May 18 is the 138th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 227 days remain until the end of the year.
We have some interesting facts & historic events all about May 18th, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.
Keep reading for more interesting facts about May 18th in history!
Table of Contents
Global Celebrations
- World AIDS Vaccine Day.
- International Museum Day.
- Buddha Day.
- National No Dirty Dishes Day
- National Visit Your Relatives Day
Historic Events
What Happened On This Day – May 18
2009: The Sri Lankan Civil War ends
The 25-year conflict between the government and the separatist Tamil Tigers had claimed up to 100,000 lives. It ended with the Tigers’ defeat.
1991: Britain’s first astronaut, 27-year-old Helen Sharman aboard the Soviet Soyuz TM-12 space capsule becomes the first Britain in Space in 1991.
1989: One million protesters take to the streets marching through the streets of Beijing calling for a more democratic political system in 1989.
1980: Mount St. Helens erupts
The eruption killed 57 people. A large part of the previously cone-shaped volcano was replaced by a massive crater; its summit is now some 1300 feet (400 meters) lower than before the eruption.
1974: India conducted its first underground nuclear test (Nuclear Test India 1974) in Pokhran, Rajasthan and became a Nuclear power nation.
1927: 45 people die in the United States’ worst school massacre
In the Bath school disaster, a disgruntled school board member set off several bombs at the Bath Consolidated School and other locations in Michigan.
1848 The first German National Assembly gathers in FrankfurtThe assembly constituted the first freely elected parliament of Germany. It produced a constitution that provided the basis for today’s constitution of Germany (Grundgesetz).
1804: Napoleon Bonaparte is appointed Emperor of the French
Even today, the French leader, a native of Corsica, is widely known for his successful military campaigns – and his final defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.
Famous Birthdays
Births On This Day, May 18
1920: Pope John Paul II
1912: Perry Como, American singer, actor
1897: Frank Capra, Italian/American director, producer, screenwriter
1895: Augusto César Sandino, Nicaraguan rebel leader
1868: Nicholas II of Russia
Pope John Paul II was born.
Tina Fey was born.
Pernell Roberts was born.
Heartbreaking Deaths
Deaths On This Day, May 18
1955: Mary McLeod Bethune, American educator, activist
1911: Gustav Mahler, Austrian composer
1909: Isaac Albéniz, Spanish pianist, composer
1799: Pierre Beaumarchais, French playwright
Chris Cornell died.
Gustav Mahler died.
Jeannette Rankin died.
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