What happened on May 16th?

Good morning!

Oddly enough, May 16th is my sister’s birthday. So this day has always meant something special to me. Here are some other important things that happened:

🔒 1717: Satirical Writer Voltaire Was Imprisoned at the Bastille

The renowned French Enlightenment writer, Voltaire, was imprisoned at the Bastille for his critiques of the government. An Enlightenment-era thinker, he advocated for freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the separation of church and state. Needless to say, Medieval French kings weren’t big fans.

⚖️1868: Senate Acquits President Andrew Johnson of High Crimes and Misdemeanors

An unprecedented political drama unfolded as President Andrew Johnson narrowly escaped removal from office by one Senate vote, also marking the first impeachment trial of a U.S. President. 

📜1918: U.S. Congress Passed the Sedition Act

In a decisive response to growing unrest during World War I, U.S. Congress passed the Sedition Act, drastically altering the landscape of American civil liberties. Understand the full context in What Caused World War 1? Political, Imperialistic, and Nationalistic Factors.

🎬1929: First Academy Awards Ceremony

The glittering inception of the Academy Awards brought a new era of glamor and recognition to the film industry. Read about the history and evolution of film in: First Movie Ever Made: The Early History of Film.

⚔️ 1943: Warsaw Ghetto Uprising

The courageous Warsaw Ghetto Uprising reached a critical phase, marking one of the most significant acts of resistance during World War II.

🌐1960: U.S.-Soviet Summit Meeting Collapsed

The dramatic collapse of the U.S.-Soviet Summit escalated the Cold War tensions following the U-2 spy plane incident. Learn about the events of the Cold War and the people in: The Cold War: The Ordinary People who Helped Shape the Future.

🏔️1975: Tabei Junko Became the First Woman to Reach the Summit of Mount Everest

Breaking barriers and setting records, Tabei Junko reached the summit of Mount Everest, becoming the first woman to achieve this feat. Read all about mountaineering and the efforts of the first adventurers in Reaching for the Heavens: The History of Mountaineering.’

🌟Born on This Day in History

1801: William H. Seward, American Senator and Secretary of State

The man who orchestrated one of the most remarkable real estate deals in history, the US purchase of the Alaska territory. At the time, this move was considered a huge mistake and dubbed “Seward’s Folly.” The discovery of gold and later oil later redeemed his decision.

💔Died on This Day in History

1984: Andy Kaufman, Comedian (USA)

Andy Kaufman, a comedian whose unconventional style and memorable performances left an indelible mark on comedy and entertainment.

1984: Irwin Shaw, Writer (USA)

Irwin Shaw, a prolific American writer known for his poignant narratives and insightful portrayals of American life.

Okay, that’s all the history of today. I hope you feel a bit smarter than you did yesterday.

Talk tomorrow,

Matt