Episodes
Big Ben Starts Telling Time
May 31, 1859. After 13 years of construction, the Great Clock of Westminster, also known as Big Ben, begins operation.
The Vanport Flood
May 30, 1948. In less than a day, a flood destroys a public housing project that was once one of Oregon’s largest cities, killing 15 people and leaving over 18,000 homeless.
The First Ever Successful Summit of Mount Everest
May 29, 1953. Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay become the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
Saturday Matinee: 2 Complicated 4 History
On today’s Saturday Matinee, we leave the names and dates behind to investigate the real past, which is often too complicated for history. Link to 2 Complicated 4 History: https://linktr.ee/2c4h_podcast Go to HistoryDaily.com for more history, daily. See Privacy Policy at https…
The First-Ever Dow Jones Industrial Average
May 26, 1896. In the aftermath of a financial crisis, the Wall Street Journal begins printing the Dow Jones Industrial Average, the nation’s oldest market index still in use today.
The Edict of Worms
May 25, 1521. Holy Roman Emperor Charles V passes the Edict of Worms, condemning German theologian Martin Luther and sparking Europe’s Protestant Reformation.
The Brooklyn Bridge Opens to the Public
May 24, 1883. The Brooklyn Bridge opens to the public, becoming the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time of completion.
A Hostage Crisis Shakes the Netherlands
May 23, 1977. Terrorists simultaneously attack an elementary school and a train in the Netherlands, sparking a long and harrowing hostage crisis.
The Final Conviction in Birmingham’s Baptist Church Bombing
May 22, 2002. A jury in Birmingham, Alabama convicts former Ku Klux Klan member Bobby Frank Cherry of bombing the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in 1963, resolving one of the most shocking cases of the civil rights era.
Saturday Matinee: Anthology of Heroes
On today’s Saturday Matinee, we witness the 1527 Sack of Rome with the podcast “Anthology of Heroes.” Link to Anthology of Heroes: anthologyofheroespodcast.com Go to HistoryDaily.com for more history, daily. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy…
Anne Boleyn’s Execution
May 19, 1536. After being accused of treason, adultery, and incest, Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII, is publicly executed.
The Eruption of Mount St. Helens
May 18, 1980. After a century of silence, Mount St. Helens, a dormant volcano in the scenic Washington countryside comes to life.
The Deadliest Day of Northern Ireland’s ‘Troubles’
May 17, 1974. Four car bombs explode in the Republic of Ireland, killing thirty three people, injuring hundreds, and wrecking an attempt to end the long conflict over the future of Northern Ireland, known as the Troubles.
President Clinton Apologizes for the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment
May 16, 1997. US President Bill Clinton officially apologizes for the Tuskegee Experiment, a four decade long government-funded research experiment which used African American men to study the long-term effects of untreated syphilis.
The First McDonald’s Opens
May 15, 1940. McDonald’s is founded when brothers Maurice and Richard McDonald open their first restaurant in San Bernardino, California, giving rise to what will become one of the world’s most prominent fast food chains.
Saturday Matinee: Age of Napoleon Podcast
On today’s Saturday Matinee, we cover possibly the greatest victory of Napoleon’s entire career: the Battle of Austerlitz. Link to Age of Napoleon Podcast: https://pod.link/1223795973 Go to HistoryDaily.com for more history, daily. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priva…
The Coronation of King George VI
May 12, 1937. The coronation of George VI brings an end to the Abdication Crisis that shook the foundations of the British state.
The Creation of Comedy Troupe Monty Python
May 11, 1969. Six comedians in London, England join forces to form one of the age’s most influential comedy troupes: Monty Python.
Nelson Mandela Becomes President
May 10, 1994. Nelson Mandela becomes South Africa’s first Black president, marking an end to the nation’s oppressive and segregationist Apartheid laws.
The FDA Approves the First Birth Control Pill
May 9, 1960. The United States Food and Drug Administration revolutionizes society by approving the first birth control pill.
John S. Pemberton Sells the First Glass of Coca-Cola
May 8, 1886. American pharmacist John S. Pemberton sells the first glass of his new cure-all tonic, known as Coca Cola.
Saturday Matinee: Short History Of...The Crown Jewels
On today’s Saturday Matinee, a Short History Of the Crown Jewels, being used today in the coronation of King Charles III. Link to Short History Of…: https://podfollow.com/short-history-of/view Go to HistoryDaily.com for more history, daily. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.…
The Battle of Puebla on Cinco de Mayo
May 5, 1862. Following the French invasion of Mexico, Mexican soldiers succeed in defending the town of Puebla, sealing a victory that will be commemorated by the national holiday, Cinco de Mayo.
The Birth of Rolls-Royce
May 4, 1904. Automotive pioneers Charles Rolls and Henry Royce meet in Manchester, England and decide to go into business, forming Rolls-Royce.