This day in history: 7 may

Europa

Nazi Germany’s Surrender (1945)

• On May 7, 1945, Nazi Germany signed an unconditional surrender at Allied headquarters in Reims, France, effectively ending World War II in Europe. This act was signed by General Alfred Jodl and marked the cessation of hostilities on the continent, with the surrender becoming effective on May 8, celebrated as Victory in Europe Day (VE Day).

The Hague Congress Opens (1948)

• On May 7, 1948, the Hague Congress began in the Netherlands. This historic meeting gathered pro-European associations under the honorary chairmanship of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. The congress is considered a foundational event for the European integration movement, paving the way for what would become the European Union.

Other Notable European Events on May 7

• 1274: The Second Council of Lyon opened in France, addressing key issues including papal elections.
• 1342: Cardinal Pierre Roger was elected Pope in Avignon, taking the name Clement VI.
• 1544: The Burning of Edinburgh by an English army marked the beginning of the Rough Wooing, a conflict between England and Scotland.
• 1915: The British ocean liner RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat off the coast of Ireland, killing 1,198 people and influencing the course of World War I.

America

Sinking of the Lusitania (1915)

• On May 7, 1915, the British passenger ship RMS Lusitania was torpedoed by a German submarine off the coast of Ireland. Nearly 1,200 people died, including 114 Americans. This event significantly influenced U.S. public opinion and contributed to America’s eventual entry into World War I.

First U.S. Presidential Inaugural Ball (1789)

• The first U.S. Presidential Inaugural Ball was held in New York City on May 7, 1789, marking a new tradition in American political culture.

Northwest Territory Divided (1800)

• On May 7, 1800, the U.S. Congress divided the Northwest Territory into two parts, creating the Indiana Territory and leaving the remainder as the Northwest Territory.

American Medical Association Founded (1847)

• The American Medical Association (AMA) was organized in Philadelphia on May 7, 1847, shaping the future of medical practice and standards in the United States.

27th Amendment Ratified (1992)

• On May 7, 1992, the 27th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, prohibiting Congress from giving itself immediate pay raises.

Asia

Japanese 21 Demands Ultimatum to China (1915)

• On May 7, 1915, Japan delivered its “Twenty-One Demands” ultimatum to China, pressuring the Chinese government to grant Japan special privileges and control over key territories. This event is commemorated in China as the National Day of Humiliation, reflecting its significance in Chinese modern history.

End of the Battle of Dien Bien Phu (1954)

• The Battle of Dien Bien Phu in Vietnam ended on May 7, 1954, with a decisive victory for the Viet Minh over French colonial forces. This marked a turning point in the First Indochina War and led to the end of French colonial rule in Indochina.

Kosovo War: Chinese Embassy Bombing (1999)

• On May 7, 1999, during the NATO bombing campaign in Yugoslavia, a NATO airstrike hit the Chinese embassy in Belgrade, killing three Chinese citizens and injuring 20. The incident caused significant diplomatic tensions between China and the United States.

China Northern Airlines Crash (2002)

• On May 7, 2002, a China Northern Airlines flight crashed into the Yellow Sea, resulting in the deaths of all 112 people on board.

Recent: President Xi Jinping’s Visit to Russia (2025)

• Chinese President Xi Jinping is scheduled to arrive in Moscow on May 7, 2025, for a state visit and to attend Victory Day events commemorating the Soviet victory in World War II. The visit will include meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the signing of several bilateral agreements.

Africa

Battle of Gorée Island (1677)

• On May 7, 1677, the French captured Gorée Island (off the coast of present-day Senegal) from the Dutch. Gorée became a significant center for the Atlantic slave trade, and its history is deeply tied to the broader narrative of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade in West Africa.

Paul Kruger’s Last Address (1900)

• On May 7, 1900, Paul Kruger, the President of the South African Republic (Transvaal), addressed the Volksraad (parliament) for the last time before fleeing due to advancing British forces during the Second Anglo-Boer War.