On This Day in History
May 12
First COVID-19 Vaccine Approved for Emergency Use in China
China granted emergency use approval to its first COVID-19 vaccine developed by Sinopharm. The move marked a global milestone in the effort to combat the pandemic through immunization.
Douglas Adams Dies, Author of *The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy*
British author Douglas Adams passed away at age 49. His science fiction satire *The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy* became a cult classic, celebrated for its humor, originality, and philosophical depth.
India Declares May 12 as National Technology Day
India began commemorating National Technology Day on May 12 to mark the anniversary of its successful nuclear tests in 1998 and to celebrate scientific and technological achievements across disciplines.
Tony Hawk Becomes the First Skater to Land a 900
Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk became the first person to successfully land a 900-degree aerial spin during a competition, a landmark achievement that helped mainstream extreme sports.
Death of Joseph Beuys, Pioneer of Performance Art
German artist Joseph Beuys, known for fusing sculpture, performance, and activism, passed away. His conceptual art influenced generations and redefined the role of the artist in society.
Katherine Hepburn Wins Record Fourth Oscar
Legendary actress Katharine Hepburn won her fourth Academy Award for Best Actress, setting a record for the most acting Oscars by a single performer — a feat unmatched to this day.
South Africa Becomes a Republic
South Africa voted to become a republic, officially severing ties with the British monarchy. The move was largely driven by the apartheid government and led to international condemnation and Commonwealth withdrawal.
Launch of INS Vikrant, India’s First Aircraft Carrier
India commissioned its first aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, into naval service. Originally a British ship, its acquisition and modification marked a milestone in India’s maritime defense capability.
First Ever Eurovision Song Contest Held in Lugano, Switzerland
The inaugural Eurovision Song Contest was held in Lugano, Switzerland, featuring seven countries. It began what would become one of the world's largest and most enduring televised music competitions.
Berlin Airlift Officially Ends
The Soviet Union lifted its blockade of West Berlin, effectively ending the Berlin Airlift. Over 200,000 flights had delivered food and supplies to the city, marking a major Cold War victory for the Allies.
Amy Johnson Becomes First Woman to Fly Solo from England to Australia
British aviator Amy Johnson departed from Croydon Airport in her Gipsy Moth plane, beginning her solo flight to Australia. She became a national heroine and a symbol of female aviation.
Russian Tsar Nicholas II Orders Offensive in WWI’s Brusilov Campaign
Tsar Nicholas II authorized General Brusilov’s offensive against Austria-Hungary in World War I. The campaign would become one of Russia's most successful operations and one of the deadliest offensives in history.
Theodore Roosevelt Sentenced to Libel Trial Victory
Former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt won a high-profile libel case after being accused of drunkenness. His courtroom defense of character helped reaffirm press accountability and personal integrity in public life.
First Transatlantic Flight by Airship Completed
The German airship Zeppelin LZ 7, also known as *Deutschland*, successfully completed the first non-stop transatlantic flight by an airship, demonstrating the potential for long-distance air travel.
Alfred Dreyfus Fully Exonerated in France
Captain Alfred Dreyfus was fully exonerated after years of wrongful conviction in France. The Dreyfus Affair revealed deep antisemitism and shook the foundations of the French Republic.
Louis Pasteur Begins Testing Rabies Vaccine
Louis Pasteur began animal trials for his rabies vaccine, which would later save thousands of lives. His work laid the foundation for modern immunology and preventive medicine.
Suffragist Millicent Fawcett Born
Millicent Fawcett, a leading British suffragist and founder of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies, was born. Her efforts helped secure voting rights for British women in 1918.
Florence Nightingale Born, Founder of Modern Nursing
Florence Nightingale was born in Florence, Italy. She later revolutionized battlefield medicine and established nursing as a respected profession, earning her the title 'Lady with the Lamp'.
Dante Alighieri Is Sent into Exile from Florence
Dante Alighieri, author of *The Divine Comedy*, was exiled from Florence due to political conflicts. His exile deeply influenced his literary work and shaped medieval European thought.
Julius Caesar Defeats the Helvetii at the Battle of Bibracte
Roman general Julius Caesar defeated the migrating Helvetii tribe in the Battle of Bibracte during the Gallic Wars, securing Roman influence in Gaul and bolstering Caesar’s military reputation.