This day in history: 3 may

Europa

Constitution of 3 May 1791 (Poland–Lithuania)

• The Constitution of 3 May 1791 was proclaimed by the Sejm of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. It is recognized as the first modern constitution in Europe and the second oldest in the world, after the United States Constitution. This progressive document aimed to reform and strengthen the Polish–Lithuanian state, but its adoption led to increased hostility from neighboring powers and ultimately contributed to the partitions of Poland.

European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Founded (1960)

• On 3 May 1960, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) was created. EFTA was established to promote free trade and economic integration among its member states as an alternative for European countries that were not part of the European Economic Community (EEC).

Other Notable Events

• 1715: A total solar eclipse was visible across northern Europe and northern Asia, accurately predicted by Edmond Halley.
• 1849: The May Uprising in Dresden began, marking the last of the German revolutions of 1848–49.
• 1951: The Festival of Britain was opened by King George VI, aiming to boost post-war optimism in the UK.

America

• The Great Fire of Jacksonville, Florida (1901)
  One of the most destructive urban fires in the southeastern United States, the Great Fire of 1901 destroyed more than 1,700 buildings in Jacksonville, Florida, leaving nearly 10,000 people homeless.
• Incorporation of Washington, D.C. (1802)
  On this day, Congress incorporated Washington, D.C. as a city, replacing the Board of Commissioners with a mayor-council form of government.
• First State Sales Tax in West Virginia (1921)
  West Virginia became the first U.S. state to legislate a broad sales tax, though implementation was delayed due to enforcement issues.
• National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Named (1910)
  The Intercollegiate Athletic Association of the United States was renamed the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), marking a significant moment in American sports governance.
• Oklahoma City F5 Tornado (1999)
  An F5 tornado struck the Oklahoma City metropolitan area, producing the highest wind speeds ever recorded (about 301 mph), killing 41–45 people and injuring nearly 600–665. The tornado caused over $1 billion in damage and remains one of the most significant tornado events in U.S. history.
• First Nationally Televised Kentucky Derby (1952)
  The Kentucky Derby, the most prestigious American horse race, was broadcast nationally on television for the first time, expanding its audience and cultural impact.
• First Spam Email Sent (1978)
  The world’s first unsolicited bulk commercial email (“spam”) was sent to ARPANET addresses on the U.S. West Coast, marking the beginning of a new era in digital communication.
• Shelley v. Kraemer Supreme Court Decision (1948)
  The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that racially restrictive real estate covenants could not be enforced by courts, a landmark step in the civil rights movement.

Asia

1715: Total Solar Eclipse Across Northern Asia

• On May 3, 1715, a total solar eclipse was visible across northern Europe and northern Asia. This event was notable for being accurately predicted by Edmond Halley, marking a significant moment in the development of astronomy and scientific observation in Asia.

2024: Chinese Quantum Physics Breakthrough

• On May 3, 2024, Chinese scientists published a major breakthrough in quantum physics. Their research, featured in the journal Science, advanced the understanding of the fractional quantum Hall state, a phenomenon first discovered in 1981. This achievement highlights China’s growing leadership in cutting-edge scientific research.

Africa

• 1936: Haile Selassie’s Appeal to the League of Nations
  Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia delivered a historic speech to the League of Nations in Geneva, condemning the Italian invasion of Ethiopia. His plea became a symbol of African resistance to colonialism and inspired future independence movements across the continent.
• 1960: Nigeria Becomes a Republic
  Nigeria officially became a republic on May 3, 1960, ending its status as a British dominion. This marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward full self-governance and independence.
• 1984: South Africa Rejects Limited Reforms
  The South African government, under P. W. Botha, rejected proposals for limited political reforms, choosing to maintain the apartheid system. This decision intensified international condemnation and galvanized anti-apartheid activism.
• 2007: Algeria’s Legislative Elections
  Algeria held legislative elections on May 3, 2007. The elections were controversial, with widespread allegations of fraud and irregularities, but they represented an important moment in Algeria’s evolving democratic process.
• World Press Freedom Day
  May 3 is celebrated as Press Freedom Day in many African countries, emphasizing the importance of a free and independent press in promoting democracy and transparency. It is also a day to honor journalists and media professionals who risk their lives to report the truth.