie Williams and a cash consideration, signaling the end of Mays' long-standing relationship with the Giants.
1973 Pentagon Papers Trial: Ellsberg Charges Dismissed: In a landmark legal decision, Daniel Ellsberg's criminal charges were dismissed by the court, citing significant government misconduct during his prosecution for leaking the Pentagon Papers to The New York Times. This event marked a crucial moment in press freedom and government transparency during the Vietnam War era.
1974 Willy Brandt Resigns as West German Chancellor: West German Chancellor Willy Brandt resigns following a major political scandal involving his aide Günter Guillaume, who was revealed to be an East German spy working for the Stasi (State Security Service). This dramatic resignation highlighted the intense espionage tensions during the Cold War and significantly impacted West German politics.
1975 Khmer Rouge Seizes US Merchant Ship Mayaguez: In a provocative international incident, Cambodian Khmer Rouge forces intercepted the United States merchant ship SS Mayaguez in international waters. The P-128 Cambodian gunboat initially fired warning machine gun shots across the ship's bow, then boarded the vessel, forcibly commandeering it and taking its 39-member crew captive, escalating tensions in the post-Vietnam War period.
1976 Hazardous Chemical Tanker Accident in Houston: A tanker truck carrying approximately 7,000 gallons of anhydrous ammonia fell from a freeway in Houston, Texas, causing a potentially dangerous chemical spill and transportation incident.
1977 Deadly Coal Mine Explosion in Hokkaido, Japan: A tragic mining disaster occurred near Ashibetsu, Hokkaido, Japan, where at least 23 underground coal miners lost their lives. The fatal incident was caused by blasting operations that ignited methane gas at a depth of 2,600 feet underground, resulting in a catastrophic explosion.
1978 Margaret A Brewer is first female general in the US Marine Corps.
1979 Tragic Artillery Shell Incident in Lebanon: In a devastating tragedy during ongoing regional conflict, eight children aged 8 to 13 were killed in the village of Babiliye, located 7 miles south of Sidon, Lebanon. The children were fatally injured after becoming curious about a live artillery shell that had landed in their neighborhood during a violent clash between Christian militiamen and Palestinian guerrillas. This incident highlights the brutal and indiscriminate nature of conflict zones and their devastating impact on innocent civilians, particularly children.
1980 Henry Hill Drug Arrest: Henry Hill, a notorious American mobster known for his involvement in the Lucchese crime family and later immortalized in the film 'Goodfellas', was arrested for drug possession, marking a significant moment in his criminal career.
1981 Bob Marley's Passing: End of a Musical Legend: Renowned Jamaican singer-songwriter Robert Nesta 'Bob' Marley passed away from skin cancer at the age of 36, marking the end of an era for reggae music and global cultural activism. His death was a profound loss for music and social justice movements worldwide.
1982 John Updike Wins Pulitzer Prize for Fiction: John Updike was awarded the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his novel 'Rabbit Is Rich', a significant recognition of his literary talent and contribution to contemporary American literature.
1983 Aberdeen FC European Cup Winners' Cup Victory: Aberdeen Football Club wins the European Cup Winners' Cup by defeating Real Madrid 2-1 in a thrilling final played in Gothenburg, Sweden. This victory marks a significant moment in Scottish football history.
1984 Johan Cruijff Retires from Professional Soccer: Johan Cruijff, one of the most influential footballers in history, announces his retirement from professional soccer. Known for revolutionizing the game both as a player and later as a coach, Cruijff's impact on football extends far beyond his playing career.
1985 Bradford City Stadium Fire: A devastating fire engulfed a wooden stand at Valley Parade stadium during a football match between Bradford City and Lincoln City, resulting in a tragic loss of 56 lives and over 200 injuries. The wooden structure's rapid combustion and limited escape routes contributed to the high casualty count, making it one of the most significant stadium disasters in British sporting history.
1986 Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster: The Space Shuttle Challenger tragically exploded 73 seconds after liftoff from Cape Canaveral, resulting in the loss of all seven crew members. Among the fallen astronauts was Christa McAuliffe, who was set to become the first teacher in space, representing a profound moment of national mourning and a significant setback for the U.S. space program.
1987 First Heart-Lung Transplant in Medical History: Dr. Bruce Reitz of Stanford University School of Medicine successfully performed the first heart-lung transplant at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. This groundbreaking surgical procedure represented a major milestone in medical science and organ transplantation techniques.
1988 German Postal System Restructuring: The German Bundestag parliament passed a landmark law restructuring the postal system, dividing Deutsche Post into three separate entities: Deutsche Telekom (telephone system), Deutsche Post (postal service), and a postal bank. This legislation also opened the telecommunications market to private competition.
