TODAY IN HISTORY: MAY 31

 

May 31

May 31 is a significant date in history for various reasons. It is a day that has witnessed many important events, births, and deaths throughout the years. In this essay, I will discuss some of the notable occurrences that have taken place on May 31, as well as delve into its significance in different areas of human life.

One of the most significant events that took place on May 31 was in 1669 when Samuel Pepys, a British naval administrator and Member of Parliament, recorded the first observation of transit of Venus in modern history. Pepys tracked the movement of Venus across the face of the Sun and documented it meticulously, providing valuable insights into the scientific understanding of celestial bodies.

Another remarkable event occurred on May 31 in the year 1859 when arguably the most famous author of all time, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, was born. Conan Doyle was the creator of the iconic detective character Sherlock Holmes, who has captivated readers for generations. His works have left an indelible mark on literature, inspiring countless adaptations and interpretations in various mediums.

Moving forward to the field of sports, May 31 saw some significant moments as well. In 1967, American professional basketball player Walt Frazier was born. Frazier went on to become a legendary figure in the sport, winning two NBA championships with the New York Knicks and becoming one of the greatest point guards in the history of basketball. He was known for his distinctive style both on and off the court, wearing flamboyant outfits and exhibiting exceptional skills.

In the world of art, May 31, 1935, marked the passing of renowned German painter and printmaker Ernst Ludwig Kirchner. Kirchner was a prominent figure in the Expressionist movement and one of the co-founders of the art group Die Brücke (The Bridge). His artwork explored the themes of urban life, society, and the human condition in the early 20th century, leaving a lasting impact on the art world.

On a more somber note, May 31 signifies the tragic passing of several notable individuals. In 1996, John Randolph, an American stage, film, and television actor, died. Randolph was a versatile performer who appeared in numerous films and TV shows throughout his career, including \Serpico\ and \You've Got Mail.\ His death left a void in the entertainment industry, with many mourning the loss of his talent and distinct presence.

Additionally, May 31 is a day of remembrance for the victims of the devastating Johnstown Flood in 1889. This catastrophic flood occurred in Pennsylvania, causing over 2,200 casualties and widespread destruction. It was one of the deadliest floods in U.S. history and led to significant changes in flood control and disaster response measures.

In the world of science, May 31 holds a special significance as it marks the World No Tobacco Day. This annual event, established by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1987, aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption. It serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the risks associated with smoking and secondhand smoke.

May 31 also symbolizes the end of May and the transition into the summer season, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a time when people anticipate warmer weather, longer days, and the beginning of vacations, making it a period filled with anticipation and excitement. The festivities of Memorial Day in the United States, usually observed on the last Monday of May, often take place around this time, marking the unofficial start of summer.

In conclusion, May 31 holds significance in various domains, including history, literature, sports, art, and public health. It has witnessed crucial events and seen the births and deaths of notable individuals. Whether renowned figures in their respective fields or moments that have shaped society, May 31 serves as a reminder of the diverse impact of human endeavors and the constant evolution of the world around us.

Here are some more:

455 – Emperor Petronius Maximus is stoned to death by an angry mob while fleeing Rome.

1223 – Mongol invasion of the Cumans: Battle of the Kalka River: Mongol armies of Genghis Khan led by Subutai defeat Kievan Rus' and Cumans.

1293 – Mongol invasion of Java was a punitive expedition against King Kertanegara of Singhasari, who had refused to pay tribute to the Yuan and maimed one of its ministers. However, it ended with failure for the Mongols. Regarded as establish City of Surabaya

1578 – King Henry III lays the first stone of the Pont Neuf (New Bridge), the oldest bridge of Paris, France.

1610 – The pageant London's Love to Prince Henry on the River Thames celebrates the creation of Prince Henry as Prince of Wales.

1669 – Citing poor eyesight as a reason, Samuel Pepys records the last event in his diary.

1775 – American Revolution: The Mecklenburg Resolves are adopted in the Province of North Carolina.

1790 – Manuel Quimper explores the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

1790 – The United States enacts its first copyright statute, the Copyright Act of 1790.

1795 – French Revolution: The Revolutionary Tribunal is suppressed.

1805 – French and Spanish forces begin the assault against British forces occupying Diamond Rock, Martinique.

1813 – In Australia, William Lawson, Gregory Blaxland and William Wentworth reach Mount Blaxland, effectively marking the end of a route across the Blue Mountains.

1859 – The clock tower at the Houses of Parliament, which houses Big Ben, starts keeping time.

1862 – American Civil War: Peninsula Campaign: Confederate forces under Joseph E. Johnston and G.W. Smith engage Union forces under George B. McClellan outside the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia.

