This Day in History: May

Look back in time and examine the amazing events that happened this month in history and which helped shape the world as we know it.

Course Overview (No. 90047)

Explore 12 pivotal May events through expert analysis, from scientific breakthroughs to cultural milestones that changed history.

Video Lessons

1. May 4, 2008: Star Wars Day Is Born (9 min)
   Dr. David Kyle Johnson explores the philosophy behind this cultural phenomenon.
2. May 14, 1607: Jamestown Colony Founded (10 min)
   Anthropology professor reveals the brutal realities of America’s first permanent English settlement.
3. May 18, 1980: Mount Saint Helens Erupts (6 min)
   National Geographic expert recounts the deadliest U.S. volcanic eruption.
4. May 11, 1997: Deep Blue Defeats Garry Kasparov (7 min)
   Chess master analyzes the first computer victory over a world champion.
5. May 17, 1954: Brown v. Board of Education Decided (6 min)
   Law professor examines the landmark Supreme Court school desegregation case.
6. May 29, 1453: Constantinople Falls to Ottomans (8 min)
   The end of the Roman Empire and rise of Ottoman power.
7. May 14, 1796: First Vaccine Administered (6 min)
   Professor Barry C. Fox traces the history of vaccination breakthroughs.
8. May 25, 1787: US Constitutional Convention Begins (6 min)
   The dramatic creation of America’s founding document.
9. May 2, 1933: Loch Ness Monster Sighted (7 min)
   Professor Sutherland investigates 1,400 years of “Nessie” lore.
10. May 16, 1966: Mao Launches Cultural Revolution (6 min)
    Professor Vejas Liulevicius documents China’s decade of terror.
11. May 5, 1821: Napoleon Bonaparte Dies (4 min)
    The exiled emperor’s final years on St. Helena.
12. May 26, 1897: Dracula Published (6 min)
    How Bram Stoker created the vampire archetype.