1989 U.S. Troops Deployment to Panama: President George H. W. Bush orders nearly 2,000 U.S. troops to Panama, escalating tensions with Manuel Noriega's regime.
1990 Yankees-Angels Trade: Dave Winfield and Mike Witt Swap: On May 11, 1990, the New York Yankees and California Angels completed a significant player trade. The Yankees traded veteran outfielder Dave Winfield to the Angels in exchange for pitcher Mike Witt. This trade represented a strategic move for both teams, potentially reshaping their roster dynamics and performance strategies.
1991 Death of North Korean Foreign Minister Ho Dam: Ho Dam, who served as the foreign minister of North Korea from 1970 to 1983, passed away on May 11, 1991. He was a significant diplomatic figure during a critical period of the Cold War era in North Korean foreign relations.
1992 Sarafina! Film Premiere at Cannes Film Festival: The powerful film adaptation of the anti-apartheid musical 'Sarafina!' premiered at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in France. Directed by Mbongeni Ngema and featuring music by Hugh Masekela, the film starred Leleti Khumalo, Miriam Makeba, and Whoopi Goldberg. This cinematic work highlighted the struggle against apartheid through the lens of youth resistance and cultural expression, bringing international attention to South Africa's social and political challenges.
1993 Maastricht Treaty Establishes European Union: The Maastricht Treaty officially comes into force, marking a pivotal moment in European integration by formally establishing the European Union (EU). This landmark treaty transformed the European Economic Community into a more comprehensive political and economic union, introducing common foreign and security policies, a single currency framework, and enhanced cooperation between member states.
1994 Racist Murderers Sentenced to Death in Post-Apartheid South Africa: In a landmark legal proceeding, six white racists were sentenced to death, reflecting the new South African justice system's commitment to addressing historical racial violence in the post-apartheid era.
1995 Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty Extended Indefinitely: In a landmark diplomatic event, more than 170 countries gathered in New York City to unanimously decide on extending the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) indefinitely and without conditions. This critical decision aimed to prevent the global spread of nuclear weapons and promote peaceful nuclear energy applications, representing a significant milestone in international arms control efforts.
1996 ValuJet Flight 592 Disaster: A catastrophic aviation accident occurred when ValuJet Airlines Flight 592, a Douglas DC-9, crashed into the Florida Everglades after a fire broke out in its cargo hold due to improperly handled chemical oxygen generators. The crash resulted in the tragic loss of all 110 passengers and crew members on board, marking one of the deadliest aviation accidents in U.S. history.
1997 Deep Blue Defeats Garry Kasparov: In a groundbreaking moment for artificial intelligence and computing, IBM's 'Deep Blue' chess computer defeated world champion Garry Kasparov in the final game of a six-game series. This historic match marked the first time a computer beat a reigning world chess champion, signaling a significant milestone in machine learning and computational capabilities.
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.
1999 Chechen Separatist Ambush in Ingushetia: During the ongoing Second Chechen War, Chechen separatists conducted an ambush against Russian paramilitary forces in the Republic of Ingushetia, escalating tensions in the volatile Caucasus region.
2000 India Reaches 1 Billion Population Milestone: On May 11, 2000, India symbolically marked its population reaching 1 billion, with baby girl Aastha born at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi representing this historic demographic milestone. This event highlighted India's rapid population growth and demographic transition in the late 20th century.
2001 Death of Douglas Adams: Douglas Adams, renowned British author and humorist, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack at the age of 49. Best known for his groundbreaking science fiction comedy series 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy', Adams was a pioneering writer who revolutionized the science fiction genre with his unique blend of wit, satire, and imaginative storytelling.
2002 Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Cats' Closes After Record-Breaking Run: The iconic musical 'Cats', based on T.S. Eliot's poetry and directed by Trevor Nunn, concluded its legendary performance at the New London Theatre in the West End. The production completed an extraordinary 8,949 performances, cementing its place in theatrical history.
2003 FBI Investigation of 2001 Anthrax Attacks: The FBI conducted extensive investigations into the 2001 anthrax attacks, searching ponds near Catoctin Mountain in Maryland. Investigators discovered potential evidence, including a clear box with biological safety equipment and vials, suggesting a complex forensic effort to solve the bioterrorism case.
2004 Iraq Occupation and Nick Berg Decapitation: During the Iraq occupation, civilians marched to Najaf's Muslim shrines, calling for Moqtada al-Sadr to remove his Mahdi Army. Simultaneously, a disturbing video of Nick Berg's decapitation by an Islamist group was released, allegedly in retaliation for the Abu Ghraib Prison prisoner abuse scandal.
