TODAY IN HISTORY: MAY 29

 

May 29

One of the most memorable events that occurred on May 29 is the conquest of Istanbul by the Ottoman Empire in 1453. Led by Sultan Mehmed II, the capture of Constantinople marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the beginning of an era of Ottoman rule in the region. This event had a profound impact on the history of Europe and the Middle East, as it allowed the Ottomans to expand their empire and establish their dominance in the region for the next several centuries.

May 29 also marks the birth of notable individuals who have left a lasting influence on various fields. For instance, on this day in 1903, the American actor and comedian Bob Hope was born. Hope is considered one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century, known for his quick wit and charm. He had a successful career in radio, television, and film, and was also renowned for his humanitarian work, especially his involvement in the United Service Organizations (USO) during World War II.

Another significant birth that occurred on May 29 is that of former US president John F. Kennedy in 1917. Kennedy, who served as the 35th President of the United States, is widely regarded as one of the most iconic figures in American history. He played a crucial role in the Civil Rights Movement and the Cuban Missile Crisis, and his assassination in 1963 left a deep impact on the nation and the world.

In addition to births, May 29 is also a day when notable individuals bid farewell to the world. One such instance is the death of Katherine Hepburn, one of the greatest actresses of all time, in 2003. Hepburn's career spanned over six decades, and she won four Academy Awards for Best Actress, a record that still stands today. Her performances in movies like \The African Queen\ and \Guess Who's Coming to Dinner\ have cemented her legacy as one of the most talented and influential actresses in Hollywood history.

May 29 is also linked to significant political developments. On this day in 1953, New Zealand became the first country in the world to have a woman serve as a prime minister. Dame Jennifer Shipley, who served from 1997 to 1999, shattered the glass ceiling and paved the way for future female leaders across the globe. This milestone in gender equality marked a turning point in political representation and empowerment for women.

Furthermore, May 29 holds significance in the realm of science and exploration. In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first individuals to successfully summit Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth. Their groundbreaking achievement opened up new possibilities in mountaineering and became an inspiration for adventurous spirits around the world. Their triumph also symbolized the indomitable human spirit and a testament to the power of determination and perseverance.

In conclusion, May 29 has witnessed a plethora of momentous occasions throughout history. From the conquest of Istanbul to the birth and deaths of influential individuals, this date holds considerable importance in shaping our world. Whether it be in politics, entertainment, or scientific exploration, May 29 has consistently been a catalyst for change and progress. By commemorating these events and individuals, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the immense impact they have had on our society and the legacy they have left behind.

Here are more events from this day:

363 – The Roman emperor Julian defeats the Sasanian army in the Battle of Ctesiphon, under the walls of the Sasanian capital, but is unable to take the city.

1108 – Battle of Uclés: Almoravid troops under the command of Tamim ibn Yusuf defeat a Castile and León alliance under the command of Prince Sancho Alfónsez.

1167 – Battle of Monte Porzio: A Roman army supporting Pope Alexander III is defeated by Christian of Buch and Rainald of Dassel.

1176 – Battle of Legnano: The Lombard League defeats Emperor Frederick I.

1233 – Mongol–Jin War: The Mongols entered Kaifeng after a successful siege and began looting in the fallen capital of the Jin dynasty.

1328 – Philip VI is crowned King of France.

1416 – Battle of Gallipoli: The Venetians under Pietro Loredan defeat a much larger Ottoman fleet off Gallipoli.

1453 – Fall of Constantinople: Ottoman armies under Sultan Mehmed II capture Constantinople after a 53-day siege, ending the Byzantine Empire.

1658 – Battle of Samugarh: decisive battle in the struggle for the throne during the Mughal war of succession (1658–1659).

1660 – English Restoration: Charles II is restored to the throne of England, Scotland and Ireland.

1733 – The right of settlers in New France to enslave natives is upheld at Quebec City.

1780 – American Revolutionary War: At the Battle of Waxhaws, the British continue attacking after the Continentals lay down their arms, killing 113 and critically wounding all but 53 that remained.

1790 – Rhode Island becomes the last of North America's original Thirteen Colonies to ratify the Constitution and become one of the United States.

1798 – United Irishmen Rebellion: Between 300 and 500 United Irishmen are executed as rebels by the British Army in County Kildare, Ireland.

1807 – Mustafa IV became Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and Caliph of Islam.

