Today in History: US, UK, French occupation of West Germany ends in 1955

The following is a chronological list of notable events that occurred on May 2 throughout history:

1. 1494 – Christopher Columbus sights Jamaica

On May 5, 1494, during his second voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus landed at Discovery Bay, Jamaica, claiming the island for Spain.

2. 1821 – Death of Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte, the former Emperor of France, died in exile on the island of Saint Helena on May 5, 1821.

3. 1862 – Mexican forces defeat the French at the Battle of Puebla

On May 5, 1862, Mexican troops achieved a significant victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla, an event commemorated annually as Cinco de Mayo.

4. 1865 – Final meeting of the Confederate government

On May 5, 1865, Confederate President Jefferson Davis convened his cabinet for the last time in Washington, Georgia, effectively dissolving the Confederate government.

5. 1920 – Arrest of Sacco and Vanzetti

Italian immigrants Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti were arrested in Massachusetts on May 5, 1920, leading to a controversial trial that sparked international debates on justice and prejudice.

6. 1930 – Gandhi arrested during the Salt March

Mahatma Gandhi was arrested by British authorities on May 5, 1930, for leading the Salt March, a pivotal act of civil disobedience against colonial salt taxes in India.

7. 1945 – Liberation of Mauthausen concentration camp

U.S. troops liberated the Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria on May 5, 1945, marking a significant moment in the closing days of World War II.

8. 1955 – West Germany gains full sovereignty

On May 5, 1955, the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) was granted full sovereignty by its occupying powers, marking a key step in its post-war rehabilitation.

9. 1961 – Alan Shepard becomes first American in space

Astronaut Alan B. Shepard Jr. completed a 15-minute suborbital flight aboard the Mercury capsule Freedom 7 on May 5, 1961, becoming the first American in space.

10. 2025 – Cinco de Mayo celebrations highlight cultural resilience

On May 5, 2025, communities across the United States and Mexico commemorated Cinco de Mayo, celebrating Mexican heritage and the historic victory at the Battle of Puebla.