What happened on May 18?

Good morning!

From Randy “The Unit” Johnson becoming the oldest pitcher to throw a perfect game to Lincoln’s nomination and Facebook going public, May 18 has been a busy day in human history. 

Here’s what happened:

🍁 1783: First Group of United Empire Loyalists Reached Canada

After the outbreak of the American Revolution in 1776, those still loyal to the British crown relocated north to Canada and were named “United Empire Loyalists.” Their arrival helped strengthen the ties between Canada and England and boosted Canada’s role within the British Empire.

🎩 1860: Abraham Lincoln Became the Republican Candidate for the U.S. Presidency

Lincoln’s election to the presidency in the fall of 1860 was a critical moment in the outbreak of the US Civil War, especially since he did not appear on a single ballot across the South. Considered a long-shot at the time of his nomination, this moment would prove to be defining in US history. Read more in: The Paradoxical President: Re-imagining Abraham Lincoln. 

📰 1861: Newspaper Reported on First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln

Just one year after Lincoln’s nomination, newspapers began to cast a spotlight on his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, offering insights into the First Lady's life during Lincoln's presidency. Learn more about Mary Todd’s role in US history in Mary Todd Lincoln: Life and Marriage to Abraham Lincoln.

⚖️ 1896: Supreme Court Upheld “Separate but Equal”

May 18 marked the announcement of the Supreme Court's decision in the landmark case Plessy vs. Ferguson. This ruling upheld the constitutionality of racial segregation under the “separate but equal” doctrine, which opened the door for sanctioned segregation across the US and gave rise to Jim Crow. Interestingly, on May 17 1954, the Supreme Court reversed this decision and ended segregation. Read about the impact of Jim Crow in: Sleeping Car Porters and the Battle Against Jim Crow on Canadian Rails, 1880-1920 .

🎖️ 1917: U.S. Congress Passed the Selective Service Act

Responding to the global call to arms in World War I, the U.S. Congress established the Selective Service Act, which authorized the federal government to raise a national army for service in the war through conscription. This remained in effect until 1973 and was a major source of protest and national unrest during the Vietnam War. 

🏔️ 1956: First Ascent of Lhotse I by Swiss Climbers

Swiss climbers Fritz Luchsinger and Ernest Reiss made the first ascent of Lhotse I, the world’s fourth-highest mountain. 

☢️ 1974: India Tested Its First Nuclear Weapon

India entered the nuclear age by conducting its first nuclear test in the Rajasthan desert. This test, codenamed "Smiling Buddha," ushered India in as a nuclear power.

⚾ 2004: Randy Johnson's Perfect Game

At the age of 40, Randy Johnson became the oldest pitcher in Major League Baseball history to throw a perfect game, recording 27 consecutive outs and not allowing a baserunner. 

📈 2012: Facebook's IPO

Facebook held its initial public offering, one of the most anticipated in tech history. To explore the origins and impact of this social media giant, read Who Invented Facebook? The Birth of a Social Media Revolution and The History of Social Media.

🌟Born on This Day in History

May 19th also marks the birthdays of individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields:

1692: Joseph Butler, British Bishop and Philosopher

Renowned for his work in moral and religious philosophy, particularly in his book, "The Analogy of Religion." His contributions continue to impact theological and ethical discussions today.

1711: Ruggero Giuseppe Boscovich, Italian Astronomer and Mathematician

Boscovich is celebrated for his formulation of the theory of forces. His ideas bridged the gap between Newtonian physics and the later developments of quantum theory and relativity.

1868: Nicholas II, the Last Tsar of Russia

Nicholas II's reign saw the fall of the Russian Empire, which had lasted over three centuries. His leadership during the Russian Revolution ultimately led to his abdication and the end of the Romanov dynasty. Read about the Russian revolution and Tsar Nicholas II in February Revolution: Causes, Location, and Outcome of the Russian Revolution.

1872: Bertrand Russell, British Logician and Philosopher

Bertrand was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1950. His vast body of work includes critical writings on peace, human rights, and the theory of knowledge.

1912: Richard Brooks, Writer and Director

Brooks is noted for his compelling narratives in films such as "Elmer Gantry" and "In Cold Blood." His films are celebrated for their profound social commentary and depth of character.

💔 Died on This Day in History

Remembering those who left us on this day::

1955: Mary McLeod Bethune, Pioneering American Educator

Bethune founded the National Council for Negro Women in 1935 and was an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Her lifelong dedication to education and reform changed the landscape of American civil rights.

1963: Ernie Davis, American Football Star

Known as the "Elmira Express," Ernie Davis was the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. His promising NFL career was cut short by leukemia, but his legacy as a trailblazer in sports continues to inspire.

1973: Jeannette Rankin, the First Woman Elected to the U.S. Congress

A staunch advocate for women's suffrage and peace. Her legislative career was marked by her principled stands against war and her enduring commitment to social justice.

2023: Jim Brown, Iconic American Football Player and Actor

Jim Brown's influence extended beyond the sports arena into social activism. Recognized for his exceptional career in the NFL and his advocacy for African-American rights.