This Week in History: Week 21

May 20 – May 26

Over 104 historical moments took place during these 7 days of the calendar year. Explore our curated digest of the most world-changing events, iconic births, and notable deaths.

← Week 20 Week 22 →

Explore the Full Daily Timelines

Major Events (May 20 – May 26)(20)

1934 – 2024

1934⚡ Event

Toledo Auto-Lite strike violence

A violent confrontation occurred between thousands of strikers and sheriff's deputies during a strike against the Electric Auto-Lite company in Toledo, Ohio.

economicslaw

1939⚡ Event

USS Squalus sinks

The U.S. Navy submarine Squalus sank off the coast of New Hampshire during testing, resulting in the deaths of 26 crew members.

wardisaster

1947⚡ Event

National Diet of Japan opens

The first session of the National Diet opened in Tokyo, Japan.

politics

1965⚡ Event

Pakistan International Airlines Flight 705 crash

Pakistan International Airlines Flight 705 crashed while attempting to land at Cairo International Airport, killing all but six of the 121 people on board.

disaster

1974⚡ Event

Airbus A300 enters service

The Airbus A300, the first twin-engined wide-body airliner, began service with Air France.

technology

1987⚡ Event

Hindu–Muslim riots in Meerut

During Hindu–Muslim rioting in Meerut, India, 19 members of the Provincial Armed Constabulary allegedly massacred 42 Muslims. Their bodies were dumped in water canals.

politicslaw

1996⚡ Event

Romer v. Evans

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a Colorado constitutional amendment preventing protected legal status for homosexuals or bisexuals.

lawpolitics

1998⚡ Event

Suharto resigns as Indonesian president

Indonesian president Suharto resigned after a collapse of support for his presidency amid economic and political crises. His resignation ended 32 years of authoritarian rule.

politicseconomics

1998⚡ Event

Public Prosecutor v Taw Cheng Kong

The Court of Appeal of Singapore overruled a High Court decision in Public Prosecutor v Taw Cheng Kong. This was the only time a statute in Singapore had been ruled unconstitutional.

law

1999⚡ Event

Owen Hart's death

Professional wrestler Owen Hart died during a World Wrestling Federation event after falling from the rafters onto the ring.

entertainmentsports

2002⚡ Event

Chandra Levy remains found

Skeletal remains of Federal Bureau of Prisons intern Chandra Levy were found in Rock Creek Park, Washington, D.C. She had been missing for a year.

law

2005⚡ Event

Kingda Ka roller coaster opens

The world's tallest roller coaster, Kingda Ka, opened at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey. It offered thrill-seekers an unprecedented ride experience.

entertainment

2008⚡ Event

International Court of Justice ruling on Middle Rocks and Pedra Branca

The International Court of Justice awarded the Middle Rocks to Malaysia and Pedra Branca to Singapore, resolving a 29-year-old territorial dispute in the Singapore Strait.

lawpolitics

2010⚡ Event

Air India Express Flight 812 crash

Air India Express Flight 812 overshot the runway upon landing in Mangalore. The crash killed 158 of the 166 people on board.

disaster

2012⚡ Event

Northern Italy earthquakes

The first of two major earthquakes struck Northern Italy, resulting in seven deaths.

disaster

2013⚡ Event

Moore, Oklahoma tornado

A tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma, killing 24 people and causing an estimated $2 billion in damage.

disaster

2014⚡ Event

Taipei Metro stabbing attack

A man carried out a stabbing spree on a Taipei Metro train, killing four people and injuring 24 others. The incident caused widespread shock and calls for improved security.

disaster

2014⚡ Event

Thai coup d'état

Prayut Chan-o-cha, commander-in-chief of the Royal Thai Army, launched a coup d'état against the caretaker government. This followed six months of political crisis.

politicswar

2015⚡ Event