2005 Saddam Hussein Indicted for Crimes Against Humanity: Kuwaiti justice officials, with assistance from a UN war crimes expert, indicted Saddam Hussein and other Iraqi officials for crimes against humanity related to Kuwait's 1990 invasion, continuing the international legal proceedings against the former dictator.
2006 NSA Database Revelation: The United States National Security Agency was reported to have created the most extensive telecommunications database in the world, containing records of domestic and international calls from AT&T, Verizon, and BellSouth. Notably, Qwest Communications refused to provide customer records without a warrant.
2007 Tony Blair Endorses Gordon Brown: British Prime Minister Tony Blair officially endorsed Gordon Brown as his successor, marking a significant transition in UK political leadership.
2008 Serbian Parliamentary Election: General election in Serbia where the pro-European coalition led by President Boris Tadic wins 39 percent of the vote, while the Radicals secure 29 percent.
2009 NASA Atlantis Space Shuttle Launches to Repair Hubble Space Telescope: The NASA Space Shuttle Atlantis launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a critical mission to service and repair the Hubble Space Telescope, a pivotal moment in space exploration and astronomical research.
2010 David Cameron Forms Coalition Government in UK: Queen Elizabeth II asks Conservative leader David Cameron to form a new government, which he accepts. Cameron will form a coalition with the Liberal Democrats, with Nick Clegg becoming deputy prime minister.
2011 Sexual Violence in Democratic Republic of Congo: A deeply disturbing international study revealed the horrific scale of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, documenting that 48 girls and women are raped every hour, exposing a severe humanitarian crisis.
2012 Global Child Mortality Study Reveals Preventable Disease Impact: American researchers discovered that preventable diseases are the primary cause of child mortality worldwide. The study found that over 60% of the 7.6 million children who died before their fifth birthday in 2010 were victims of conditions like pneumonia, highlighting a critical global health challenge.
2013 Pakistan General Election: Pakistan held a significant general election marked by high tension and potential violence. Despite threats from the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and 24 election-related deaths, the country experienced a record voter turnout. Nawaz Sharif of the Pakistan Muslim League-N declared victory, though without securing a parliamentary majority.
2014 Separatist Referendums in Eastern Ukraine: Separatist groups in Donetsk and Luhansk held controversial referendums on regional autonomy, declaring independence from Ukraine despite significant voting irregularities and international condemnation.
2015 David Cameron Forms New UK Cabinet: British Prime Minister David Cameron announced the formation of a new Cabinet composed entirely of Conservative Party members following the party's election victory.
2016 ISIL Bombing in Baghdad: A devastating terrorist attack by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) killed 110 people in Baghdad, highlighting the ongoing violence in the region.
2017 Trump Establishes Election Integrity Commission: US President Donald Trump signs an Executive Order establishing the Presidential Advisory Commission on Election Integrity, with Vice President Mike Pence as chair and Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach as vice chair.
2018 Legendary Blood Donor Ends 60-Year Contribution: James Harrison, an 81-year-old Australian, made his final blood plasma donation after an extraordinary 60-year career. His unique blood composition was crucial in developing a treatment for Rh disease, saving over 2 million infants in Australia.
2019 Record-Breaking Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide Levels: The Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii recorded atmospheric carbon dioxide levels reaching 415 parts per million, a concentration not seen in 3 million years, signaling significant climate change concerns.
2020 WHO Warns of COVID-19 Risks During Lockdown Easing: The World Health Organization issued a critical warning about the need for 'extreme vigilance' as numerous countries began to gradually lift COVID-19 lockdown measures. The statement emphasized the potential risks of premature relaxation of pandemic containment strategies and the importance of maintaining public health precautions.
2021 Israel-Hamas Conflict Escalates with Airstrikes: Tensions between Israel and Hamas intensified on May 11, 2021, with Israel launching retaliatory airstrikes against the Gaza Strip following rocket attacks by Hamas. This incident represented another chapter in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, resulting in significant regional instability.
2022 Ukraine Counteroffensive Near Kharkiv: Ukrainian forces successfully reclaimed four villages near Kharkiv from Russian control, marking a strategic victory. Meanwhile, Russia continued intense bombing of Odessa, attempting to disrupt Western arms shipments to Ukrainian troops.
2023 Inflation Drops to Two-Year Low: U.S. inflation unexpectedly decreased to its lowest level in two years, potentially signaling a positive economic trend and offering hope for consumers and policymakers struggling with recent economic challenges.

What Is special about May 11?

May 11 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 11.