This day in history: 23 may

Europa

1618 – The Defenestration of Prague

• On May 23, 1618, Protestant nobles in Prague threw two Catholic officials and their secretary out of a window at Prague Castle. This dramatic act, known as the Defenestration of Prague, directly triggered the Thirty Years’ War, a major conflict that engulfed much of Europe for decades.

2024 – Russia-Estonia Border Incident

• On May 23, 2024, Russia removed border markers along the Narva River, which marks the border with Estonia. This action prompted a protest by the European Union, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.

European Maritime Day

• Around May 23 each year, the European Union observes European Maritime Day, a key event for the continent’s maritime community to discuss ocean governance and sustainable blue economy. In 2025, it will be held in Cork, Ireland from May 21–23.

America

• 1788 – South Carolina Ratifies the U.S. Constitution
  South Carolina became the eighth state to ratify the United States Constitution, helping to pave the way for the formation of the federal government.
• 1846 – Start of a Major Tornado Outbreak
  A significant two-day tornado outbreak began across the Central United States, producing at least 15 major tornadoes.
• 1934 – Death of Bonnie and Clyde
  Infamous American outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were ambushed and killed by police in Bienville Parish, Louisiana, ending their notorious crime spree during the Great Depression.
• 1946 – Major Tornado Outbreak
  A two-day tornado outbreak started across the Central U.S., resulting in at least 15 significant tornadoes.
• 1960 – Hilo Tsunami
  A tsunami, caused by an earthquake in Chile the previous day, struck Hilo, Hawaii, killing 61 people.

Other Events

• 1911: The New York Public Library was dedicated.
• 1939: The U.S. Navy submarine USS Squalus sank off New Hampshire, with 24 fatalities and a dramatic rescue of survivors.
• 1873: The Canadian Parliament established the North-West Mounted Police, precursor to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Asia

• 1951 – Annexation of Tibet by China
  On May 23, 1951, delegates of the Dalai Lama signed the Seventeen Point Agreement, formalizing Tibet’s incorporation into the People’s Republic of China. This event dramatically shifted Asian geopolitics, leading to ongoing disputes over Tibetan autonomy and a mass exodus of Tibetans, including the Dalai Lama, to India.
• 1984 – First Indian Woman on Mount Everest
  Bachendri Pal became the first Indian woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 23, 1984. Her achievement was a milestone for Indian mountaineering and a moment of national pride.
• 1947 – Partition Plan for India Approved
  The British Cabinet approved the plan for the partition of India on May 23, 1947, setting the stage for the creation of India and Pakistan and reshaping the South Asian subcontinent.
• 1995 – Launch of Java Programming Language
  The Java programming language was officially launched on May 23, 1995. Created with cross-platform compatibility in mind, Java became a foundational technology in global software development, including across Asia.
• 2008 – Malaysia-Singapore Territorial Dispute Resolved
  On May 23, 2008, the International Court of Justice resolved a 29-year territorial dispute between Malaysia and Singapore, awarding Middle Rocks to Malaysia and Pedra Branca to Singapore.

Other Significant Events:

• 1844: Siyyid `Alí Muḥammad Shírází founded Bábism in Persia, a precursor to the Bahá’í Faith.
• 2014: Russia and China vetoed a UN Security Council resolution to establish an International Criminal Court for war crimes in Syria.

Africa

1994 – South Africa Joins the OAU

• On May 23, 1994, following its first democratic elections, South Africa officially joined the Organization of African Unity (OAU). This marked a significant step in South Africa’s reintegration into continental and global affairs after decades of apartheid isolation.

2003 – Sibusiso Vilane Summits Mount Everest

• On May 23, 2003, Sibusiso Vilane became the first black African to reach the summit of Mount Everest, representing a major achievement for African mountaineering and symbolizing new possibilities for the continent.