This day in history: 16 may

Europa

Marie Antoinette Marries the Future Louis XVI (1770)

• On May 16, 1770, 14-year-old Marie Antoinette married 15-year-old Louis-Auguste, the future King Louis XVI of France. This royal union was significant for both the French monarchy and European diplomacy, as it symbolized an alliance between Austria and France on the eve of the French Revolution.

RAF Dambusters Raid in Germany (1943)

• On May 16, 1943, RAF Lancaster bombers executed the famous “Dambusters” raid, destroying two major dams in Germany’s Ruhr Valley. This operation, using innovative “bouncing bombs,” caused widespread flooding and disruption to Nazi industry during World War II.

Portuguese Revolutionary Insurrection (1846)

• On May 16, 1846, a revolutionary insurrection broke out in Portugal against Queen Maria II. This uprising, driven by liberal ideals, was part of the broader wave of European revolutions seeking constitutional reforms and reduced monarchical power.

Death of Mieszko IV Tanglefoot, Polish Duke (1211)

• On May 16, 1211, Mieszko IV Tanglefoot, a notable member of Poland’s Piast dynasty, died. His reign marked a period of regional power struggles in medieval Poland.

America

Battle of Alamance (1771)

• The Battle of Alamance took place in North Carolina between colonial militia and the “Regulators,” a group of rebels protesting corrupt local officials. This conflict is considered a precursor to the American Revolutionary War.

Duel Between Lachlan McIntosh and Button Gwinnett (1777)

• Continental Army officer Lachlan McIntosh fatally wounded Button Gwinnett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, in a duel in Savannah, Georgia.

First Major Wagon Train on the Oregon Trail (1842)

• The first major wagon train set out from Elm Grove, Missouri, heading for the Pacific Northwest, marking a significant moment in westward expansion.

Battle of Champion Hill (1863)

• During the American Civil War, Union forces under Ulysses S. Grant won a decisive victory at the Battle of Champion Hill, pushing Confederate forces back towards Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Introduction of the Nickel (1866)

• The United States Congress authorized the minting of the five-cent coin, known as the nickel, which replaced the earlier silver half-dime.

Senate Acquits President Andrew Johnson (1868)

• President Andrew Johnson was acquitted in his impeachment trial by the U.S. Senate, falling one vote short of removal from office.

First Academy Awards (1929)

• The inaugural Academy Awards ceremony was held in Hollywood, marking the beginning of what would become the most prestigious film awards in the world.

First Functional Laser (1960)

• American physicist Theodore Maiman operated the first functional optical laser at Hughes Research Laboratories in California, a breakthrough in technology.

Asia

China’s Cultural Revolution Begins (1966)

• On May 16, 1966, the Chinese Communist Party issued the “May 16 Notification,” which marked the official start of the Cultural Revolution. This political campaign, initiated by Mao Zedong, sought to purge “counterrevolutionary revisionists” and radically transform Chinese society, leading to a decade of upheaval.

Junko Tabei Summits Mount Everest (1975)

• On May 16, 1975, Junko Tabei of Japan became the first woman in the world to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Her achievement broke gender barriers and inspired climbers worldwide.

Japan’s “Travel Day” (Tabi no Hi)

• In Japan, May 16 is celebrated as “Travel Day” (Tabi no Hi), commemorating the start of poet Matsuo Basho’s legendary journey recorded in “Oku no Hosomichi.” The day encourages reflection on the spirit and meaning of travel.

Africa

SPLA Day in South Sudan

• May 16 is celebrated as SPLA Day in South Sudan, marking the founding of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), which played a central role in the country’s struggle for independence from Sudan.

African National Day of Prayer (1953, South Africa)

• On May 16, 1953, the African Ministers Federation called for the observance of an African National Day of Prayer to support the cause of African freedom and unity during the era of apartheid in South Africa.

International Observances

• May 16 is also recognized in Africa as the International Day of Living Together in Peace and the International Day of Light, both of which are celebrated globally but have local significance in African countries.