1794⚡ Event
Antoine Lavoisier is executed
French chemist Antoine Lavoisier is executed during the Reign of Terror, ending the life of one of the founders of modern chemistry.
sciencepolitics
What Happened on May 8?
Discover 21 historical moments on May 8 — 9 events, 6 birthdays, and 6 notable deaths spanning centuries of human history.
politicswarsportsreligionmusicliteraturescienceeconomics
Hero image inspired by: Antoine Lavoisier
Historical Events on May 8(9)
1886⚡ Event
Coca-Cola first sold
Pharmacist John Pemberton first sells Coca-Cola at a pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia for five cents a glass.
economics
1945⚡ Event
V-E Day: Victory in Europe
Nazi Germany unconditionally surrenders to the Allied forces, ending World War II in Europe.
warpoliticsmilitary
1963⚡ Event
Buddhist Crisis in Huế
In Huế, South Vietnam, soldiers fired on Buddhist protesters. The protest was against a ban on flying the Buddhist flag on Phật Đản, resulting in nine deaths and sparking the Buddhist crisis.
religionpoliticswar
1970⚡ Event
Beatles release Let It Be album
The Beatles release Let It Be, one of the band's final studio albums, in the United Kingdom.
musicculture
1970⚡ Event
Hard Hat Riot
Construction workers attacked students and protesters in New York City. The protest was against the Vietnam War.
politicswar
1972⚡ Event
Sabena Flight 571 Hijacking
Four members of Black September hijacked Sabena Flight 571. They demanded the release of 315 Palestinians convicted on terrorism charges.
warpolitics
1987⚡ Event
Loughgall Ambush
A British Special Air Service unit ambushed an Irish Republican Army unit in Loughgall, Northern Ireland. Eight IRA members and one civilian were killed.
warpolitics
2025⚡ Event
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Elected Pope Leo XIV
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected Pope Leo XIV, becoming the first U.S.-born pope and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine. He is also the second pope from the Americas.
religionpolitics
Famous Birthdays on May 8(6)
1884🎂 Birth
Harry S. Truman born
The 33rd President of the United States is born in Lamar, Missouri. He oversaw the end of WWII and the start of the Cold War.
politics
Notable Deaths on May 8(6)
1880🕊️ Death
Gustave Flaubert dies
French novelist Gustave Flaubert, author of Madame Bovary, dies in Rouen at age 58.
literature
May 8 in History
May 8 is home to 21 recorded historical entries in our collection, including 9 notable events, 6 famous birthdays, and 6 deaths. This date has witnessed momentous occasions spanning from 1794 to the present day.
Major Events on May 8
Among the most notable events on May 8: Antoine Lavoisier is executed (1794), Coca-Cola first sold (1886), V-E Day: Victory in Europe (1945). View all events →
Famous Birthdays on May 8
Notable figures born on May 8 include Harry S. Truman, Pat Cummins, 6ix9ine. View all birthdays →
Notable Deaths on May 8
Remembered figures who died on May 8 include Gustave Flaubert, Chris Cannon, Jimmy Johnson. View all →
Browse what happened on May 7 or May 9, explore the full month of May, or discover a random historical fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on May 8?
- May 8 is home to 21 recorded historical entries, including 9 notable events, 6 famous birthdays, and 6 notable deaths.
- What is the most notable event on May 8?
- One of the most notable events on May 8 is: Antoine Lavoisier is executed.
- Who was born on May 8?
- Famous figures born on May 8 include Harry S. Truman, Pat Cummins, 6ix9ine.
- How many historical events happened on May 8?
- Our collection records 9 historical events on May 8, spanning centuries of world history.
?
🎯 Test Your History Knowledge
Guess the year this event occurred.
History, Delivered Daily.
Join thousands of history buffs. Get a curated 1-minute read of the day's most fascinating historical events sent straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy.