This day in history: 1 may

May Day / International Workers’ Day
Traditionally celebrated across Europe as May Day, marking the return of spring with festivities such as dancing around the Maypole. Since 1889, it has also been recognized as International Workers’ Day, established by the International Socialist Congress in Paris as a day to honor workers and labor movements.
1707 – Formation of Great Britain
The union between England and Scotland was formalized on May 1, 1707, creating the Kingdom of Great Britain and including Wales, which had already been part of England. This event laid the foundation for the modern United Kingdom.
2004 – Largest Expansion of the European Union
On May 1, 2004, the EU welcomed ten new member states: Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Malta, and the Greek part of Cyprus. This was the largest single expansion in the EU’s history, symbolizing the reunification of Eastern and Western Europe after the Cold War.
1960 – U-2 Incident
An American U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union, leading to heightened Cold War tensions between the United States and the USSR. The incident occurred on May 1, 1960, and had significant diplomatic repercussions.

1886 – Labor Rallies and the Haymarket Affair
On May 1, 1886, rallies demanding the eight-hour workday were held throughout the United States, culminating in the Haymarket affair in Chicago. The Haymarket events—sparked by police violence against strikers and a subsequent bomb attack—became a pivotal moment in American labor history and inspired the global observance of May Day as International Workers’ Day.
1894 – Coxey’s Army Arrives in Washington, D.C.
Coxey’s Army, the first significant protest march on Washington, arrived on May 1, 1894, to demand economic relief during the depression of the 1890s.
1898 – Battle of Manila Bay (Spanish–American War)
On May 1, 1898, the U.S. Navy decisively defeated the Spanish fleet in the Battle of Manila Bay, marking a turning point in the Spanish–American War and establishing the U.S. as a major naval power.
1900 – Scofield Mine Disaster
The Scofield Mine disaster in Utah killed over 200 men on May 1, 1900, becoming one of the worst mining accidents in U.S. history.
1955 – Loyalty Day Proclaimed
During the Cold War, May 1 was officially designated as “Loyalty Day” by President Eisenhower, as many Americans associated May Day with communism and the Soviet Union.
1961 – First U.S. Airplane Hijacking
The first major airplane hijacking within the United States occurred on May 1, 1961, when a flight from Miami to Key West was forced to detour to Cuba.

Early 1900s Onward:
May Day’s roots in Asia trace to the early 20th century, shaped by colonialism, anti-colonial struggles, labor movements, and shifting political regimes. The day has been a battleground for workers’ rights, state control, and social transformation.
1896 – Iran:
Shah Naser al-Din of Iran was assassinated on May 1, 1896, marking a pivotal moment in Persian history.
1903 – Philippines:
The first May Day celebration in Asia occurred in the Philippines, with over 100,000 workers rallying for labor rights, organized by the country’s first trade union center.
1923 – India:
India’s first May Day celebration took place in Chennai, led by the Labour Kisan Party of Hindustan, advocating for the eight-hour workday. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar later institutionalized the eight-hour workday and introduced significant labor reforms.
1938 – Myanmar:
May Day was first celebrated during a major strike against British colonial exploitation, later becoming a national holiday after independence. The tradition of public rallies has faced interruptions due to political upheaval, including the 2021 military coup.
1946 – Thailand:
Thailand’s first May Day celebration occurred in 1946, but the event has often been suspended due to coups and political instability. Since 1974, May Day has been a public holiday for private sector workers.

Early Attention (1928): African workers began marking May Day in 1928 with mass marches, reflecting the continent’s growing labor consciousness and solidarity with international worker movements.
Colonial and Post-Colonial Context: In many African countries, the fight for workers’ rights was intertwined with anti-colonial struggles and demands for social justice, making May Day a symbol of both labor and national liberation.