This week spans centuries of dramatic turning points, from political milestones to moments of conflict and human achievement. On April 30, 1789, George Washington took the oath of office as America’s first president, shaping the young nation’s future. Just over two centuries later, on May 2, 2011, U.S. forces killed Osama bin Laden, marking a pivotal moment in the War on Terror. The week also witnessed tragedy—such as the 1992 L.A. riots and the 1970 Kent State shootings—alongside triumphs like Alan Shepard’s historic spaceflight. These seven days remind us how swiftly history can shift, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
April 29, 1992 – Los Angeles erupted in riots
The acquittal of four LAPD officers in the brutal beating of Rodney King ignited six days of devastating riots in Los Angeles. The violence left 63 dead, thousands injured, and $1 billion in damage, becoming a watershed moment for civil rights and police reform.
April 30, 1789 – George Washington Becomes the First U.S. President
In New York City, George Washington took the oath of office on the balcony of Federal Hall to become the first President of the United States. His inauguration set many traditions still followed today, including the phrase “So help me God” at the end of the oath.
May 1, 1960 – U-2 Spy Plane Shot Down Over Soviet Union
An American U-2 reconnaissance plane piloted by Francis Gary Powers was shot down while flying a high-altitude mission over Soviet airspace. The incident caused an international scandal during the Cold War and derailed a planned summit between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
May 2, 2011 – Osama bin Laden is Killed
U.S. Navy SEALs conducted a daring nighttime raid on a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, killing al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. The mastermind behind the September 11 attacks had evaded capture for nearly a decade, and his death was seen as a significant moment in the fight against terrorism.
May 3, 1469 – Birth of Niccolò Machiavelli
The influential Italian diplomat, philosopher, and author of The Prince was born in Florence. Machiavelli’s work on political theory — emphasizing pragmatism and realpolitik — continues to influence leaders and thinkers today.
May 4, 1970 – Kent State Shooting
The Ohio National Guard opened fire on students protesting the Vietnam War at Kent State University, killing four and wounding nine others. The tragedy shocked the nation and intensified public opposition to the war.
May 5, 1961 – Alan Shepard Becomes First American in Space
Alan Shepard launched aboard Freedom 7 and became the first American to travel into space, just three weeks after the Soviet Union’s Yuri Gagarin orbited the Earth. Shepard’s suborbital flight was a major step forward for the U.S. space program.
