Discover what happened on May 22 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.

May 22

Discover what happened on May 22 with HISTORY&#8217;s summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.

What Happened on May 22 | HISTORY

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1843

LONDON - MARCH 29: A detail view of a length of chain in the muesum aboard the Tall ship Kaskelot, a replica of the 18th century wooden square rigger ship 'The Zong', on the River Thames by Tower Bridge on March 29, 2007 in London, England. Today's events form part of the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade act. The Zong was at the centre of a court case in 1783, after 133 slaves were thrown overboard in an insurance scam. The resulting public outrage led to the rise of the Abolitionist movement.

1783

2017

1455

1990

1972

As the Depression era ended, World War II began. Nazi troops goosestepped into Poland, and in response, France and Great Britain declared war on Germany. Hitler ally Francisco Franco seized power in Spain, having defeated the democratically elected government in the Spanish Civil War. In the still-neutral U.S., a terrorist bomb exploded at the New York World’s Fair, while in fictional Gotham City, Batman made his comic book debut. College students, meanwhile, battled to see who could gulp the most live goldfish.

1939

1802

2004

1859

1958

2002

1981

1856

While a few battles remained to be fought, the American Revolution essentially ended in 1781 when British General Cornwallis surrendered his troops to American and French forces at Yorktown. The Articles of Confederation—America’s first constitution—took effect, after ratification by the original 13 states. In what would become California, 44 settlers established Los Angeles, while in South America, Spanish forces brutally executed Tupac Amaru II, leader of a rebellion by indigenous people there.

1781

America’s Founding Fathers decided that one elected civilian—the U.S. president—would lead the executive branch of the federal government, a governmental structure that has remained in place for more than 200 years.

U.S. Presidents

Slavery was widely practiced throughout the ancient world, and in the American colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries, which helped propel the United States into the Civil War.

Slavery

Crime has been a dark and powerful undercurrent in human society throughout history. Uncover the facts behind some of the most daring robberies, brazen scams and brutal murders ever committed.

Crime

The Civil War was America's bloodiest and most divisive conflict, pitting the Union Army against the Confederate States of America. The war resulted in the deaths of more than 620,000 people, with millions more injured and the South left in ruins.

Civil War

The Revolutionary War waged by the American colonies against Britain influenced political ideas and revolutions around the globe, as a small fledgling nation won its freedom from the greatest military force of its time.

American Revolution

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History.com Editors

Art history tells the complex story of human civilization through art, literature and design. It ranges from prehistoric art of the Neolithic period through Renaissance masterpieces, Impressionism, Modernism, the Bauhaus and contemporary art.

Art, Literature and Film History

World War II was the biggest and deadliest war in history, involving more than 30 countries. Sparked by the 1939 Nazi invasion of Poland, the war dragged on for six bloody years until the Allies defeated the Axis powers of Nazi Germany, Japan and Italy in 1945. Explore the battles, leaders and atrocities from the war and its impact on geopolitics and humankind.

World War II

Though the 19th century saw the rise of populism, the labor movement and Jacksonian democracy, it also ushered in the Gilded Age, when men like Cornelius Vanderbilt and J. P. Morgan wielded vast control over politics and business.

19th Century

The Middle East is a large and diverse region composed of several countries and cultures in north Africa and western Asia. Its complex history includes the Persian Gulf War, the Iran Hostage Crisis, the Yom Kippur War, Zionism and more.

Middle Eastern History

Explore the wars, battles, leaders, civilizations, regimes, prominent figures and major events from the continent that encompasses 2 percent of the Earth’s surface. From Stonehenge to the Great Awakening to the French Revolution to the rise and fall of Communism in Russia, see how Europe’s often tumultuous history unfolded.

This Day In History: May 22

A thousand pioneers head West as part of the Great Emigration

Also on This Day in History May | 22

Zong slave ship trial: insurance loss or mass murder?

Manchester Arena bombed during Ariana Grande concert

This Day in History Video: What Happened on May 22

The War of the Roses begins

South Yemen and North Yemen are unified as the Republic of Yemen

President Nixon arrives in Moscow for historic summit

The Pact of Steel is signed; the Axis is formed

First Lady Martha Washington dies

George W. Bush falls from his bicycle

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, is born

Jerry Lee Lewis drops a bombshell in London

Controversial documentary “Fahrenheit 9/11” wins Palme d’Or prize

Chandra Levy’s remains found

Wayne Williams is questioned by police for Atlanta child murders

Southern congressman beats Northern senator with a cane in the halls of Congress

Patriot siege of Ninety Six, South Carolina begins

Also on This Day in History May | 22

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