From pivotal battles to groundbreaking discoveries, explore the pivotal events that shaped our world during this week in history. May 13 to May 19 witnessed remarkable events that shaped the world. Join us as we explore these defining moments.
May 13
1846 – U.S. Declares War on Mexico: The U.S. Congress approved a declaration of war against Mexico, initiating the Mexican-American War, which concluded with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848.
1981 – Assassination Attempt on Pope John Paul II: Pope John Paul II was shot and seriously wounded in St. Peter’s Square by Mehmet Ali Ağca.
May 14
1607 – Jamestown Founded: Approximately 100 English colonists established Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement in North America.
1796 – First Smallpox Vaccination: Edward Jenner administered the first successful smallpox inoculation, laying the foundation for modern immunology.
1948 – Israel Declares Independence: David Ben-Gurion proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel, leading to the first Arab-Israeli war.
May 15
1942 – Gasoline Rationing Begins in the U.S.: Seventeen Eastern states implemented gasoline rationing to support the World War II effort.
May 16
1918 – U.S. Passes the Sedition Act: Congress enacted the Sedition Act, criminalizing speech deemed disloyal during World War I.
1943 – Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Suppressed: Nazi forces quelled the month-long uprising by Polish Jews resisting deportation to extermination camps.
May 17
1756 – Britain Enters the Seven Years’ War: Britain declared war on France, marking its official entry into the global conflict known as the Seven Years’ War.
May 18
1863 – Siege of Vicksburg Begins: Union General Ulysses S. Grant initiated the siege of Vicksburg, a pivotal campaign in the American Civil War.
May 19
1536 – Execution of Anne Boleyn: Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII, was executed on charges including adultery and treason.
1862 – Homestead Act Signed: President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act, granting 160 acres of public land to settlers.
