This day in history: 30 may

Joan of Arc Burned at the Stake (1431)

On May 30, 1431, Joan of Arc, the French heroine of the Hundred Years’ War, was executed in Rouen, France, after being convicted of heresy and witchcraft by an English-backed tribunal. Her death remains one of the most significant and symbolic events in European history.

Battle of Lipany (1434)

The Battle of Lipany took place on May 30, 1434, marking the end of the Hussite Wars. Utraquist forces defeated the Taborites, effectively concluding this period of religious conflict in Bohemia (now the Czech Republic).

Treaty of London Signed (1913)

On this day in 1913, the Treaty of London was officially signed, ending the First Balkan War. The treaty redrew borders in the Balkans, with significant impact on the region’s future, though some Albanian territories were controversially assigned to neighboring states.

First Balkan War Ends (1913)

The signing of the Treaty of London also marked the conclusion of the First Balkan War, which reshaped the political landscape of southeastern Europe.

World War II: British Bombers Attack Cologne (1942)

On May 30, 1942, during World War II, the British Royal Air Force launched a massive 1,000-bomber raid on Cologne, Germany, marking a significant escalation in the Allied strategic bombing campaign.

European Space Agency Founded (1975)

The European Space Agency (ESA) was established on May 30, 1975, fostering cooperation in space exploration and research among European nations.

Spain Joins NATO (1982)

Spain officially became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) on this date in 1982, further integrating into Western European defense structures.

Memorial Day (Decoration Day)

The first national observance of Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was held on May 30, 1868. This day was established to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War by decorating their graves with flowers. Over time, it evolved to commemorate all U.S. military personnel who died in service. In 1971, Memorial Day became a federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May.

Siege of Corinth Ends (1862)

On May 30, 1862, during the American Civil War, the Union Army captured the vital rail junction of Corinth, Mississippi, marking a significant victory for the North.

Lincoln Memorial Dedicated (1922)

The Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., was officially dedicated on May 30, 1922. The monument honors President Abraham Lincoln and has since become a central symbol of American ideals and civil rights.

First Daily Newspaper in America (1783)

The Pennsylvania Evening Post became the first daily newspaper published in America on May 30, 1783.

May Thirtieth Movement (China, 1925)

On May 30, 1925, the May Thirtieth Movement began in Shanghai when the Shanghai Municipal Police, under foreign control, opened fire on Chinese protesters in the International Settlement. This incident, known as the “Shanghai massacre,” killed at least 13 people and wounded many more, sparking outrage across China and leading to widespread strikes, protests, and anti-imperialist demonstrations nationwide. The movement became a landmark in China’s struggle for sovereignty and workers’ rights, significantly boosting the Chinese Communist Party and intensifying calls to end foreign privileges in China.

Proclamation of the Republic of Biafra (1967)
On May 30, 1967, Colonel Emeka Ojukwu declared the independence of the southeastern region of Nigeria as the Republic of Biafra. This act of secession triggered the Nigerian Civil War (also known as the Biafran War), a devastating conflict that lasted until 1970. The war led to significant loss of life, severe famine, and long-term political and social consequences for Nigeria and the wider West African region.

This day in history: 30 may