What Happened on May 30?

Good morning everyone!

If you follow daily, do you remember that just about a week ago we acknowledged Joan of Arc’s capture by the Burgundians? Well, a few days later on the calendar and things got much worse (though it took a year). 

Find out what happened to Joan and learn about other fascinating events that took place on May 30?

⚔️1381: A Poll Tax Helped Spark the Peasants' Revolt

The imposition of this tax by King Richard II's government to fund military campaigns incited widespread anger, leading to the Peasants' Revolt in England. The unfair burden on poorer individuals exacerbated existing economic hardships. Led by figures like Wat Tyler, the rebels marched to London, demanding an end to serfdom and feudal privileges.

🔥1431: Joan of Arc Burned at the Stake

A French heroine, who led French forces to key victories in the Hundred Years' War and helped crown Charles VII, was executed in Rouen by burning. She had been accused of heresy by an English-dominated tribunal. Her politically motivated trial aimed to discredit her and the French resistance, but her martyrdom at 19 turned her into a national symbol and led to her canonization in 1920.

🔫1806: Andrew Jackson Shot Charles Dickinson in a Duel

In a personal dispute over a horse race and accusations of dishonor, future U.S. President Andrew Jackson killed Charles Dickinson in a duel after Dickinson insulted Jackson's wife, Rachel. Despite being severely wounded by Dickinson's shot, Jackson returned fire and killed him. And they say politics today aren’t civil…

🕊️1814: The First of the Treaties of Paris Was Signed

The Treaty ended hostilities between France and the Sixth Coalition, restoring Louis XVIII to the French throne after Napoleon's abdication and exile to Elba. It marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars, redrew the map of Europe, restored the Bourbon monarchy, and set the stage for the Congress of Vienna, which aimed to create a lasting balance of power in Europe.

🗳️1854: The Kansas-Nebraska Act

The Act allowed new territories to decide on the legality of slavery through popular sovereignty, effectively repealing the Missouri Compromise, which had prohibited slavery north of the 36°30' parallel. This act, introduced by Senator Stephen A. Douglas, aimed to facilitate the construction of a transcontinental railroad but led to violent conflict between pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers in the territories, known as "Bleeding Kansas."

🏎️1911: The First Indianapolis 500 Automobile Race

Taking place at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, featuring 40 cars and lasting over six hours, today marks the start of a national tradition. In this first race, Ray Harroun won and introduced the world to the rearview mirror. Today, this is one of the world's most prestigious races and has helped make Indianapolis as a central hub for auto racing.

🛡️1913: The First Balkan War Ended

The Treaty of London concluded the First Balkan War, redistributing Ottoman territories among the Balkan League nations (Serbia, Montenegro, Greece, and Bulgaria). This significantly reduced Ottoman influence in the Balkans but created tensions among the allies, especially Bulgaria, leading directly to the Second Balkan War.

🏛️1922: Dedication of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Designed by Henry Bacon and featuring a statue by Daniel Chester French, the memorial was dedicated to honor President Abraham Lincoln, with President Warren G. Harding and Robert Todd Lincoln in attendance. This iconic structure symbolizes Lincoln's legacy of unity and emancipation and has been the site of many historical events, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech.

✈️1942: The British Royal Air Force Dispatched Bombers against Cologne

In Operation Millennium, the RAF launched its first 1,000-bomber raid, targeting the German city of Cologne to disrupt industrial production and demoralize civilians. Led by Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Harris, this escalation in the Allies' bombing campaign caused extensive damage and influenced future large-scale bombing strategies, weakening Nazi Germany's war effort. Amazingly, the iconic Cologne cathedral was untouched by the bombing and is today one of Germany’s oldest and most recognizable landmarks.

🌟Born on This Day in History

1835: Alfred Austin, British Poet

Poet Laureate of England in 1896, known for his patriotic and nature-themed poetry, was born.

1920: Franklin J. Schaffner, Director

Franklin J. Schaffner was an acclaimed American film and television director. Known for his versatile style and masterful storytelling, Schaffner's works include classics such as "Patton," for which he won an Academy Award for Best Director, and "Planet of the Apes."

💔Died on This Day in History

1431: St. Joan of Arc, French Heroine

St. Joan of Arc was tragically executed by burning at the stake in Rouen, France, at the age of 19. Despite her valiant efforts in leading French forces to victories against the English during the Hundred Years' War, she was captured, tried for heresy, and ultimately martyred, but her bravery and devotion to her country inspired generations to come.

1593: Christopher Marlowe, English Writer

Christopher Marlowe, the influential English playwright and poet, died at the age of 29 under mysterious circumstances. Known for his groundbreaking works such as "Doctor Faustus" and "Tamburlaine the Great," Marlowe's contributions to Elizabethan literature continue to be celebrated for their bold themes and innovative language.

1640: Peter Paul Rubens, Flemish Artist

Baroque master, famous for his dynamic compositions and vibrant use of color.

1744: Alexander Pope, English Author

Alexander Pope was one of the greatest literary figures of the Augustan Age. Renowned for his satirical verse, including "The Rape of the Lock" and his translation of Homer's "Iliad," Pope's works are admired for their wit, craftsmanship, and enduring relevance.

1778: Voltaire, French Philosopher and Author

Voltaire was an influential French philosopher, historian, author, and a leading figure of the Enlightenment, known for his wit, skepticism, and advocacy for freedom of thought and expression.

1892: Lewis Morris Rutherfurd, US Astrophysicist

Lewis Morris Rutherfurd was a pioneering American astrophysicist and spectroscopist. His innovative techniques in astronomical spectroscopy advanced our understanding of the composition and structure of stars, paving the way for future discoveries in astrophysics.

Thanks for tuning in to another jam packed day of history. While Joan of Arc would likely like to forget this one, there’s lots of other stuff worth remembering. 

See you tomorrow, 

Matt