On This Day in History
May 15
Climate Activist Greta Thunberg Begins School Strike Movement
Greta Thunberg began her school strike for climate outside the Swedish Parliament. Her protest inspired a global youth-led movement demanding urgent climate action, known as Fridays for Future.
First Broadcast of International Day of Families by the UN
The United Nations observed the first International Day of Families to highlight the importance of families as the fundamental unit of society and to promote awareness of issues affecting them worldwide.
Family International (formerly Children of God) Founded
David Berg founded the religious group known as the Children of God, later renamed The Family International. The group became controversial for its practices and was widely criticized for alleged abuse and exploitation.
Australian Referendum Expands Aboriginal Voting Rights
The Australian public voted overwhelmingly in favor of amending the constitution to include Aboriginal people in the census and allow the federal government to create laws for them — a major civil rights milestone.
AT&T Launches First Commercial Touch-Tone Telephone
AT&T introduced the first commercial push-button (touch-tone) phone, replacing rotary dials and revolutionizing telecommunications by enabling faster dialing and future digital services.
First Spaceflight of Soviet Vostok 3A Spacecraft Design
The Soviet Union launched the Vostok 1K No.1, an early prototype of the Vostok spacecraft design that would later carry Yuri Gagarin. Though the mission failed, it contributed to eventual spaceflight success.
First Flight of the Soviet Spacecraft Sputnik 3
Sputnik 3, a Soviet research satellite, was launched into orbit to study Earth's magnetic field, cosmic rays, and radiation. It marked another milestone in the early space race following Sputniks 1 and 2.
Opening of the First McDonald’s Restaurant by Ray Kroc
Ray Kroc opened the first franchised McDonald's restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, launching what would become the largest and most recognizable fast-food chain in the world.
Start of the Warsaw Pact
The Soviet Union and seven Eastern Bloc nations signed the Warsaw Pact, a collective defense treaty to counter NATO. It institutionalized the Cold War divide in Europe for over three decades.
U.S. Supreme Court Rules in Brown v. Board of Education (Preliminary Vote)
Though the formal decision would be announced May 17, the justices of the U.S. Supreme Court reached a preliminary consensus on May 15 that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, paving the way for landmark civil rights progress.
Beginning of the Nakba: Palestinian Exodus of 1948
The Nakba, meaning 'catastrophe' in Arabic, refers to the mass displacement of Palestinians that followed the creation of Israel. It remains a central point of identity and memory for Palestinians worldwide.
Opening of Lascaux Cave to the Public
France opened the Lascaux Caves to the public, revealing some of the world’s most stunning Paleolithic cave art. The caves later closed to preserve the delicate paintings dating back over 17,000 years.
Opening of the Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival held its first postwar edition, establishing itself as one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, celebrating global cinema and artistic achievement.
Opening of the United Nations’ First Specialized Agency – UNESCO
The United Nations launched UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) to promote peace through global cooperation in education, science, and culture.
Battle of Monte Cassino Ends in Allied Victory
The fourth and final battle of Monte Cassino concluded with Allied forces breaking through German defenses in Italy. The costly victory opened the road to Rome and was a turning point in the Italian Campaign of WWII.
First Meeting of the International Congress of Women
Amid World War I, over 1,000 women from 12 countries gathered in The Hague for the first International Congress of Women, advocating for peace, suffrage, and human rights — laying groundwork for global feminist movements.
Opening of the Eiffel Tower to the Public
The Eiffel Tower officially opened to the public during the Exposition Universelle (World’s Fair) in Paris. Originally criticized, it became one of the most iconic landmarks in the world.
California Gold Rush Officially Begins
News of gold discovery at Sutter’s Mill spread widely, marking the start of the California Gold Rush. It drew hundreds of thousands to the western U.S., transforming California’s economy and population.
Independence of Paraguay Officially Declared
Paraguay formally declared independence from Spanish colonial rule following a peaceful revolution. Though it had asserted autonomy the previous day, May 15 became celebrated as the nation’s official Independence Day.
Execution of Joan of Arc’s Inquisitors Ordered to Stand Trial
A posthumous retrial of Joan of Arc began, ordered by the Pope, ultimately declaring her innocent of heresy. Her inquisitors were condemned, and Joan was elevated as a martyr and national hero of France.