Today in History: World War II ends in Europe

The following is a chronological list of notable events that occurred on May 9 throughout history:

1. 1502 – Columbus embarks on his final voyage

On May 9, 1502, Christopher Columbus departed from Cádiz, Spain, on his fourth and final expedition to the New World, seeking a westward passage to Asia.

2. 1671 – Attempted theft of the Crown Jewels

Irish adventurer Thomas Blood attempted to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London. He was captured during the act but later pardoned by King Charles II.

3. 1914 – Mother’s Day officially recognized in the U.S.

President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day, establishing it as a national holiday in the United States.

4. 1926 – First flight over the North Pole claimed

American aviators Richard E. Byrd and Floyd Bennett claimed to have completed the first flight over the North Pole on May 9, 1926, a feat that was celebrated at the time but later subjected to scrutiny regarding its accuracy.

5. 1945 – End of World War II in Europe

Germany’s unconditional surrender became effective, marking the end of World War II in Europe. While May 8 is celebrated as Victory in Europe (VE) Day in Western countries, the Soviet Union and several Eastern European nations commemorate May 9 as Victory Day due to time zone differences.

6. 1950 – Schuman Declaration proposes European integration

French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman presented a plan to place French and German coal and steel production under a common authority, laying the groundwork for the European Coal and Steel Community and, eventually, the European Union.

7. 1960 – FDA approves the first birth control pill

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted approval for Enovid, the first oral contraceptive pill, revolutionizing reproductive health and women’s rights.

8. 1974 – Impeachment hearings begin against President Nixon

The U.S. House Judiciary Committee commenced formal impeachment hearings against President Richard Nixon in connection with the Watergate scandal, leading to his resignation later that year.

9. 1980 – Sunshine Skyway Bridge disaster

A freighter collided with a support column of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in Florida during a storm, causing a portion of the bridge to collapse and resulting in the deaths of 35 people.

10. 2025 – 80th anniversary of Victory Day marked amid global tensions

Russia commemorated the 80th anniversary of Victory Day with a military parade in Moscow’s Red Square, attended by leaders including China’s Xi Jinping and Brazil’s Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. The event occurred amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning the conflict in Ukraine.