May 24th has been a significant date throughout history, marked by events that have shaped nations, cultures, and technological advancements.
From the launching of major religious movements and revolutionary wars to groundbreaking achievements in aviation and engineering, this date has witnessed a myriad of pivotal occurrences.
This article explores 20 key events that happened on May 24th, offering a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of global history and the lasting impact of these milestones.
May 24th – On this Day in History
1218 – The Fifth Crusade leaves Acre for Egypt
The Fifth Crusade (1217–1221) was an attempt by European Christians to regain control of Jerusalem and other holy sites in the Middle East from Muslim rule. It began under the leadership of Pope Innocent III and was later continued by Pope Honorius III.
On May 24, 1218, Crusader forces set sail from Acre, a major stronghold in the Kingdom of Jerusalem, heading towards Egypt. The strategy was to weaken Muslim forces by first attacking Egypt, a powerful Muslim state at the time.
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The Crusaders laid siege to the city of Damietta, which became a pivotal battle. Despite initial successes, the Crusade ultimately failed due to a combination of strategic errors, poor leadership, and the challenging logistics of maintaining an army in a hostile environment.
1487 – The ten-year-old Lambert Simnel is crowned in Dublin, Ireland, with the name of Edward VI in a bid to threaten the rule of Henry VII of England
Lambert Simnel was a boy who was used by Yorkist factions in England to challenge the rule of Henry VII. Claiming to be Edward Plantagenet, Earl of Warwick (a genuine claimant to the throne and nephew of the previous Yorkist kings Edward IV and Richard III), Simnel was crowned as “King Edward VI” in Dublin on May 24, 1487.
This was part of a broader rebellion supported by Yorkist sympathizers, including Margaret of Burgundy. The coronation in Dublin was intended to lend legitimacy to Simnel’s claim. However, the rebellion was short-lived.
The supporters of Henry VII defeated Simnel’s forces at the Battle of Stoke Field on June 16, 1487, effectively ending the last significant Yorkist challenge to the Tudor dynasty.
1607 – 100 English settlers disembark in Jamestown, the first English colony in America
On May 24, 1607, a group of about 100 English settlers disembarked from their ships and founded Jamestown in Virginia. Sponsored by the Virginia Company of London, this was the first permanent English settlement in North America.
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The colonists faced numerous challenges, including hostile relations with the local Powhatan Confederacy, disease, and harsh environmental conditions. Despite these difficulties, Jamestown survived and became the foundation for the future expansion of English colonies in America.
The establishment of Jamestown marked the beginning of a significant chapter in American history, laying the groundwork for the development of the United States.
1626 – Peter Minuit purchases Manhattan Island from Native Americans in exchange for goods valued at 60 guilders
On May 24, 1626, Peter Minuit, a representative of the Dutch West India Company, famously purchased Manhattan Island from the Lenape Native Americans.
The transaction was made in exchange for goods valued at 60 guilders, a sum that has often been romanticized as equivalent to $24 worth of beads and trinkets. This purchase was a pivotal moment in the colonization of what would become New York City.
The Dutch established the settlement of New Amsterdam on Manhattan, which would later be taken over by the English and renamed New York. This event is often highlighted to illustrate early European colonization efforts and their impact on Native American populations.
1689 – The English Parliament passes the Act of Toleration protecting Protestants. Roman Catholics are intentionally excluded
The Act of Toleration, passed by the English Parliament on May 24, 1689, under the reign of William III and Mary II, granted freedom of worship to Nonconformists, i.e., Protestants who dissented from the Church of England such as Baptists and Congregationalists.
While it did not grant full religious freedom and excluded Roman Catholics and Unitarians, it was a significant step towards religious tolerance. The Act required dissenting ministers to swear an oath of allegiance and accept certain doctrinal statements.
This legislation helped to reduce religious persecution and was a milestone in the development of religious liberty in England, influencing future policies and reforms.
1738 – John Wesley is converted, launching the Methodist movement; celebrated annually by Methodists as Aldersgate Day
On May 24, 1738, John Wesley experienced a profound religious conversion during a meeting on Aldersgate Street in London. Wesley, an Anglican minister, had been struggling with his faith and assurance of salvation.
During the meeting, as someone read from Martin Luther’s preface to the Epistle to the Romans, Wesley felt his “heart strangely warmed” and realized he trusted in Christ alone for salvation.
This experience is considered the beginning of the Methodist movement, emphasizing personal faith, piety, and a methodical approach to religious practice. Methodists commemorate this day as Aldersgate Day, celebrating Wesley’s conversion and the broader spiritual revival that followed.
1798 – The Irish Rebellion of 1798 led by the United Irishmen against British rule begins
The Irish Rebellion of 1798, also known as the United Irishmen Rebellion, was an uprising against British rule in Ireland inspired by the American and French Revolutions. It began on May 24, 1798, with the goal of establishing an independent Irish republic.
The United Irishmen, a revolutionary group comprising Catholics, Presbyterians, and some Anglicans, led the rebellion. Despite initial successes in some regions, the rebellion was brutally suppressed by British forces.
Significant battles included the Battle of Vinegar Hill and the Battle of Ballinamuck. The rebellion had a lasting impact on Irish history, fostering a tradition of resistance and laying the groundwork for future movements for Irish independence.
1830 – “Mary Had a Little Lamb” by Sarah Josepha Hale is first published
On May 24, 1830, the nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb” by Sarah Josepha Hale was first published. The poem tells the story of a girl named Mary whose pet lamb follows her to school, causing a commotion.
Hale, an influential writer and editor, contributed significantly to American literature and culture, also campaigning for the creation of Thanksgiving as a national holiday. “Mary Had a Little Lamb” became one of the most enduring and popular children’s rhymes in the English-speaking world, often cited for its simplicity and charm.
1832 – The First Kingdom of Greece is declared in the London Conference
On May 24, 1832, the establishment of the First Kingdom of Greece was formally recognized at the London Conference, marking the end of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire.
The conference, attended by representatives from Britain, France, and Russia, appointed Prince Otto of Bavaria as the first King of Greece, signaling international recognition of Greek sovereignty. This event marked the beginning of modern Greece as an independent nation-state after centuries of Ottoman rule.
The creation of the Kingdom of Greece was a significant milestone in the Greek struggle for independence and the broader trend of nationalist movements in 19th-century Europe.
1844 – Samuel Morse sends the message “What hath God wrought” (a biblical quote, Numbers 23:23) from the Old Supreme Court Chamber in the United States Capitol to the B&O Railroad Depot in Baltimore, Maryland to inaugurate the first telegraph line
On May 24, 1844, Samuel Morse sent the first long-distance telegraph message from Washington, D.C., to Baltimore, Maryland. The message, “What hath God wrought,” was a biblical quotation from Numbers 23:23 chosen by Annie Ellsworth, the daughter of a friend of Morse.
This historic transmission marked the inauguration of the first telegraph line and demonstrated the viability of Morse’s telegraph system. The successful use of the telegraph revolutionized communication, allowing instant long-distance transmission of information.
It had profound implications for commerce, journalism, and personal communication, laying the foundation for the global telecommunications networks we have today.
1883 – The Brooklyn Bridge in New York City is opened to traffic after 14 years of construction
On May 24, 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge was officially opened to traffic, connecting the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York City. The bridge was an engineering marvel of its time, designed by John A. Roebling and completed by his son, Washington Roebling, after John’s death.
Spanning 1,595 feet (486 meters), it was the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of its completion and used steel-wire cables, which were an innovative feature. The opening ceremony included a passage by President Chester A. Arthur and New York Governor Grover Cleveland.
The Brooklyn Bridge quickly became an iconic symbol of New York City and a testament to engineering innovation and urban development.
1900 – Second Boer War: The United Kingdom annexes the Orange Free State
On May 24, 1900, during the Second Boer War (1899-1902), the United Kingdom formally annexed the Orange Free State, a Boer republic in southern Africa. The war was fought between the British Empire and two Boer states—the South African Republic (Transvaal) and the Orange Free State—over the Empire’s influence in South Africa.
The annexation followed the British victory at the Battle of Paardeberg and the subsequent occupation of the Orange Free State’s capital, Bloemfontein. The war was characterized by guerrilla warfare, concentration camps, and significant casualties on both sides.
The annexation of the Orange Free State marked a crucial step in British efforts to consolidate their control over the region, eventually leading to the establishment of the Union of South Africa in 1910.
1915 – World War I: Italy declares war on Austria-Hungary
On May 24, 1915, during World War I, Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary, marking its entry into the conflict on the side of the Allies. This decision came after the secret Treaty of London, in which Italy was promised territorial gains at the expense of Austria-Hungary, including parts of the Tyrol, Dalmatia, and Istria.
Italy’s entry into the war opened up the Italian Front, a series of battles fought along the mountainous border between Italy and Austria-Hungary. The Italian involvement was characterized by harsh conditions, high casualties, and significant battles such as the Battles of the Isonzo.
Italy’s participation eventually contributed to the defeat of the Central Powers, although the post-war territorial gains did not fully meet Italian expectations, leading to future discontent.
