What happened on May 23?

Morning everyone!

Joan of Arc is one of the coolest figures from history, if you ask me. Not only was she a crazy good military commander, but she did what she did during a time when women weren’t allowed to do much of anything outside of the home. 

Unfortunately, May 23 was not a great day for Joan. Here’s what happened to her along with a number of other key events that happened today in history:

⚔️1430: Joan of Arc Captured by Burgundians

Joan of Arc, a French peasant girl turned military leader, was captured today in 1430  by Burgundian forces during the Hundred Years' War. She is a legend in French history for her role in breaking the Siege of Orleans, and also for leading medieval troops into battle as a woman. Her capture resulted from a failed attempt to defend Compiègne, and she was later sold to the English, leading to her trial, conviction, and eventual execution for heresy.

🏰1618: The Defenestration of Prague Occurred

Following the Protestant Reformation that took place throughout the 16th century, Central Europe became a tense place that lacked a central authority. Things came to a head in 1618 in Prague when Protestant nobles threw two Catholic officials out of a window in Hradčany Castle. The term “defenestration” comes from French and literally means “to toss out of the window.” After this act of violence, the already-opposed Catholic and Protestant kingdoms of Central Europe rallied for war and fighting officially broke out in 1620. The impending war fought between dozens of European kingdoms was one of the bloodiest and most destructive of all time. Modern estimates indicate that Germany lost around half of its population during the fighting. 

🏅1706: Allied Forces Won at the Battle of Ramillies

The battle was fought during the War of the Spanish Succession, as Allied forces under the command of the Duke of Marlborough decisively defeated the French and Bavarian troops. Marlborough's strategic brilliance and the superior maneuvering of Allied forces led to a resounding victory, significantly weakening French power in the Spanish Netherlands and shifting the balance of power in Europe.

🎖️1900: William Carney Became the First Black American to Earn the Medal of Honor

William Carney earned the Medal of Honor for his valor during the Civil War Battle of Fort Wagner in 1863. Despite being wounded multiple times, Carney heroically protected the Union flag, refusing to let it touch the ground, and continued to inspire his fellow soldiers with his bravery and dedication.

📜1915: Italy Declared War on Austria-Hungary

Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary, breaking its previous alliance with the Central Powers. Italy's decision was driven by territorial ambitions and promises of territorial gains from the Entente powers (France, England, and Russia), as well as a desire to assert its influence in the Adriatic region. The declaration of war led to years of brutal fighting along the Italian Front, with significant casualties on both sides and ultimately contributed to the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of World War I.

🚔1934: Bonnie and Clyde Were Killed in a Police Shoot-Out

Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were killed in a police shootout due to their involvement in a series of violent crimes, including bank robberies and murders. Law enforcement officers ambushed them near Sailes, Louisiana, unleashing a barrage of gunfire that ended their criminal spree.

🎉1949: Federal Republic of Germany Established

In 1949, the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) was established as a response to the division of Germany following World War II. It was formed from the zones occupied by the Western Allies and became a key member of NATO, contributing to the stability and economic recovery of post-war Europe while also serving as a bulwark against Soviet influence in the Cold War era.

🎬1980: The Horror Film "The Shining" Was Released in Theatres

In 1980, the horror film "The Shining" was released in theaters, based on Stephen King's novel of the same name. Directed by Stanley Kubrick, the film remains a classic in the genre, known for its iconic imagery, psychological depth, and chilling atmosphere.

🌟 Born on This Day in History

1718: William Hunter, British Physician

William Hunter made significant contributions to anatomy and medical education throughout his career.

1810: Margaret Fuller, Author and Educator

Margaret Fuller became a leading figure in the American transcendentalist movement. Fuller's works, including "Woman in the Nineteenth Century," advocated for women's rights and intellectual equality, shaping feminist discourse and inspiring generations of thinkers.

1857: Alfred P. Sloan, Jr., US Industrialist

Alfred P. Sloan, Jr., was the prominent American industrialist and CEO of General Motors. Sloan revolutionized the automobile industry with his innovative management techniques, transforming GM into a global powerhouse and shaping modern corporate governance practices.

1925: Joshua Lederberg, US Geneticist

A brilliant American geneticist, Lederberg's discoveries in bacterial genetics earned him a Nobel Prize and advanced our understanding of microbial genetics.

💔 Died on This Day in History

1937: John D. Rockefeller, US Industrialist

John D. Rockefeller was the US industrialist and founder of the Standard Oil Company. His life was characterized by his success in the oil industry, amassing immense wealth and power, while his philanthropic endeavors, particularly in the fields of education and public health, left a lasting impact on American society. Read more about him in our feature John Rockefeller: Early Life, Family, Philanthropy, and More!

1945: Heinrich Himmler, German Nazi Leader

Heinrich Himmler, the infamous German Nazi leader and chief architect of the Holocaust, committed suicide shortly after being captured by Allied forces. Himmler's actions as head of the SS and Gestapo epitomized the brutality and fanaticism of the Nazi regime, and his death marked the end of one of the darkest chapters in human history.

2015: John Nash, Mathematician

John Nash, a renowned mathematician known for his contributions to game theory and differential geometry, passed away in a car accident. Nash's life and work were immortalized in the Academy Award-winning film "A Beautiful Mind," which depicted his struggles with mental illness and his extraordinary intellect.

1125: Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor

Henry V's reign was marked by his conflicts with the papacy and efforts to consolidate imperial power. Explore the complete list of Roman Emperors from Caesar to the fall of Rome!