What Happened on May 25?

Good morning!

I hope you’re enjoying this wonderful long weekend. As you celebrate, don’t forget about all the history that’s happened today. May 25 was abig one for people around the globe. It marks the beginning of the modern US government (sort of) and was the day that the world first got to experience Star Wars.

Pretty good stuff.

Here’s some more stuff that happened:

🚀 1977: “Star Wars” Opened in Theaters

George Lucas's groundbreaking sci-fi film "Star Wars" premiered, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon. Its special effects, storytelling, and characters captivated audiences worldwide and continue to do so until today.

👑 1660: The English Restoration Began

England restored the monarchy after years of republican rule under Oliver Cromwell. King Charles II returned to the throne, marking the end of the Commonwealth period.

📜 1787: U.S. Constitutional Convention Opened in Philadelphia

Delegates from the thirteen states gathered to draft the U.S. Constitution, aiming to create a stronger federal government than the one created using the previous framework. This meeting laid the foundation for the U.S. political system. It was one that was full of contentions debate, but the end result was a document that has gone on to be the model for democracies around the world and that is still in effect today. Read about this process in 3/5 Compromise:The Definition Clause that Shaped Political Representation and The Great Compromise of 1787: Roger Sherman (Connecticut) Saves The Day

⛓️ 1861: President Lincoln Suspended the Writ of Habeas Corpus during the Civil War

To maintain order and suppress dissent during the Civil War, President Lincoln temporarily suspended the writ of habeas corpus, allowing for the arrest and detention of suspected rebels without trial. Also known as Martial Law, this move was done in an attempt to try and contain the secession crisis and keep the United States capital safe from rebel attack. A largely undemocratic move, this has remained a controversial part of Lincoln’s presidency. Learn more about exactly where this moment fits in the American Civil War.

✋ 1895: Oscar Wilde Is Sent to Prison for Indecency

Celebrated playwright Oscar Wilde was convicted of "gross indecency" due to his homosexual relationships. He was sentenced to two years of hard labor, significantly impacting his health and career.

🌌 1961: JFK Asked Congress to Support the Space Program

President John F. Kennedy addressed Congress, urging them to fund the Apollo program. His vision was to land an American on the moon by the end of the decade, a goal that inspired a nation.

🌟 Born on This Day in History

1803: Ralph Waldo Emerson, Author

Emerson was a leading figure in the transcendentalist movement, known for his essays on nature and self-reliance. His work greatly influenced American thought and literature.

1886: Philip Murray, US Labour Leader

Murray was a key player in the labor movement, advocating for workers' rights and better conditions. He served as president of the United Steelworkers of America and the Congress of Industrial Organizations.

1939: Ian McKellen, British Actor

Renowned for his roles in theater and film, McKellen is best known for portraying Gandalf in "The Lord of the Rings" series and Magneto in the "X-Men" films. His career spans decades and includes numerous accolades.

💔 Died on This Day in History

735: St. Bede the Venerable, Anglo-Saxon Historian

St. Bede was a monk and scholar who wrote "The Ecclesiastical History of the English People," a key source of early English history. His scholarly works earned him the title "The Father of English History."

1919: Madam C.J. Walker, US Businesswoman and Philanthropist

Madam C.J. Walker was the first female self-made millionaire in America. She built a successful beauty and haircare empire and was known for her philanthropy, supporting various social causes and institutions.