This day in history: 14 may

Europa

Medieval and Early Modern Europe

• 1027: Robert II of France named his son Henry I as junior King of the Franks, an important step in the Capetian dynasty’s consolidation of power.
• 1080: Walcher, Bishop of Durham and Earl of Northumberland, was murdered in England. In response, William the Conqueror ravaged the area, invaded Scotland, and built the castle at Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
• 1509: The Battle of Agnadello took place in northern Italy, where French forces defeated the Republic of Venice, significantly altering the balance of power in the region.

Modern Era

• 1607: The first permanent English settlement in America was established at Jamestown, Virginia, by settlers departing from Plymouth, England. While this event occurred in America, it was a major European colonial venture.

Recent European Developments

• 2024: On May 14, European Commissioner Margrethe Vestager met with Italy’s Minister for Economy & Finance, Giancarlo Giorgetti, reflecting ongoing European Union economic and political engagement.
• 2023: The European Commission proposed measures to strengthen the European defense industry, aiming to ensure the EU’s independence and resilience in defense matters.

America

1607 – Jamestown Founded

• The first permanent English settlement in America was established at Jamestown, Virginia, by settlers from the Virginia Company.

1804 – Lewis and Clark Expedition Begins

• Meriwether Lewis and William Clark departed from St. Louis, Missouri, launching their famous expedition to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory and the American West.

1836 – Treaties of Velasco Signed

• The Treaties of Velasco were signed in Velasco, Texas, effectively ending hostilities between Texas and Mexico after the Texas Revolution.

1942 – Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps Established

• During World War II, an Act of Congress allowed women to enlist for noncombat duties in the Women’s Auxiliary Army Corps (WAAC), marking a significant step for women in the U.S. military.

1973 – Skylab Launch

• The United States launched Skylab, its first space station, into orbit, marking a milestone in American space exploration.

Asia

• 1935 – Ratification of the Philippine Constitution
  On May 14, 1935, the Constitution of the Philippines was ratified by popular vote, marking a major step toward the establishment of the Commonwealth of the Philippines and eventual independence from the United States.
• 1948 – Declaration of the State of Israel
  On May 14, 1948, Israel declared independence, ending British rule in Palestine and creating a new state in the Middle East. This event had profound and lasting impacts on the region, leading to immediate conflict with neighboring Arab countries and shaping the geopolitical landscape of Asia and the world.

Africa

Political and Social Events

• 1950: The African National Congress (ANC) Working Committee in South Africa summoned an emergency conference attended by representatives from various organizations, including the South African Indian Congress and the ANC Youth League. They discussed the Unlawful Organisations Bill and the Group Areas Bill, ultimately adopting a unified resolution against these apartheid-era laws.
• 1986: In South Africa, Winnie Mandela was sentenced to six years in prison for her involvement in the kidnapping and beating of three black youths, an event that drew international attention during the anti-apartheid struggle.

Public Holidays

• National Unification Day in Liberia: Celebrated annually on May 14, this holiday commemorates efforts toward national unity in Liberia.
• Kamuzu Day in Malawi: May 14 is also Kamuzu Day in Malawi, honoring Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, the country’s first president.

Historical Speeches

• 1863: Alexander Crummell delivered his influential sermon “Emigration, an aid to the evangelization of Africa” at Trinity Church in Monrovia, Liberia, reflecting on the role of emigration and Christianity in Africa’s development.