What happened on May 31st?

Good morning everyone!

It’s Friday, and while our minds start to drift to the weekend, this day is actually a bit of a somber one. This is because May 31st marks the beginning of the Tulsa Race Riots, one of the darker moments in America’s long-running history of racism. For years, this event was barely even discussed in mainstream spheres but has received more attention in recent years as the nation reckons more with its past. 

Of course, lots of other stuff happened, too. Here’s the history of today:

1921: The Tulsa Race Massacre Began

The Tulsa Race Massacre began when a white mob attacked the Greenwood District, a prosperous African American community in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The violence resulted in the destruction of homes, businesses, and lives, leaving a devastating legacy of racial injustice and trauma in its wake.

🇺🇸 1790: The United States Established Copyright Law

The U.S. implemented its first copyright law, the Copyright Act of 1790, which granted authors exclusive rights to their "maps, charts, and books" for a term of 14 years, renewable for another 14 years. 

🌊 1889: A Flood Ravaged Johnstown

A catastrophic flood hit Johnstown, Pennsylvania, causing immense destruction. The official death toll is at 2,209, though estimates suggest the actual number may have exceeded 3,000. 

🇿🇦 1902: The South African War Came to a Close

The South African War, also known as the Second Boer War, came to a close with the signing of the Treaty of Vereeniging. The conflict between British forces and the Boer republics of Transvaal and the Orange Free State resulted in the establishment of British hegemony over the region and laid the groundwork for the eventual formation of the Union of South Africa.

⚓ 1916: The Battle of Jutland Began

In 1916, the Battle of Jutland, one of the largest naval battles of World War I, began in the North Sea off the coast of Denmark. The clash between the British Royal Navy's Grand Fleet and the Imperial German Navy's High Seas Fleet resulted in significant losses on both sides and had a profound impact on naval strategy for the remainder of the war.

🛢️ 1977: The Trans-Alaska Pipeline Was Completed

The 800-mile-long Trans-Alaska Pipeline, built to transport oil from Alaska's North Slope to the port of Valdez, was finished.

🌟 Born on This Day in History

1819: Walt Whitman, Poet

Whitman, celebrated for his groundbreaking work "Leaves of Grass," remains one of America's most influential poets.

1922: William Rockefeller, US Businessman

William Rockefeller was the brother of John D. Rockefeller and he played a significant role in the rise of the Standard Oil Company and the expansion of the Rockefeller empire, leaving a lasting impact on the American economy.

1930: Clint Eastwood, Actor and Director

Clint Eastwood is a legendary American actor and director, known for his roles in Westerns, Dirty Harry films, and his directorial successes like "Unforgiven" and "Million Dollar Baby.Ć

1976: Colin Farrell, Irish Actor

Colin Farrell is the acclaimed Irish actor known for his roles in films like "In Bruges," "The Lobster," and "The Gentlemen." Farrell's talent has earned him critical acclaim and established him as one of Ireland's most celebrated actors.

💔 Died on This Day in History

455: Petronius Maximus, Roman Emperor

Petronius Maximus, a Roman senator, proclaimed himself emperor after arranging the assassination of the Western Roman Emperor Valentinian III. His reign, marked by political instability and external threats, came to a swift end when the Vandals sacked Rome, and he was killed by an angry mob during the chaos.  Read all about the kind of ruler Petronius Maximus was. 

1962: Adolf Eichmann, German Military Official

Adolf Eichmann, the notorious German SS officer and one of the architects of the Holocaust, was captured by Israeli agents in Argentina. He was later brought to Israel to stand trial for his role in orchestrating the genocide of millions of Jews during World War II, resulting in his conviction and subsequent execution.

1996: Timothy Leary, Psychologist

Leary was a psychologist and advocate for the therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs, famously known for his phrase "Turn on, tune in, drop out."

That’s it for today. Now that you’re armed with some fresh trivia, it’s time to head out and enjoy the weekend. 

Thanks for reading, 

Matt