1864 – American Civil War: Overland Campaign: Battle of Cold Harbor: The Army of Northern Virginia engages the Army of the Potomac.

1879 – Gilmore's Garden in New York City is renamed Madison Square Garden by William Henry Vanderbilt and is opened to the public at 26th Street and Madison Avenue.

1884 – The arrival at Plymouth of Tāwhiao, King of Maoris, to claim the protection of Queen Victoria.

1889 – Johnstown Flood: Over 2,200 people die after a dam fails and sends a 60-foot (18-meter) wall of water over the town of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

1902 – Second Boer War: The Treaty of Vereeniging ends the war and ensures British control of South Africa.

1909 – The National Negro Committee, forerunner to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), convenes for the first time.

1910 – The South Africa Act comes into force, establishing the Union of South Africa.

1911 – The RMS Titanic is launched in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

1911 – The President of Mexico Porfirio Díaz flees the country during the Mexican Revolution.

1916 – World War I: Battle of Jutland: The British Grand Fleet engages the High Seas Fleet in the largest naval battle of the war, which proves indecisive.

1921 – The Tulsa race massacre kills at least 39, but other estimates of black fatalities vary from 55 to about 300.

1924 – Hope Development School fire kills 24 people, mostly disabled children.

1935 – A 7.7 M_w  earthquake destroys Quetta in modern-day Pakistan killing 40,000.

1941 – Anglo-Iraqi War: The United Kingdom completes the re-occupation of Iraq and returns 'Abd al-Ilah to power as regent for Faisal II.

1942 – World War II: Imperial Japanese Navy midget submarines begin a series of attacks on Sydney, Australia.

1947 – Ferenc Nagy, the democratically elected Prime Minister of Hungary, resigns from office after blackmail from the Hungarian Communist Party accusing him of being part of a plot against the state. This grants the Communists effective control of the Hungarian government. 

1951 – The Uniform Code of Military Justice takes effect as the legal system of the United States Armed Forces.

1955 – The U.S. Supreme Court expands on its Brown v. Board of Education decision by ordering district courts and school districts to enforce educational desegregation "at all deliberate speed."

1961 – The South African Constitution of 1961 becomes effective, thus creating the Republic of South Africa, which remains outside the Commonwealth of Nations until 1 June 1994, when South Africa is returned to Commonwealth membership.

1961 – In Moscow City Court, the Rokotov–Faibishenko show trial begins, despite the Khrushchev Thaw to reverse Stalinist elements in Soviet society.

1962 – The West Indies Federation dissolves.

1970 – The 7.9 M_w  Ancash earthquake shakes Peru with a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe) and a landslide buries the town of Yungay, Peru. Between 66,794 and 70,000 were killed and 50,000 were injured.

1971 – In accordance with the Uniform Monday Holiday Act passed by the U.S. Congress in 1968, observation of Memorial Day occurs on the last Monday in May for the first time, rather than on the traditional Memorial Day of May 30.

1973 – The United States Senate votes to cut off funding for the bombing of Khmer Rouge targets within Cambodia, hastening the end of the Cambodian Civil War.

1973 – Indian Airlines Flight 440 crashes near Indira Gandhi International Airport, killing 48.

1977 – The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System is completed.

1985 – United States–Canada tornado outbreak: Forty-one tornadoes hit Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ontario, leaving 76 dead.

1991 – Bicesse Accords in Angola lay out a transition to multi-party democracy under the supervision of the United Nations' UNAVEM II peacekeeping mission.

2003 – Air France retires its fleet of Concorde aircraft.

2005 – Vanity Fair reveals that Mark Felt was "Deep Throat".

2008 – Usain Bolt breaks the world record in the 100m sprint, with a wind-legal (+1.7 m/s) 9.72 seconds

2010 – Israeli Shayetet 13 commandos boarded the Gaza Freedom Flotilla while still in international waters trying to break the ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip; nine Turkish citizens on the flotilla were killed in the ensuing violent affray.

2013 – The asteroid 1998 QE2 and its moon make their closest approach to Earth for the next two centuries.

2013 – A record breaking 2.6 mile wide tornado strikes near El Reno, Oklahoma, United States, causing eight fatalities (including three storm chasers) and over 150 injuries.

2016 – Syrian civil war: The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) launch the Manbij offensive, in order to capture the city of Manbij from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

2017 – A car bomb explodes in a crowded intersection in Kabul near the German embassy during rush hour, killing over 90 and injuring 463.

2019 – A shooting occurs inside a municipal building at Virginia Beach, Virginia, leaving 13 people dead, including the shooter, and four others injured.