All Events

Historical Events on May 15

  • American Revolution

    1776

    American Revolution: The Fifth Virginia Convention instructs its Continental Congress delegation to propose a resolution of independence from Great Britain, paving the way for the United States Declaration of Independence.

  • French Revolution

    1791

    French Revolution: Maximilien Robespierre proposes the Self-denying Ordinance.

  • Australian gold rushes

    1851

    The first Australian gold rush is proclaimed, although the discovery had been made three months earlier.

  • Women's suffrage

    1869

    Women's suffrage: In New York, Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton form the National Woman Suffrage Association.

  • Netherlands

    1940

    World War II: After fierce fighting, the poorly trained and equipped Dutch troops surrender to Germany, marking the beginning of five years of occupation.

  • Joseph Stalin

    1943

    Joseph Stalin dissolves the Comintern (or Third International).

  • Soviet Union

    1958

    The Soviet Union launches Sputnik 3.

  • Richard Nixon

    1970

    President Richard Nixon appoints Anna Mae Hays and Elizabeth P. Hoisington the first female United States Army generals.

  • Soviet war in Afghanistan

    1988

    Soviet war in Afghanistan: After more than eight years of fighting, the Soviet Army begins to withdraw 115,000 troops from Afghanistan.

All Births

Famous Birthdays on May 15

All Deaths

Famous Deaths on May 15

14. May

16. May