May 26th has witnessed a myriad of significant events that have shaped history across different eras and regions.
From Germanicus’ celebrated victory in 17 AD to severe flooding in China in 2008, join us as we chronologically traverse through these remarkable events and uncover the stories that continue to resonate through time.
In this article, we delve into twenty notable occurrences on May 26th, exploring their impact and legacy.
May 26th – On this Day in History
17 AD – Germanicus’ triumph in Rome for victories over the Cherusci, Chatti and other German tribes west of the Elbe.
Germanicus Julius Caesar, a prominent Roman general, celebrated a triumph in Rome to honor his successful military campaigns in Germania. Germanicus had been tasked with avenging the disastrous defeat of the Roman legions under Varus in the Teutoburg Forest in 9 AD.
Over several years, he led a series of campaigns against various Germanic tribes, including the Cherusci, led by Arminius, and the Chatti. His victories helped restore Roman prestige and secure the empire’s borders along the Rhine River.
The triumph was a grand ceremonial procession, showcasing the spoils of war and Germanic captives, and reinforcing Germanicus’ reputation as one of Rome’s greatest military leaders.
451 AD – Battle of Avarayr between Armenian rebels and the Sasanian Empire
The Battle of Avarayr was a pivotal conflict between Armenian Christian forces led by Vardan Mamikonian and the Sasanian Empire, which sought to impose Zoroastrianism on its subjects. Despite being outnumbered and facing a powerful adversary, the Armenian forces fought valiantly for their religious freedom and national identity.
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Although the battle resulted in a military defeat for the Armenians and the death of Vardan Mamikonian, it ultimately strengthened Armenian resistance and led to greater religious autonomy. The struggle is celebrated in Armenian history and culture as a symbol of faith and perseverance.
1521 – Martin Luther is banned by the Edict of Worms because of his religious beliefs and writings
Martin Luther, a German monk and theologian, was excommunicated from the Catholic Church in 1521 after refusing to recant his criticisms of Church practices and doctrines. The Diet of Worms, an imperial council presided over by Emperor Charles V, issued the Edict of Worms, declaring Luther an outlaw and heretic.
His writings, including the 95 Theses, which criticized the Church’s sale of indulgences and other abuses, had sparked the Protestant Reformation. Despite the edict, Luther’s ideas continued to spread, leading to significant religious and political upheaval across Europe and the eventual establishment of Protestantism as a major branch of Christianity.
1538 – John Calvin is expelled from Geneva
John Calvin, a French theologian and a leading figure in the Protestant Reformation, was expelled from the city of Geneva due to conflicts with local authorities and religious leaders. Calvin had moved to Geneva to help reform the church there, advocating for a strict adherence to biblical principles and moral discipline.
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However, his rigorous reforms and uncompromising stance on religious matters led to opposition from influential citizens and other ministers. As a result, Calvin and his colleague, William Farel, were forced to leave Geneva.
Calvin settled in Strasbourg, where he continued his theological work and developed his ideas further. He later returned to Geneva in 1541, where he established a theocratic government and implemented his religious reforms more successfully.
1647 – Alse Young becomes the first person executed as a witch in the American colonies, at Hartford, Connecticut
Alse Young, also known as Alice Young, was the first recorded person to be executed for witchcraft in the American colonies. She lived in Windsor, Connecticut, and in 1647, during a period of widespread fear and hysteria about witchcraft, she was accused of practicing witchcraft.
Details about her trial and the specific accusations against her are scarce, but she was found guilty and hanged in Hartford, Connecticut.
Her execution marked the beginning of a series of witch trials and executions in New England, which peaked with the infamous Salem witch trials in 1692. These events reflect the intense fear and suspicion that characterized the colonial period’s approach to alleged witchcraft and the broader social and religious dynamics of the time.
1736 – Battle of Ackia: British and Chickasaw soldiers defeat French troops
The Battle of Ackia took place near present-day Tupelo, Mississippi, and was a significant conflict during the Chickasaw Wars. The battle saw the British-allied Chickasaw people defending their territory against French colonial forces led by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville.
The French aimed to establish control over the Mississippi Valley and weaken British influence by subduing the Chickasaw.
Despite being outnumbered, the Chickasaw, using their knowledge of the terrain and fortified positions, managed to repel the French attacks effectively. The French suffered considerable casualties and were forced to retreat, which halted their expansion efforts in the region and solidified the Chickasaw’s alliance with the British.
1805 – Napoleon Bonaparte is crowned King of Italy
On May 26, 1805, Napoleon Bonaparte was crowned King of Italy in Milan’s Cathedral. This event marked a significant expansion of Napoleon’s influence in Europe. The coronation was part of Napoleon’s broader strategy to consolidate his power across the continent by assuming control over various territories and establishing loyal regimes.
