Major Historical Events on May 22- Today in History

Every day carries its own historical weight, and May 22nd is no exception. Join us as we explore the major historical events on may 22 that have shaped this day in history.

Constantine the Great: Emperor and Convert – 337 AD

On his deathbed, Constantine the Great became the first Roman emperor to be baptized into the Christian faith, solidifying his role in making Christianity a major world religion since his youthful embrace of the faith.

The Birth of Richard Wagner – 1813 AD

Born in Leipzig, Richard Wagner emerged as a pivotal German dramatic composer. His operatic works and musical compositions significantly shifted the trajectory of Western music, setting a revolutionary path.

Mary Cassatt: Impressionist Pioneer – 1844 AD

Mary Cassatt, an American painter from Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, is celebrated for her Impressionist portrayal of contemporary women’s intimate lives, marking her as a significant figure in the art world.

Abraham Lincoln: The Inventor President – 1849 AD

Abraham Lincoln, aside from his presidential legacy, holds the unique distinction of being the only U.S. president to receive a patent. His invention was a device intended to lift boats over obstacles in a river.

Birth of Arthur Conan Doyle: Creator of Sherlock Holmes – 1859 AD

Born in Edinburgh and passing in Sussex, Arthur Conan Doyle left a lasting mark as a Scottish writer, most famously for creating Sherlock Holmes, a character who continues to be one of the most celebrated in English literature.

Victor Hugo: A Romantic Icon – 1885 AD

French literary giant Victor Hugo passed away at 83, leaving behind a legacy as the foremost Romantic writer in France, acclaimed for his profound impact on poetry, novels, and drama.

The Pact of Steel – 1939 AD

On this day, Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini bound Germany and Italy together with the signing of the Pact of Steel, an agreement cementing a full military and political alliance between the two nations.

Mexico Joins World War II – 1942 AD

Mexico declared war on Germany, Italy, and Japan, thereby entering World War II and joining the global fight against Axis powers.

The 1960 Chilean Earthquake – 1960 AD

One of the most powerful earthquakes recorded struck Chile’s southern coast, leading to approximately 5,700 fatalities and generating tsunamis that wreaked havoc as far away as Japan and Hawaii.

Nixon’s Historic Soviet Visit – 1972 AD

Richard Nixon made a landmark visit to Moscow, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to step onto Soviet soil, symbolizing a significant moment in Cold War diplomacy.

Johnny Carson’s Final Curtain – 1992 AD

Johnny Carson, an American comedian and revered king of late-night television, made his last appearance as the host of The Tonight Show, ending an era in TV history.

Manmohan Singh: India’s 13th Prime Minister – 2004 AD

Manmohan Singh rose to prominence as the 13th Prime Minister of India, marking a significant chapter in the nation’s political history.

Joplin’s Devastation by Tornado – 2011 AD

A catastrophic tornado hit Joplin, Missouri, ranking as one of the deadliest in U.S. history. It caused immense destruction and resulted in the deaths of around 160 people.

Mark Zuckerberg Faces European Parliament – 2018 AD

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg was questioned by members of the European Parliament in Brussels. This interrogation came in the aftermath of a notable security scandal involving the social media giant.

Also Read: Major Historical Events on May 21- Today in History