This day in history: 15 may

World War II: Ravensbrück Concentration Camp Opens (1939)

On May 15, 1939, Ravensbrück concentration camp, which became the largest women’s concentration camp in Nazi Germany, officially opened.

World War II: Mussolini and Military Expansion (1939)

On the same day, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini attended the inauguration of a new military airfield in Caselle Torinese, near the French border, reflecting rising tensions in pre-war Europe.

Comintern Dissolved by Stalin (1943)

On May 15, 1943, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin dissolved the Comintern (Communist International), signaling a shift in Soviet foreign policy during World War II.

Charles de Gaulle’s Vision for Europe (1962)

On May 15, 1962, French President Charles de Gaulle held a significant press conference in Paris, where he reaffirmed his vision of a “Europe of the Nations” and rejected supranational integration, shaping debates about European unity.

Founding of Las Vegas (1905)

Las Vegas, Nevada, was officially founded on May 15, 1905, when 110 acres of land were auctioned off, laying the groundwork for what would become a major American city and entertainment hub.

Standard Oil Broken Up (1911)

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Standard Oil Co. of New Jersey v. United States that Standard Oil was an “unreasonable” monopoly and ordered its breakup under the Sherman Antitrust Act, reshaping American business.

Lynching of Jesse Washington (1916)

Jesse Washington, a 17-year-old farmworker, was lynched in Waco, Texas, after being convicted of rape and murder. This event became infamous as a stark example of racial violence in early 20th-century America.

Cleveland Clinic Fire (1929)

A devastating fire at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio killed 123 people, marking one of the deadliest hospital disasters in U.S. history.

First McDonald’s Opens (1940)

The first McDonald’s restaurant opened in San Bernardino, California, started by Maurice and Richard McDonald, eventually growing into the world’s largest fast food chain.

First Airline Stewardess (1930)

Ellen Church became the first airline stewardess, serving on a United Airlines flight from Oakland to Chicago, marking a new era in commercial aviation.

May 15 Incident in Japan (1932)

On May 15, 1932, the May 15 Incident occurred in Japan: a group of young naval officers, army cadets, and right-wing civilians assassinated Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi in an attempted coup d’état. Their goal was to overthrow the civilian government and restore direct imperial rule. The assassins received surprisingly light sentences, which contributed to the rise of militarism and the weakening of democracy in Japan, setting the stage for further instability and conflict in the region.

Aoi Matsuri Festival in Japan

May 15 is also the date of the Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s three most famous traditional festivals. It features a parade with participants dressed in aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period, proceeding from the Imperial Palace to the Kamo Shrines.

Cheung Chau Bun Festival in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, the Cheung Chau Bun Festival often takes place around May 15. This week-long event includes Taoist ceremonies, a parade, lion dances, and the famous Bun Scrambling Competition.

Other Notable Mentions

Tenzing Norgay, the legendary mountaineer who first summited Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary, was born on May 15 in Tshechu, Tibet.
In 2013, a surge in violence in Iraq resulted in over 389 deaths over three days, highlighting ongoing instability in the region.

Commemoration of Unity and Resilience

May 15 is recognized in African history as a day reflecting both the continent’s ongoing fight against colonialism and its continuing struggles for human rights and equality. The date is celebrated as a symbol of unity and resilience, highlighting Africa’s journey through challenges and triumphs.

Cultural Celebrations and Festivals

Several music and cultural festivals occur across Africa in May, showcasing the continent’s rich diversity. Notably, the Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Morocco often spans mid-May, including May 15, bringing together artists and audiences to celebrate African heritage and music.
The Azgo Festival in Mozambique and Bushfire Festival in Eswatini (Swaziland) also occur in May, drawing participants from across Africa and beyond to honor cultural traditions and artistic expression.

Historical Context

While there are no major pan-African political events specifically dated May 15, the month of May is significant for Africa, culminating in Africa Day on May 25, which marks the founding of the Organization of African Unity in 1963. May 15 falls within this broader period of reflection and celebration of African unity and progress.

This day in history: 15 may