1930 – Amy Johnson lands in Darwin, Australia, becoming the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia
On May 24, 1930, British aviator Amy Johnson landed in Darwin, Australia, becoming the first woman to fly solo from England to Australia. She embarked on the journey on May 5, 1930, from Croydon, England, in a de Havilland Gipsy Moth aircraft named Jason.
Covering approximately 11,000 miles (18,000 kilometers) in 19 days, her journey involved navigating challenging weather conditions, mechanical failures, and navigating with rudimentary tools.
Johnson’s achievement was celebrated worldwide and established her as a pioneering figure in aviation. Her daring flight demonstrated the potential of long-distance air travel and inspired future generations of female aviators.
1940 – Igor Sikorsky performs the first successful single-rotor helicopter flight
On May 24, 1940, aviation pioneer Igor Sikorsky successfully performed the first flight of a single-rotor helicopter, the Vought-Sikorsky VS-300, in Stratford, Connecticut.
This flight marked a significant milestone in the development of helicopter technology. The VS-300 was the first practical helicopter to incorporate a single main rotor and a tail rotor for stability, which became the standard design for future helicopters.
Sikorsky’s innovations overcame many of the technical challenges that had plagued earlier helicopter designs, such as controlling flight and achieving stable hover.
The successful flight of the VS-300 demonstrated the feasibility of helicopters for various applications, including military, search and rescue, and medical evacuation, revolutionizing aviation.
1956 – The first Eurovision Song Contest is held in Lugano, Switzerland
On May 24, 1956, the first Eurovision Song Contest took place in Lugano, Switzerland. Organized by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the contest aimed to bring together countries through a shared experience of music.
Seven countries participated in the inaugural event: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. Each country submitted two songs, and Lys Assia of Switzerland won with the song “Refrain.”
The Eurovision Song Contest has since grown into one of the world’s largest and most popular music competitions, known for its diverse musical styles, vibrant performances, and its role in launching the careers of many artists. It has also become a cultural phenomenon, promoting unity and showcasing the musical diversity of Europe and beyond.
1976 – The Judgment of Paris: Wine experts in Paris judge wines from France and California against each other in a blind taste test, with California wines winning
On May 24, 1976, a historic wine competition known as the Judgment of Paris took place, organized by British wine merchant Steven Spurrier. The event pitted French wines, long considered the finest in the world, against up-and-coming wines from California in a blind tasting by French judges.
To the surprise of many, the Californian wines outperformed their French counterparts, with a 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon and a 1973 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay taking top honors.
This unexpected result stunned the wine world and dramatically shifted the global perception of wine quality, establishing California as a premier wine-producing region and encouraging the growth and innovation of the wine industry worldwide.
1993 – Eritrea gains independence from Ethiopia
On May 24, 1993, Eritrea officially declared its independence from Ethiopia, following a prolonged struggle for self-determination. The Eritrean War of Independence lasted for 30 years, beginning in 1961 when Eritrean separatists started fighting against Ethiopian annexation.
The conflict ended in 1991 when Eritrean forces, led by the Eritrean People’s Liberation Front (EPLF), defeated the Ethiopian government. A United Nations-supervised referendum held in April 1993 resulted in a near-unanimous vote for independence.
Eritrea’s independence was formally recognized on May 24, 1993, and Isaias Afwerki became its first president. This event marked the creation of a new sovereign nation and ended decades of conflict and colonial rule.
2001 – The Versailles wedding hall disaster in Jerusalem, Israel, kills 23 and injures over 200
On May 24, 2001, the Versailles wedding hall in Jerusalem, Israel, collapsed during a wedding celebration, resulting in the deaths of 23 people and injuring over 200 others. The disaster occurred when the third floor of the building gave way, causing the structure to collapse onto the floors below.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the collapse was due to faulty construction practices, particularly the use of a defective technique called “Pal-Kal,” which was banned in Israel following the tragedy. The Versailles wedding hall disaster is one of the deadliest civil disasters in Israeli history, leading to significant changes in building codes and regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
2008 – The International Court of Justice rules in favor of Singapore in its dispute with Malaysia over the island of Pedra Branca
On May 24, 2008, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered its judgment in the territorial dispute between Singapore and Malaysia over the island of Pedra Branca (also known as Pulau Batu Puteh).
The dispute had been ongoing since the 1970s, with both countries claiming sovereignty over the strategically located island at the eastern entrance to the Singapore Strait. The ICJ ruled that sovereignty over Pedra Branca belonged to Singapore, while awarding two nearby maritime features, Middle Rocks, to Malaysia.
The decision was based on historical evidence, including maps, treaties, and administrative practices. The ruling was significant in maintaining regional stability and exemplified the role of international legal bodies in resolving territorial disputes peacefully.