#8thmay#onthisday #history May 8th: A Day of Liberation and Remembrance
May 8th holds a significant place in global history, particularly in Europe, due to the end of World War II. Here's a glimpse into some noteworthy events that have unfolded on this date:
Echoes from the Past:
- 1660: Charles II Declared King of England: Following the overthrow of Oliver Cromwell's rule, the English Parliament declared Charles II King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, marking the restoration of the monarchy.
- 1825: Death of Caspar David Friedrich: German Romantic landscape painter Caspar David Friedrich, known for his evocative works depicting nature, passed away.
- 1884: American Red Cross Founded: Clara Barton established the American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization dedicated to providing relief during disaster.
- 1904: Port Arthur Surrenders to Japan: The strategically important Port Arthur surrendered to Japanese forces during the Russo-Japanese War.
- 1918: American Troops Land in Siberia: American troops land in Vladivostok, Siberia, to participate in the Allied intervention in the Russian Civil War.
- 1945: End of World War II in Europe:
- V-E Day: Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) is celebrated as Nazi Germany unconditionally surrenders to the Allied forces, marking the official end of World War II in Europe.
- 1970: Nixon Announces Cambodia Invasion: U.S. President Richard Nixon announces the expansion of the Vietnam War into Cambodia, sparking widespread protests.
- 1972: Munich Massacre: Eight Palestinian terrorists kill 11 Israeli athletes and a German police officer during the Olympic Games in Munich, Germany.
- 1992: South Africa Votes to End Apartheid: In a historic referendum, South Africa overwhelmingly votes to end apartheid, the system of racial segregation that had dominated the country for decades.
- 1999: Bombings in Belgrade: NATO forces launch airstrikes against Belgrade, Serbia, in an attempt to end the Kosovo War.
Celebrations and Observances:
- Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day): Commemorated in many European countries to mark the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II.
- World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day: Celebrated by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, recognizing the work of volunteers and professionals who provide humanitarian aid worldwide.
Other Notable Events:
- 1873: Panic of 1873 Begins: The Panic of 1873, a significant financial crisis in the United States, began with the failure of the New York banking firm Jay Cooke & Co.
- 1924: Mount Everest Expedition: British explorers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine attempt to be the first to summit Mount Everest but disappear on the mountain, their fate remains a mystery.
