In a landmark 5–4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in *Obergefell v. Hodges* that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, legalizing same-sex marriage across the entire United States.
📍 Washington, D.C., United States
Following South Africa's first multiracial elections, Nelson Mandela was elected as President of the Constituent Assembly, beginning the drafting of a new democratic constitution for the post-apartheid nation.
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
South Africa adopted an interim constitution, paving the way for the country’s first multiracial elections. It marked the formal end of apartheid and the beginning of democratic rule.
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
The Russian Federation declared its sovereignty from the Soviet Union on June 12, 1990. This event is commemorated annually as Russia Day, marking the beginning of constitutional reform and democratic transition.
📍 Moscow, Russia
China enacted a new constitution emphasizing modernization and legal reform following the Cultural Revolution. This marked a turning point in the nation’s political and economic trajectory.
📍 Beijing, China
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade that the constitutional right to privacy extended to a woman's right to choose abortion, dramatically changing American reproductive rights law.
📍 Washington, D.C., United States
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Loving v. Virginia that laws banning interracial marriage were unconstitutional, affirming marriage as a fundamental right regardless of race.
📍 Washington, D.C., United States
In a landmark civil rights ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down state laws banning interracial marriage, declaring them unconstitutional in the case of Loving v. Virginia.
📍 Washington, D.C., United States
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.
📍 Australia
The 24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, prohibiting the use of poll taxes in federal elections. It was a major victory for the civil rights movement and expanded voting rights.
📍 Washington, D.C., United States
Jamaica's new constitution was passed, laying the legal groundwork for full independence from Britain, which would formally occur later that year on August 6. It marked the beginning of Jamaica's modern nationhood.
📍 Kingston, Jamaica
The U.S. Supreme Court issued Brown v. Board of Education II, mandating that school desegregation proceed with 'all deliberate speed.' The ruling reinforced the 1954 decision that separate educational facilities are unconstitutional.
📍 Washington, D.C., United States
The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional, overturning the 'separate but equal' doctrine and marking a pivotal victory for the American civil rights movement.
📍 Washington, D.C., United States
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.
📍 Washington, D.C., United States
India officially became a republic as its new constitution came into effect, replacing the Government of India Act 1935 and solidifying its status as a sovereign democratic nation within the Commonwealth.
📍 New Delhi, India
India celebrated its first Republic Day parade, honoring the enactment of the Constitution and the nation's transition from British dominion to a sovereign democratic republic.
📍 New Delhi, India
The Indian Constituent Assembly formally adopted the Constitution of India on this day, setting the framework for the largest democracy in the world. It would come into full effect on January 26, 1950.
📍 New Delhi, India
India formally adopted its new Constitution, preparing to transition from a British Dominion to the Republic of India on January 26, 1950.
📍 New Delhi, India
The Constituent Assembly of India formally adopted the Constitution, laying the foundation for the world's largest democracy and ensuring rights and governance structures for over a billion people.
📍 New Delhi, India
India’s Constituent Assembly passed key provisions of the new constitution, establishing the groundwork for the nation’s transition from British rule to a sovereign democratic republic.
📍 New Delhi, India
The post-war Constitution of Japan, often called the 'Peace Constitution', came into effect, introducing democratic reforms and renouncing war as a sovereign right of the nation.
📍 Tokyo, Japan
Japan’s postwar constitution, drafted under Allied occupation, officially came into effect. It renounced war, guaranteed civil liberties, and laid the foundation for Japan’s modern democratic government.
📍 Tokyo, Japan
Japan's new constitution came into effect, renouncing war and establishing a parliamentary democracy. Drafted under U.S. supervision after World War II, it remains the foundation of Japan’s political system.
📍 Tokyo, Japan
Japan’s postwar constitution was signed by Emperor Hirohito, enshrining democratic principles, renouncing war, and marking a pivotal moment in the nation’s reconstruction under Allied occupation.
