What happened on May 28?

As you’ll see, May 28 seems to be a day that attracts big moments. Major wars started and ended, and Volkswagen started making cars, just to name a few.

I know coming back after the long weekend can feel rough. But some fun history can definitely make the day little better. 

Here’s everything that’s happened today in history:

📜 1291: Crusader Rule in the Holy Land Came to an End

The fall of Acre to the Mamluks marked the end of Crusader rule in the Holy Land, concluding nearly two centuries of Crusades aimed at reclaiming Jerusalem and other holy sites. This defeat ended Christian control in the region, leading to a decline in European influence and strengthening of Muslim powers, which altered trade routes and political alliances.

⚔️ 1754: First Blood of the French and Indian War

A young George Washington led a skirmish at Jumonville Glen, killing French commander Joseph Coulon de Jumonville and igniting the French and Indian War. This conflict reshaped North America's colonial map, with Britain gaining significant territory and France ceding much of its holdings. After this war, Britain raised taxes on colonists to relieve its financial burden and also restricted westward expansion to try and avoid further conflict. This fueled the separatist movement in the colonies and eventually led to independence.

📚 1788: The Federalist Papers Were Published

Authored by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay, these 85 essays argued for ratifying the U.S. Constitution to replace the Articles of Confederation. Published as "Publius," they were crucial in shaping American political philosophy and securing support for a strong central government.

👑 1804: Napoleon Proclaimed the Establishment of the French Empire

Napoleon Bonaparte ended the French Republic by declaring himself Emperor and establishing the First French Empire, which centralized his power and led to the Napoleonic Wars. These wars dramatically altered Europe's political landscape, spreading revolutionary ideals, redrawing national boundaries, and influencing legal systems through the institution of the Napoleonic Code.

🚫 1830: The Indian Removal Act

On this day, President Andrew Jackson signed a bill (making it a law) that authorized the forced relocation of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to designated "Indian Territory" west of the Mississippi River. This policy led to the infamous Trail of Tears, during which thousands of Native Americans suffered from exposure, disease, and starvation. This was one of the more horrific of a series of moves made by the US government to remove Native Americans from their land and all but extinguish their culture.

🏅1918: U.S. Troops Scored Victory at Cantigny

This marked the first U.S. major offensive victory in World War I. The success boosted Allied morale and demonstrated the growing strength and capability of the American Expeditionary Forces on the Western Front. 

🚗 1937: Founding of the German Automaker Volkswagen

The company was created as part of a plan to make affordable cars for the German public. Founded by the Nazi government and designed by Ferdinand Porsche, the company produced the Volkswagen Beetle, which became one of the best-selling cars of all time. Read more in Who Invented Volkswagen? Unveiling the Mastermind Behind the Iconic Brand.

👔1937: Neville Chamberlain Became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom

Succeeding Stanley Baldwin, Neville Chamberlain became Prime Minister of Great Britain during the tense prelude to World War II. Known for his policy of appeasement towards Hitler, Chamberlain signed the Munich Agreement in 1938, which temporarily averted war but ultimately failed to prevent the conflict, significantly impacting British foreign policy.

🕊️ 1961: Founding of Amnesty International

Founded in London and beginning as a campaign to free prisoners of conscience, it quickly grew into a global human rights movement. The organization investigates and exposes human rights abuses, pressures governments to uphold international standards, and has been instrumental in freeing numerous political prisoners and promoting human rights legislation worldwide.

🌄 1969: U.S. Troops Abandoned “Hamburger Hill”

After a brutal 10-day battle, U.S. forces withdrew from Hill 937, later dubbed "Hamburger Hill," due to the high casualty rates and fierce fighting against North Vietnamese forces. The decision to abandon the hill sparked controversy and criticism, highlighting the perceived futility of the battle and contributing to growing anti-war sentiment in the United States. 

💥 1998: Pakistan Successfully Conducted Nuclear Tests

Pakistan conducted its first successful nuclear tests in response to India's tests earlier that month, becoming the world's seventh nuclear power. These tests, held in the Chagai District, marked a significant escalation in the regional arms race, heightening tensions between Pakistan and India, and drawing global attention to the nuclear capabilities of both countries. 

🌟Born on This Day in History

1660: George I, King of Great Britain

George I became the first British monarch of the House of Hanover in 1714, establishing a new royal dynasty and overseeing significant political changes. See the full timeline of English monarchs in The Kings and Queens of England: English Monarchs Timeline from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II.

1892: Josef Dietrich, German Military Officer

A prominent officer in the Waffen-SS during World War II, known for his close association with Adolf Hitler and his command roles in several key battles.

1908: Ian Fleming, British Author

The creator of the James Bond series..

1968: Kylie Minogue, Australian Singer

A pop icon known for hits like "Can't Get You Out of My Head," Kylie has enjoyed a successful career in music, film, and television.

💔Died on This Day in History

1787: Leopold Mozart, Austrian Composer

The father of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart but also a significant composer and music teacher, known for his influential work "A Treatise on the Fundamental Principles of Violin Playing."

1849: Anne Brontë, British Author

The author of "Agnes Grey'' and "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall," novels that explored social issues and women's independence in the 19th century.

1972: Edward VIII, King of the United Kingdom

The king who famously abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée, an event that caused a constitutional crisis and changed the course of the British monarchy.

2014: Maya Angelou, Poet, Memoirist, and Actress

Renowned for her autobiography "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," she was also celebrated for her powerful poetry, activism, and impact on American literature and civil rights.

That’s everything that happened today, May 28. Stay tuned for tomorrow’s update. 

Thanks for reading!

Matt