By becoming King of Italy, Napoleon sought to unify the Italian states under his rule and strengthen France’s position against its European rivals. The ceremony itself was lavish and symbolized Napoleon’s ambition to revive the grandeur of the Roman Empire, with Napoleon placing the Iron Crown of Lombardy on his own head.
1828 – Mysterious feral child Kaspar Hauser is discovered wandering the streets of Nuremberg
Kaspar Hauser, a teenage boy, was found wandering the streets of Nuremberg, Germany, on May 26, 1828. He carried a letter addressed to a local military officer, but could barely speak and appeared to have lived in isolation for most of his life.
Hauser’s mysterious background and claims that he had been kept in a dark cell for years captivated public interest and led to much speculation about his origins. Some believed he was of noble birth, possibly connected to the House of Baden.
Hauser’s story drew attention from scholars, authors, and the general public, making him a subject of various studies and theories. Despite the intrigue, his true identity and the details of his early life remain a mystery.
1865 – Civil War: The last Confederate General, Edmund Kirby Smith, surrenders
On May 26, 1865, General Edmund Kirby Smith, commanding the Confederate Trans-Mississippi Department, formally surrendered his forces to Union representatives. This surrender effectively marked the end of the Confederate resistance in the American Civil War.
Smith’s surrender came weeks after General Robert E. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House and marked the final act of the Confederate military’s dissolution. With Smith’s surrender, the Confederate cause was conclusively defeated, and the Union was preserved.
This event also paved the way for the Reconstruction era, during which the Southern states were gradually reintegrated into the United States, and efforts to address the social and economic aftermath of slavery began.
1868 – The impeachment trial of U.S. President Andrew Johnson ends with Johnson being found not guilty by one vote
On May 26, 1868, the impeachment trial of President Andrew Johnson concluded with his acquittal. Johnson faced impeachment by the House of Representatives primarily due to his violations of the Tenure of Office Act and his lenient approach to Reconstruction, which clashed with the Radical Republicans’ plans.
The Senate trial hinged on whether Johnson had unlawfully removed Edwin M. Stanton, the Secretary of War, from his cabinet. In a dramatic and closely watched trial, the Senate fell one vote short of the two-thirds majority required to convict and remove Johnson from office.
The decisive vote was cast by Senator Edmund G. Ross of Kansas, whose decision was driven by concerns over the implications of removing a sitting president. Johnson’s acquittal preserved the balance of powers between the executive and legislative branches and set a significant precedent in American political history.
1896 – The Dow Jones Industrial Average is first published
On May 26, 1896, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) was first published by Charles Dow, co-founder of Dow Jones & Company, and the editor of The Wall Street Journal.
The DJIA was created as a stock market index to measure the performance of the industrial sector of the American stock market. Initially, the index consisted of 12 companies, all of which were major industrial players such as American Cotton Oil, American Sugar, and General Electric.
The index was designed to provide a clear and straightforward metric for investors to gauge the overall health of the stock market. Over time, the DJIA has evolved and expanded, becoming one of the most recognized and frequently cited stock market indices in the world.
1918 – The Democratic Republic of Georgia is established
On May 26, 1918, the Democratic Republic of Georgia declared its independence from the Russian Empire amid the chaos of the Russian Revolution and World War I. Led by Noe Zhordania and the Georgian Social Democratic (Menshevik) Party, Georgia sought to establish itself as a sovereign nation with a democratic government.
The declaration of independence was part of a broader movement among the Caucasian nations, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, to break free from Russian control. The new republic faced significant challenges, including internal political divisions and external threats from neighboring countries and Soviet Russia.
Despite these challenges, the Democratic Republic of Georgia made significant strides in building democratic institutions and fostering national identity before being incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1921.
1938 – In the United States, the House Un-American Activities Committee begins its first session
On May 26, 1938, the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) held its first session. HUAC was established by the U.S. House of Representatives to investigate alleged disloyalty and subversive activities by individuals and organizations suspected of having communist ties or sympathies.
The committee became particularly prominent during the Cold War era, when fears of communist infiltration were at their peak. HUAC’s investigations targeted various sectors of American society, including government, the entertainment industry, and labor unions.
Notable figures, such as Hollywood actors, directors, and writers, were called to testify, leading to the infamous Hollywood blacklist.
The committee’s activities were controversial, as they often involved aggressive questioning and infringements on civil liberties. HUAC’s legacy remains a contentious chapter in American history, reflecting the tensions and anxieties of the time.
1940 – World War II: Battle of Dunkirk begins
On May 26, 1940, the Battle of Dunkirk, also known as Operation Dynamo, began as German forces advanced into France during World War II. The British Expeditionary Force (BEF), along with French and Belgian troops, found themselves surrounded by the German army near the northern French port city of Dunkirk.