1848 – Wisconsin is admitted as the 30th U.S. state.

1851 – Sojourner Truth delivers her famous Ain't I a Woman? speech at the Woman’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio.

1852 – Jenny Lind leaves New York after her two-year American tour.

1861 – The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce is founded, in Hong Kong.

1864 – Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico arrives in Mexico for the first time.

1867 – The Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867 ("the Compromise") is born through Act 12, which establishes the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

1868 – Mihailo Obrenović III, Prince of Serbia is assassinated.

1886 – The pharmacist John Pemberton places his first advertisement for Coca-Cola, which appeared in The Atlanta Journal.

1900 – N'Djamena is founded as Fort-Lamy by the French commander Émile Gentil.

1903 – In the May Coup, Alexander I, King of Serbia, and Queen Draga, are assassinated in Belgrade by the Black Hand (Crna Ruka) organization.

1913 – Igor Stravinsky's ballet score The Rite of Spring receives its premiere performance in Paris, France, provoking a riot.

1914 – The Ocean liner RMS Empress of Ireland sinks in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence with the loss of 1,012 lives.

1918 – Armenia defeats the Ottoman Army in the Battle of Sardarabad.

1919 – Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity is tested (later confirmed) by Arthur Eddington and Andrew Claude de la Cherois Crommelin.

1920 – The Louth flood of 1920 was a severe flash flooding in the Lincolnshire market town of Louth, resulting in 23 fatalities in 20 minutes. It has been described as one of the most significant flood disasters in the United Kingdom during the 20th century.

1931 – Michele Schirru, a citizen of the United States, is executed by a Royal Italian Army firing squad for intent to kill Benito Mussolini.

1932 – World War I veterans begin to assemble in Washington, D.C., in the Bonus Army to request cash bonuses promised to them to be paid in 1945.

1935 – First flight of the Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighter aeroplane.

1945 – First combat mission of the Consolidated B-32 Dominator heavy bomber.

1947 – United Airlines Flight 521 crashes at LaGuardia Airport, killing 43.

1948 – United Nations Truce Supervision Organization is founded.

1950 – The St. Roch, the first ship to circumnavigate North America, arrives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

1953 – Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay become the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest, on Tenzing Norgay's (adopted) 39th birthday.

1964 – The Arab League meets in East Jerusalem to discuss the Palestinian question, leading to the formation of the Palestine Liberation Organization.

1964 – Having deposed them in a January coup South Vietnamese leader Nguyễn Khánh had rival Generals Tran Van Don and Le Van Kim convicted of "lax morality".

1973 – Tom Bradley is elected the first black mayor of Los Angeles, California.

1982 – Pope John Paul II becomes the first pontiff to visit Canterbury Cathedral.

1982 – Falklands War: the British Army defeats the Argentine Army at the Battle of Goose Green.

1985 – Heysel Stadium disaster: Thirty-nine association football fans die and hundreds are injured when a dilapidated retaining wall collapses.

1985 – Amputee Steve Fonyo completes cross-Canada marathon at Victoria, British Columbia, after 14 months.

1988 – The U.S. President Ronald Reagan begins his first visit to the Soviet Union when he arrives in Moscow for a superpower summit with the Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

1989 – Signing of an agreement between Egypt and the United States, allowing the manufacture of parts of the F-16 jet fighter plane in Egypt.

1990 – The Congress of People's Deputies of Russia elects Boris Yeltsin as President of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic.

1993 – The Miss Sarajevo beauty pageant is held in war-torn Sarajevo drawing global attention to the plight of its citizens.

1999 – Olusegun Obasanjo takes office as President of Nigeria, the first elected and civilian head of state in Nigeria after 16 years of military rule.

1999 – Space Shuttle Discovery completes the first docking with the International Space Station.

2001 – The U.S. Supreme Court rules that the disabled golfer Casey Martin can use a cart to ride in tournaments.

2004 – The National World War II Memorial is dedicated in Washington, D.C.

2005 – France rejects the Constitution of the European Union in a national referendum.

2006 – The roof of Porvoo Cathedral in the town of Porvoo was destroyed by arson.

2008 – A doublet earthquake, of combined magnitude 6.1, strikes Iceland near the town of Selfoss, injuring 30 people.

2012 – A 5.8-magnitude earthquake hits northern Italy near Bologna, killing at least 24 people.

2015 – One World Observatory at One World Trade Center opens.