Volcanoes Blow! Empires Fall! History on May 18!
Get ready for a HUGE day in history! May 18th has seen some of the biggest showdowns, the most explosive natural disasters, and even the start of brand new national governments. It’s a day where the world dramatically changed, from the final curtain falling on Crusader castles to brand new laws being written. Let's see what amazing moments rocked the calendar on this day!
Did you know this single day saw the end of the Crusades in the Holy Land *and* the beginning of a massive volcano eruption that reshaped a whole mountain? It proves that history is full of massive moments, both planned by people and caused by nature! Today, we’re jumping from ancient political drama to earth-shattering geology.
What Happened on This Day
Mount St. Helens Erupts with a BOOM!
Imagine a mountain having the world’s loudest burp! On May 18, 1980, Mount St. Helens in Washington State exploded in a massive eruption. It wasn't just smoke; the whole side of the mountain collapsed, sending ash miles into the sky. This gigantic landslide and explosion sadly took 57 lives and caused billions in damage. It was a huge reminder that planet Earth is still very much alive and powerful!
The Final Fall of Acre in the Holy Land
For hundreds of years, the Crusaders held onto a few key cities in the Middle East, like Acre. But in 1291, the powerful Mamluk army surrounded the city. After a long siege, the city finally fell on May 18th. This event marked the end of the major Crusader presence in the Holy Land. Think of it like the final boss battle for the Crusaders, and it was a decisive loss that closed a major chapter in history.
India Tests Its First Atomic Bomb!
On this day, India successfully tested its first nuclear weapon, nicknamed 'Smiling Buddha.' This made India the sixth nation in the world to join the exclusive – and slightly scary – club of countries that had tested an atomic bomb. Imagine being the scientists who pulled off this massive, top-secret project! It was a huge moment for the country’s science and military power, changing the global balance of power.
Napoleon Crowns Himself Emperor of France
Napoleon Bonaparte was already super powerful in France, but he wanted more! Instead of letting the Pope do the traditional crowning ceremony in Rome, Napoleon famously took the crown *from* the Pope and placed it on his own head. This bold move showed everyone that he ruled by his own power, not by religious permission. It was the ultimate power move, turning the French Republic into an Empire with him as the Emperor!
Abraham Lincoln Gets the Presidential Nod
Before he was the famous President who led the USA through the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln had to win his party's nomination! On May 18, 1860, the Republican Party chose Lincoln to run for President over other big names. He wasn't the most expected choice, but his nomination set the stage for the election that would change America forever. It’s a great reminder that even world leaders have to get nominated first!
Learn moreFun Facts About May 18
- The Mount St. Helens blast was so big it could be heard over 200 miles away!
- Napoleon's self-coronation in 1804 was a super dramatic way to show who was boss!
- Rhode Island passed a law making slavery illegal way back in 1652 on this day!
- The first Indian feature film, *Shree Pundalik*, was released in Mumbai on May 18, 1912.
A Look Back in Time
May 18th often brings major shifts in power, whether by force or by a vote. In the Middle Ages, this date marked the end of an era—the final departure of the Crusaders from the Holy Land after the Fall of Acre. Fast forward to the early 1800s, and you see political ambition on full display with Napoleon's grand, self-serving coronation. In the spring, major world events tend to build momentum, leading to huge decisions in politics, like Lincoln’s presidential nomination, and massive, unpredictable natural forces, like the St. Helens eruption.
Born on This Day
Pope John Paul II
Karol Wojtyła, known as Pope John Paul II, was a world traveler and the first non-Italian Pope in centuries! He was a massive figure who spoke out for peace and human rights around the globe. He was incredibly influential and popular with young people everywhere.
Tina Fey
Tina Fey is a hilarious writer, actress, and comedian famous for shows like *Saturday Night Live* and *30 Rock*. She was the first female head writer at SNL and has won tons of awards for making us laugh with smart, funny characters.
Omar Khayyam
Omar Khayyam was a Persian scholar who was an expert in math, astronomy, and poetry! He’s most famous for his collection of poems called the *Rubaiyat*, which look at life, love, and the universe in deep and beautiful ways.
Nicholas II of Russia
Nicholas II was the very last Tsar (Emperor) of Russia. He ruled for a long time but struggled to keep up with all the big changes happening in the world. His reign ended when the Russian Revolution forced him to give up his throne.