On this day: May 2
1779 – Battle of Saint Lucia
On May 2, 1779, the Battle of Saint Lucia took place during the American Revolutionary War. British forces, led by Admiral George Rodney, successfully defeated the French fleet in the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. This victory played a crucial role in securing British control over the Caribbean and ultimately helped the British win the war against the American colonies.
1885 – Congo Free State Established
May 2, 1885, marked the establishment of the Congo Free State by King Leopold II of Belgium. This colonial territory in Central Africa was infamous for the brutal exploitation of its inhabitants and the widespread abuse of human rights. It wasn’t until 1908 that the Congo Free State was annexed by Belgium and became a Belgian colony.
1945 – Fall of Berlin
On May 2, 1945, Soviet troops captured the city of Berlin, marking the end of World War II in Europe. The fall of Berlin signaled the defeat of Nazi Germany and the beginning of the end of the war. The city was left in ruins, with thousands of civilians dead and many more displaced. The capture of Berlin by the Soviets also led to the division of the city and the eventual construction of the Berlin Wall.
2011 – Osama bin Laden Killed
May 2, 2011, was a historic day as it marked the death of Osama bin Laden, the leader of the terrorist organization al-Qaeda. Bin Laden was killed by US Navy SEALs during a raid on his compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. His death was a major victory in the fight against terrorism and brought closure to the families of the victims of the September 11 attacks.
Other Notable Events on May 2:
– 1611: King James Bible is published for the first time.
– 1863: Stonewall Jackson is wounded by friendly fire at the Battle of Chancellorsville during the American Civil War.
– 1952: The world’s first ever jet airliner, the de Havilland Comet, makes its maiden flight.
– 1994: Nelson Mandela is inaugurated as the first black president of South Africa.
On this day, May 2, we remember these significant events in history that have shaped the world we live in today.
