Whether it was the opening of the world’s first McDonald’s or the beginning of the end for the Soviet Union in Afghanistan, May 15 is the date of some memorable moments from history. Let’s see what happened. 

🍔 1940: The First McDonald's Opens

Brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald opened the first McDonald’s restaurant—McDonald’s Bar-B-Q—in San Bernardino, California, revolutionizing the fast-food industry forever. Who Invented McDonald’s? The Story Behind the Fast Food Empire.

🏛 495 BC: Dedication of the Temple of the Roman God Mercury

The Roman god Mercury, the patron of trade and commerce, got his own temple in Ancient Rome. Dive into the divine by exploring our in-depth article on Mercury with Mercury: Roman God of Trade and Commerce

📜 1765: Quartering Act Passed

British Parliament passed the Quartering Act, which required American colonists to house British troops and sparked revolutionary sentiment around the colonies. Quartering Act of 1765: Date and Definition.

✈️ 1941: First Allied Jet Propelled Aircraft Flies

The first flight by an Allied jet aircraft played a critical role in shaping military strategies during World War II and beyond. Learn more about this moment with our article History of the Airplane.

🎖️ 1942: Legislation Creating the Women's Army Corps Became Law

Legislation was signed into law creating the Women's Army Corps (WAC), allowing women to serve in non-combat positions during WWII. 

🕊️ 1988: Soviets Began Withdrawal from Afghanistan

In a move that reshaped global politics, the Soviets began their withdrawal from Afghanistan. Explore the intricate details of this era in The Cold War: The Ordinary People who Helped Shape the Future.

🌟 Born on This Day in History

May 15th also marks the birthdays of some notable individuals:

1940: Don Nelson, a Renowned American Basketball Player and Coach

One of the NBA's greatest coaches, celebrated for his innovative strategies that transformed the game. Throughout his distinguished career, Nelson accumulated over 1,300 victories.

1953: George Brett, Hall of Fame American Baseball Player

A revered figure in Major League Baseball, known for his entire 21-year career with the Kansas City Royals. He is celebrated for being the only player to win a batting title in three different decades.

1937: Madeleine Albright

Madeleine Albright became the first female U.S. Secretary of State in 1997. Renowned for her sharp intellect and diplomacy, Albright significantly influenced American foreign policy during a critical time.

💔 Died on This Day in History

Several notable figures also left us on May 15:

392 AD: Roman Emperor Valentinian II

After becoming an emperor at just four years old, Valentinian II died under mysterious circumstances on May 15, 392 AD. His reign, during the Roman Empire’s decline, was marked by the influence of power-hungry advisors and unstable allegiances. Read more about his life in the full article Valentinian II.

925 AD: Nicholas I, Byzantine Patriarch of Constantinople

Nicholas I, known as Nicholas Mystikos, played a significant role in Byzantine history through his spiritual and political leadership. During his time as patriarch, he navigated the empire through periods of religious controversy and political upheaval, profoundly shaping Byzantine governance in the 10th century. His era's insights await you in Constantinople: The History and Importance of the Capital of the Eastern Roman Empire.

1830: Emily Dickinson, a Luminary in American Poetry

She was a revered American poet, renowned for her reclusive lifestyle and poetry, which frequently explores themes of death and immortality. Her distinctive and concise use of language and form has had a lasting impact on American literature.