Image: Columbia River Discovered on May 11th. By Steven Pavlov.

10 Historical Events That Happened on May 11th


 

May 11th is a day that has seen some significant events in history. From a major treaty being signed to a revolutionary event in science, this day has been filled with memorable moments. On May 11, 1745, the Treaty of Dresden was signed between the Kingdom of Prussia and the Austrian Habsburg Monarchy, ending the Second Silesian War.

On a lighter note, on May 11, 1985, the first Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was released in Japan, ushering in a new era of video game entertainment. May 11th has seen its fair share of historical events, and will undoubtedly continue to add more to its timeline. In this article, we look into ten of these historical events that happened on May 11th.

1. King George II of Great Britain defeats the French at the Battle of Fontenoy.

Image: Battle of Fontenoy 1745. By
Pierre L’Enfant.

On 11 May 1745, King George II of Great Britain led his army to an impressive victory over the French at the Battle of Fontenoy. The British forces, outnumbering the French by a ratio of two to one, were able to take advantage of the terrain and their superior artillery to defeat the enemy. Many of the French officers were killed or wounded, and the British forces were able to take control of the battlefield. This victory was a major turning point for the British in the War of Austrian Succession, and it led to the signing of the Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle in 1748, which ended the war.

2. The Columbia River is discovered by Captain Robert Gray.

The Columbia River, located in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, was discovered by the American explorer Captain Robert Gray in 1792. As the largest river in the region, the Columbia River serves as an important source of transportation, irrigation, hydroelectric power, and recreation. The river is also an integral part of the region’s culture and history, with many Native American tribes have lived in the area for centuries. Even today, the Columbia River remains a vital part of the Pacific Northwest, providing a wealth of resources to the people of the region.

3. Minnesota became the 32nd state of the United States.

Image: Fort Snelling played a pivotal role in Minnesota’s history and in development of nearby Minneapolis and Saint Paul. By Unknown.

On May 11th, 1858, Minnesota officially became the 32nd state of the United States. Minnesota had a robust population of Native Americans, French traders, and German and Scandinavian immigrants all living in the area. The state was admitted to the Union with a constitutional convention that had been called by President James Buchanan. Minnesota was the second state to be admitted to the Union in the year 1858, the other being Oregon. The admission of Minnesota to the Union was seen as a major economic boost, as the state had many resources and a growing population.

4. India executes a series of nuclear weapons tests

Image: Thermonuclear device Shakti I tested during Pokhran-II. By Unknown.

On May 11th, 1998, India made history when it conducted a series of five underground nuclear weapons tests at the Pokhran Test Range in the Rajasthan desert. This was India’s first nuclear test since 1974, and it sent shockwaves around the world. The tests caused widespread condemnation from the international community, as they violated the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which India had signed in 1996. However, the tests also demonstrated India’s commitment to its security and its growing presence on the global stage. The tests marked a turning point in India’s nuclear history, and their effects are still felt today.

5.56 football fans die in a stadium fire

On May 11th, 1985, a tragic incident occurred at a football stadium in Bradford, England, resulting in the death of 56 fans. The fire, which began in the main stand of the stadium, was caused by a discarded cigarette and quickly spread out of control. The flames engulfed the stand, trapping many of the fans inside and leading to a horrific death toll. On that day, the world of football was left in shock and mourning the death of so many innocent lives. The incident was a stark reminder of the importance of safety precautions in stadiums and sporting events.

6. Scottish-born British politician Gordon Brown officially resigned as prime minister of the United Kingdom

Image: Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II greets Gordon Brown at Buckingham Palace for an audience at which he tended his resignation as Prime Minister. By Unknown.

On May 11, 2010, Gordon Brown officially resigned as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, bringing an end to his three-year tenure. Brown, a Scot by birth, took office in 2007 following the retirement of Tony Blair and served as the country’s leader until the formation of a new coalition government in 2010. During his time as Prime Minister, Brown faced several economic and social challenges, including the global financial crisis and the rise of the Scottish National Party. His resignation marked a new chapter in British politics and opened the door for a progressive new government.

7. IBM’s chess-playing computer Deep Blue defeated Garry Kasparov

Image: Garry Kasparov playing a simultaneous exhibition in 1985. By Unknown.

On May 11th, 1997, IBM’s Deep Blue supercomputer made history when it defeated world chess champion, Garry Kasparov, becoming the first computer to beat a reigning world champion in a six-game match. Deep Blue’s victory marked the first time a computer had achieved the ultimate goal of chess-playing computers: to defeat one of the greatest human players in the world. The match was closely followed by the international media, and the victory was seen as a milestone in the advancement of artificial intelligence. The match became an iconic moment in the history of computer science and cemented Deep Blue’s place as an AI legend. Here are more facts about Garry Kasparov.

8. Jamaican reggae star Bob Marley died

On May 11th, 1981, Jamaican reggae star Bob Marley passed away at the young age of 36. Marley had been battling cancer since 1977 and had been receiving treatment in Miami, but cancer had spread throughout his body. He had been an international icon, known for his powerful music and message of peace and love. His passing sent shockwaves around the world and was felt especially in Jamaica, where he had become an icon of hope and strength. Marley’s influence in the reggae and world music scenes is still felt today, and his legacy continues to live on in his music.

9. Adolf Eichmann was captured by Israeli intelligence

Image: Adolf Eichmann. By Unknown.

On May 11th, 1960, Adolf Eichmann, formerly one of the high-ranking Nazi officials, was captured in Argentina by Israeli intelligence. Eichmann had been on the run since the end of World War II and was wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. After his capture, he was brought to Israel and tried for his crimes in a highly publicized trial. Eichmann’s trial became the first time that the Holocaust had been discussed publicly and was seen as a major step in the recognition of the suffering of the Jewish people. On December 11th, 1961, after a lengthy trial, Eichmann was convicted and sentenced to death. He was hanged on May 31st, 1962 in Ramla, Israel.

10. American president, James K. Polk, asked Congress to declare war on Mexico.

On May 11th, 1846, President James K. Polk asked Congress to declare war on Mexico. This was done in response to the Mexican government’s refusal to accept the US government’s offer to purchase a large portion of the territory now known as Texas, as well as a large swath of land in the modern-day states of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and California.

The Mexican-American War, as it is now known, lasted almost two years, and resulted in a decisive victory for the United States. With the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, the US effectively doubled its size and secured the land that now makes up the American Southwest.

May 11th is a day filled with many historic events. Whether it’s the end of a major conflict or the beginning of a new era of labor rights, May 11th has been an important day in history. The events of this day have left their mark on the world and will continue to shape the future. For more articles on world history and facts, see here.

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