In a desperate bid to avoid capture or destruction, the Allied forces launched a massive evacuation effort. Over the course of several days, a flotilla of military and civilian vessels, including fishing boats and pleasure craft, were mobilized to rescue the stranded soldiers.
Despite relentless attacks from German aircraft and artillery, the operation succeeded in evacuating over 330,000 troops to Britain. The “Miracle of Dunkirk” became a symbol of resilience and hope, bolstering Allied morale during a critical period of the war.
1948 – The U.S. Congress passes Public Law 557, which permanently establishes the Civil Air Patrol as an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force
On May 26, 1948, the United States Congress passed Public Law 557, officially establishing the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) as a permanent auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. The CAP had been founded in 1941, just before the United States entered World War II, to utilize civilian aviation resources for national defense purposes.
During the war, CAP pilots conducted coastal patrols, search and rescue missions, and other vital tasks to support the military effort. With the passage of Public Law 557, the CAP’s role was formalized, and it continued to provide critical support in non-combat missions.
Today, the CAP engages in a wide range of activities, including emergency services, disaster relief, aerospace education, and cadet programs, contributing to both national security and community service.
1966 – British Guiana gains independence, becoming Guyana
On May 26, 1966, British Guiana gained independence from the United Kingdom and was renamed Guyana. Located on the northern coast of South America, British Guiana had been a British colony since the early 19th century.
The move towards independence was driven by growing nationalist sentiment and the efforts of leaders like Cheddi Jagan and Forbes Burnham. Upon independence, Guyana became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations with Burnham as its first Prime Minister.
The new nation faced significant challenges, including ethnic tensions between the Indo-Guyanese and Afro-Guyanese populations, economic difficulties, and the need to establish a stable political system. Despite these challenges, independence marked the beginning of a new chapter for Guyana, allowing it to pursue its own path of development and governance.
1972 – The United States and the Soviet Union sign the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty
On May 26, 1972, the United States and the Soviet Union signed the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty in Moscow. The treaty was a key component of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I) and was aimed at curbing the arms race between the two superpowers during the Cold War.
The ABM Treaty limited both nations to two ABM deployment areas, later reduced to one, with a specified number of interceptor missiles and launchers.
The goal was to prevent the development of extensive missile defense systems that could undermine the concept of mutually assured destruction (MAD), which was believed to be a deterrent to nuclear war. The signing of the ABM Treaty represented a significant step towards arms control and the reduction of nuclear tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.
1991 – Zviad Gamsakhurdia becomes the first elected President of Georgia in the post-Soviet era
On May 26, 1991, Zviad Gamsakhurdia was elected as the first President of Georgia following the country’s declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. A prominent dissident and nationalist leader, Gamsakhurdia played a key role in Georgia’s struggle for independence.
His election represented a major shift as Georgia transitioned from Soviet rule to independent governance. However, his presidency was marked by political instability, economic challenges, and internal conflicts. Gamsakhurdia’s authoritarian style and controversial policies led to widespread opposition, resulting in a violent coup in December 1991.
Despite his overthrow, Gamsakhurdia’s election remains a significant moment in Georgia’s history, symbolizing the nation’s initial steps towards sovereignty and democratic governance.
1998 – The Supreme Court of the United States rules in New Jersey v. New York, ending a dispute between the two states over Ellis Island
On May 26, 1998, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling in the case of New Jersey v. New York, resolving a long-standing territorial dispute between the two states over Ellis Island. The island, historically the gateway for millions of immigrants entering the United States, had expanded significantly through land reclamation.
New Jersey argued that most of the expanded land should belong to it based on colonial charters and agreements. The Supreme Court’s decision divided the island between the two states: New Jersey was awarded the land added after 1834, while the original portion of the island remained part of New York.
The ruling clarified jurisdictional boundaries and allowed for better management and preservation of the historic site.
2008 – Severe flooding begins in Eastern and Southern China that would continue for several days
On May 26, 2008, severe flooding began in Eastern and Southern China, affecting millions of people. Heavy rains triggered the floods, which caused widespread devastation across several provinces, including Sichuan, Guangxi, and Hunan. The floods resulted in numerous fatalities, the destruction of homes and infrastructure, and significant agricultural losses.
Emergency response efforts were mobilized, with the Chinese government deploying military and civilian resources to aid in rescue operations and provide relief to affected communities.
The 2008 floods highlighted the vulnerability of certain regions in China to natural disasters and underscored the importance of effective disaster preparedness and response strategies. The flooding also prompted discussions on the need for improved water management and infrastructure development to mitigate future risks.