📍 Tokyo, Japan
Japan released the initial draft of its post-war constitution, heavily influenced by American occupation authorities, laying the foundation for democratic governance and renunciation of war.
📍 Tokyo, Japan
Japan formally adopted its post-war constitution, renouncing war and establishing a parliamentary democracy under U.S. guidance.
📍 Tokyo, Japan
Japan conducted its first postwar general election under Allied occupation, marking the beginning of democratic governance and the drafting of a new pacifist constitution.
📍 Tokyo, Japan
General Douglas MacArthur was officially confirmed as Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers in postwar Japan, overseeing democratization, disarmament, and the drafting of a new constitution.
📍 Tokyo, Japan
King Edward VIII abdicated the British throne to marry American divorcée Wallis Simpson, creating a constitutional crisis and making way for his brother, George VI, to become king.
📍 London, United Kingdom
The 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, repealing the 18th Amendment and effectively ending Prohibition after 13 years, reshaping American society and economy.
📍 United States
The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was certified, granting women the right to vote. This milestone in women's rights is commemorated annually as Women's Equality Day.
📍 Washington, D.C., United States
The United States ratified the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. This historic victory marked the culmination of decades of activism by the women's suffrage movement.
📍 Washington, D.C., United States
The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution took effect, initiating Prohibition and outlawing the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. It led to widespread organized crime and was repealed in 1933.
📍 United States
The U.S. Congress passed the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. The amendment was later ratified in 1920, becoming a landmark achievement for the women's suffrage movement.
📍 Washington, D.C., United States
The U.S. Congress passed the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, granting women the right to vote. It marked a pivotal achievement in the women’s suffrage movement, though ratification came a year later.
📍 Washington, D.C., United States
The Mexican Constitution of 1917 was enacted, establishing significant labor rights, land reforms, and secular education. It was among the world’s most progressive constitutions of its time.
📍 Querétaro, Mexico
Norway granted full voting rights to women, becoming one of the first sovereign nations to do so. This advancement in gender equality coincided with the country’s Constitution Day.
📍 Oslo, Norway
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in *Plessy v. Ferguson* that racial segregation was constitutional under the 'separate but equal' doctrine, legitimizing Jim Crow laws for decades until overturned in 1954.
📍 Washington, D.C., United States
The 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was formally adopted, granting African American men the right to vote and marking a major milestone in the fight for civil rights.
📍 Washington, D.C., United States
Women in Utah became the first in the United States to vote under a territorial law granting women's suffrage, predating the 19th Amendment by decades.
📍 Salt Lake City, Utah Territory, United States
The 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, granting African American men the right to vote and prohibiting racial discrimination in voting laws.
📍 Washington, D.C., United States
The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, guaranteeing equal protection under the law and granting citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, including former slaves.
📍 Washington, D.C., United States
The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. and guaranteeing equal protection under the law — a cornerstone of civil rights.
📍 Washington, D.C., United States
The British North America Act officially went into effect, creating the Dominion of Canada and giving the country constitutional independence while retaining ties to the British crown.
📍 Ottawa, Canada
The 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, officially abolishing slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime, marking a monumental moment in civil rights history.
📍 United States
The U.S. Congress passed the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery throughout the United States. The amendment was later ratified by the states and became a cornerstone of civil rights in America.
📍 Washington, D.C., United States
The New York Stock Exchange was officially founded with the adoption of a formal constitution, becoming the most influential financial market in the world.
📍 New York City, United States
Norway adopted its constitution at Eidsvoll, declaring independence from Denmark. Although full independence wasn’t achieved until 1905, May 17 is celebrated as Norway’s national day.
📍 Eidsvoll, Norway
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, were ratified, guaranteeing civil liberties such as freedom of speech, religion, and due process under the law.
📍 Washington, D.C., United States
The first session of the French Parliament was held following the French Revolution, marking a shift toward constitutional monarchy.
📍 Paris, France