On this day: May 23
May 23, 1430 – Joan of Arc Captured
On May 23, 1430, Joan of Arc, a French heroine and military leader, was captured by the Burgundians during the Hundred Years’ War. Joan of Arc had led the French army to several important victories against the English, but her luck ran out when she was captured by the enemy. She was later sold to the English and put on trial for heresy, ultimately leading to her execution in 1431.
May 23, 1788 – South Carolina Ratifies the U.S. Constitution
On May 23, 1788, South Carolina became the eighth state to ratify the United States Constitution, officially joining the Union. The Constitution had been drafted and signed in 1787, and the ratification process was underway as each state debated and voted on whether to accept the new governing document. South Carolina’s ratification helped solidify the new federal government and paved the way for the formation of the United States of America.
May 23, 1934 – Bonnie and Clyde Killed in Ambush
On May 23, 1934, infamous outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were killed in a police ambush in Bienville Parish, Louisiana. The notorious duo had been on a crime spree for several years, robbing banks and eluding law enforcement across multiple states. Their violent end marked the conclusion of one of the most notorious criminal partnerships in American history.
May 23, 1949 – Federal Republic of Germany Established
On May 23, 1949, the Federal Republic of Germany, also known as West Germany, was officially established. This new state was created following the division of Germany after World War II, with the Soviet-controlled East Germany operating as a separate entity. The establishment of West Germany marked a significant moment in the post-war reconstruction of Europe and set the stage for the Cold War tensions that would define the coming decades.
May 23, 1984 – The Cosby Show Premieres
On May 23, 1984, the groundbreaking television sitcom “The Cosby Show” premiered on NBC. Created by and starring comedian Bill Cosby, the show centered around an affluent African American family living in Brooklyn, New York. The Cosby Show was praised for its positive portrayal of African American life and culture, and it quickly became one of the most popular and influential shows of the 1980s.
May 23, 2018 – Ireland Votes to Repeal Abortion Ban
On May 23, 2018, the people of Ireland voted in a historic referendum to repeal the country’s strict ban on abortion. The Eighth Amendment of the Irish Constitution had effectively banned abortion in all but the most extreme circumstances, leading to a heated debate over women’s reproductive rights. The referendum result marked a significant shift in Irish society and paved the way for the legalization of abortion in the country.
