What Happened on May 2?
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events
births
deaths
holidays
EVENTS ON MAY 2
Explore the most important historical events that happened on May 2, featuring key moments that shaped the world.
April Uprising of 1876
Year:
1876
The April Uprising breaks out in Ottoman Bulgaria.
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Albert Günther
Year:
1867
Albert Günther publishes the first study to recognise that the New Zealand tuatara is not a lizard.
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Peruvians
Year:
1866
Peruvian defenders fight off the Spanish fleet at the Battle of Callao.
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American Civil War
Year:
1863
American Civil War: Stonewall Jackson is wounded by friendly fire while returning to camp after reconnoitering during the Battle of Chancellorsville. He succumbs to pneumonia eight days later.
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Cree
Year:
1885
Cree and Assiniboine warriors win the Battle of Cut Knife, their largest victory over Canadian forces during the North-West Rebellion.
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Menelik II
Year:
1889
Menelik II, Emperor of Ethiopia, signs the Treaty of Wuchale, giving Italy control over Eritrea.
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Death marches during the Holocaust
Year:
1945
World War II: A death march from Dachau to the Austrian border is halted by the segregated, all-Nisei 522nd Field Artillery Battalion of the U.S. Army in southern Bavaria, saving several hundred prisoners.
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World War II
Year:
1941
World War II: Following the coup d'état against Iraq Crown Prince 'Abd al-Ilah earlier that year, the United Kingdom launches the Anglo-Iraqi War to restore him to power.
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BIRTHS ON MAY 2
Discover famous people and historical figures born on May 2, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.
Marten Toonder
Year of birth:
1912
Marten Toonder, Dutch comic strip creator (died 2005)
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Nigel Patrick
Year of birth:
1912
Nigel Patrick, English actor and director (died 1981)
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Alexander Bonnyman Jr.
Year of birth:
1910
Alexander Bonnyman Jr., American lieutenant, Medal of Honor recipient (died 1943)
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Edmund Bacon (architect)
Year of birth:
1910
Edmund Bacon, American urban planner, architect, educator, and author (died 2005)
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Axel Springer
Year of birth:
1912
Axel Springer, German journalist and publisher, founded Axel Springer AG (died 1985)
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Peggy Mount
Year of birth:
1915
Peggy Mount, English actress (died 2001)
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Joseph Turner Henderson, known as Joe "Mr Piano" Henderson, was a Scottish pianist, composer and recording artist who became well-known in Britain in the 1950s, with his entertainment career continuing into the 1960s and 1970s.
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Joe "Mr Piano" Henderson
Year of birth:
1920
Joe "Mr Piano" Henderson, Scottish pianist and composer
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Văn Tiến Dũng
Year of birth:
1917
Văn Tiến Dũng, Vietnamese general and politician, 6th Minister of Defence for Vietnam (died 2002)
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DEATHS ON MAY 2
Look back at notable individuals who passed away on May 2, and learn about their lasting influences on history.
Wallace Bryant (archer)
Year of death:
1953
Wallace Bryant, American archer (born 1863)
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Dorothea Binz
Year of death:
1947
Dorothea Binz, German SS officer (born 1920)
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Joseph McCarthy
Year of death:
1957
Joseph McCarthy, American captain, lawyer, judge, and politician (born 1908)
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Ronald Barnes, 3rd Baron Gorell
Year of death:
1963
Ronald Barnes, 3rd Baron Gorell, English cricketer, peer, politician, poet, author and newspaper editor (born 1884)
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Nancy Astor, Viscountess Astor
Year of death:
1964
Nancy Astor, Viscountess Astor, American-English politician (born 1879)
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Bill Denny
Year of death:
1946
Bill Denny, Australian journalist, lawyer, politician, and decorated soldier (born 1872)
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Martin Bormann
Year of death:
1945
Martin Bormann, German politician (born 1900)
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Ernest Starling
Year of death:
1927
Ernest Starling, English physiologist and academic (born 1866)
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HOLIDAYS ON MAY 2
See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on May 2 around the world.
Dos de Mayo Uprising
Anniversary of the Dos de Mayo Uprising (Community of Madrid, Spain)
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William Tirry
Christian feast day: William Tirry (Catholic Church)
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Polish National Flag Day
Flag Day (Poland)
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List of Teachers' Days
Teachers' Day (Iran) (this date is non-Gregorian and may change according to the March Equinox, see List of observances set by the Solar Hijri calendar)
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Harry Potter
International Harry Potter Day
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Wiborada
Christian feast day: Wiborada (Catholic Church)
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May 2 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Christian feast day: May 2 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
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Vietnamese Martyrs
Christian feast day: Joseph Luu Van Nguyen (Catholic Church)
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