This day in history: 2 may

1808: Outbreak of the Peninsular War
The people of Madrid rose up in rebellion against French occupation, marking the start of the Peninsular War. This event was later famously memorialized by Francisco de Goya in his artwork.
1992: Belgium Signs the EEA Agreement
Belgium signed the European Economic Area (EEA) Agreement, which would later allow for the extension of the EU’s single market to member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

2011: Osama bin Laden Killed
U.S. Special Operations Forces killed Osama bin Laden during a raid on his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. Bin Laden was the mastermind behind the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which killed nearly 3,000 people in the United States.
1939: Lou Gehrig Ends Consecutive Games Streak
Baseball legend Lou Gehrig ended his record-setting streak of 2,130 consecutive games played for the New York Yankees. This record stood for decades and is a hallmark in American sports history.
1946: Battle of Alcatraz Begins
An attempted prison escape by six inmates at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary led to two days of violent fighting, later known as the “Battle of Alcatraz”.

2011: Osama bin Laden Killed in Pakistan
U.S. Special Operations Forces killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden during a raid on his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. This event marked the culmination of a decade-long manhunt following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks orchestrated by bin Laden.

1994: Nelson Mandela Claims Victory in South Africa’s First Democratic Elections
On May 2, 1994, Nelson Mandela claimed victory following South Africa’s first multiracial democratic elections, marking the end of apartheid. President F.W. de Klerk acknowledged defeat, paving the way for Mandela to become the nation’s first Black president.
1889: Treaty of Wuchale Signed
Emperor Menelik II of Ethiopia signed the Treaty of Wuchale with Italy, which gave Italy control over Eritrea. This treaty would later become a point of contention, leading to the First Italo-Ethiopian War.
1957: Kwame Nkrumah Leads Ghana to Independence
On May 2, 1957, Kwame Nkrumah led Ghana to independence from British colonial rule, becoming the country’s first Prime Minister.
2004: Yelwa Massacre Concludes in Nigeria
The Yelwa massacre in Nigeria ended on May 2, 2004. The violence, which began in February, resulted in the deaths of hundreds in religious clashes.