Talky Toons, Tragic Endings, and New Nations!
Get ready, history explorers! May 23rd is packed with surprises, from a famous US state joining the country to a legendary cartoon character finally finding his voice. It’s a day where the spotlight shone on both outlaws and groundbreaking new tech. Let's jump into the time machine and see what else popped off!
Did you know that on this day, a new German state was born, setting the stage for a huge part of the Cold War? Plus, a famous French heroine was captured, changing the course of a major European conflict! History’s drama is always better than TV!
What Happened on This Day
Joan of Arc Captured by Burgundians
Talk about a tough break! The brave French hero, Joan of Arc, who was leading French armies to victory, was captured by soldiers from Burgundy while defending the town of Compiègne. The Burgundians were enemies of Joan’s side and didn't treat her kindly. They actually sold her over to the English! Imagine having such a bad day that you end up on the wrong side of a major war—talk about a historical setback for the French!
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South Carolina Becomes the 8th State
Boom! South Carolina officially said 'Yes!' to being one of the first states in the brand-new United States of America. Think of it like being one of the first friends to join a super exclusive club. They ratified (which means officially approved) the US Constitution, making them the eighth state out of the original thirteen. This was a huge step in making the United States a real, solid country, not just an idea!
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Mickey Mouse Says His First Words!
For the first time ever, the world heard Mickey Mouse *talk*! It wasn't a full movie, but a cartoon short called 'The Karnival Kid' where Mickey actually says the words, 'Hot dogs!' Before this, like in his very first appearance, he just squeaked and whistled. This was a massive deal for cartoons—suddenly, characters didn't just move and look funny, they could actually chat! It kicked off the age of 'talkies' in animation.
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The Infamous Bonnie and Clyde Are Stopped
The notorious outlaws, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, whose crime spree was like something out of a wild adventure movie (but super dangerous in real life!), finally met their match. A group of law enforcement officers ambushed their car in Louisiana and ended their reign of terror in a massive shootout. Their story became a legend of the Great Depression era—a real-life crime drama that shocked the nation.
West Germany Officially Begins
After the end of World War II, Germany was split up. On this day, the Western zones (controlled by the US, UK, and France) officially created the Federal Republic of Germany, often called West Germany. This was a huge step that basically created two separate German nations—East and West—which became a major battleground in the Cold War, like two teams facing off in a very long, tense game. This event laid the groundwork for modern Germany.
Learn moreFun Facts About May 23
- May 23rd is also known as World Turtle Day—a perfect day to appreciate these ancient, slow-and-steady reptiles!
- The first words spoken by Mickey Mouse, 'Hot dogs!', were actually a famous catchphrase of the time.
- South Carolina ratified the US Constitution years after they helped win the war to create it!
- The new country formed on this day in 1949 eventually reunited with East Germany in 1990.
A Look Back in Time
May 23rd often puts us right in the middle of big shifts! In the 15th century, the capture of Joan of Arc meant a major setback for France in the Hundred Years' War. Fast forward to the 18th century, and we see the young United States gaining strength as South Carolina formally joins. The 20th century events—Mickey talking and the start of West Germany—show how much culture and politics can change in just one generation, moving from the Great Depression era to the beginning of the Cold War.
Born on This Day
Carl Linnaeus
This Swedish botanist was like the first-ever filing expert for nature! He created the super organized system we still use to name plants and animals using two Latin names (like *Homo sapiens*). He basically gave every living thing on Earth a proper address in the science world.
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Douglas Fairbanks
Imagine a superhero actor before superheroes were cool! Douglas Fairbanks was a massive silent film star known for his incredible athleticism and swashbuckling roles, like in *The Mark of Zorro*. He played heroes who leaped across rooftops and fought with flair, inspiring future action stars.
Joan Collins
An iconic actress who has worked in movies and TV for decades! You might know her best from the classic TV show *Dynasty*, where she played a glamorous, dramatic character. She's shown that you can have a long, exciting career in Hollywood, proving she’s a true star.
Marvelous Marvin Hagler
This boxer was so dominant in the ring that he legally changed his first name to 'Marvelous'! Marvin Hagler was one of the greatest middleweight boxing champions ever. He was known for his intense training and non-stop aggressive style, making his fights must-see events in the 1980s.