May the Fourth Be With You! (For Real)
Welcome to May 4th, History Explorers! This day is a wild mix: explorers setting foot on new islands, a major shake-up in music awards, and even a day that reminds us to stand up for what we believe in. Get ready to jump through time with us as we check out some seriously cool—and sometimes serious—moments that all happened on this date!
Today in history we see a major shift in how we share music with the very first Grammy Awards being handed out! But it’s not all trophies and applause; May 4th also features a famous day of protest that shook the United States and even a famous explorer landing on an island during his second voyage to the New World.
What Happened on This Day
Columbus Lands on Jamaica During Second Trip
Imagine sailing for weeks and suddenly spotting an island you’ve never seen! On May 4, 1494, during his second trip across the Atlantic, Christopher Columbus sailed into sight of Jamaica. He thought he was just visiting another island, but he’d actually found a place that would become a famous nation centuries later! This was part of the huge Age of Exploration, where sailors were mapping out the entire globe. It was a major moment for European understanding of the Americas, even if the people already living there had a different view.
Learn more
The Shocking Haymarket Riot in Chicago
In 1886, workers in Chicago were fighting for better hours and safer workplaces. On May 4th, a huge rally turned terrifying when someone—no one knows exactly who—threw a bomb into a crowd of police officers. Chaos erupted, leading to several deaths on both sides. This event, known as the Haymarket Affair, sadly led to the execution of several labor activists. It became a dark but important symbol in the long fight for workers' rights everywhere.
USA Takes Over the Panama Canal Construction
Building a canal across the narrow strip of land connecting North and South America (Panama) was a HUGE engineering puzzle! For years, French teams tried and failed, partly due to disease. But on May 4, 1904, the United States officially took over the massive project. Imagine the giant shovels, the huge locks, and all the planning needed! It was a truly world-changing feat of engineering that would connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans forever.
The Very First Grammy Awards Ceremony
Forget messy science experiments or battles—let's talk about music! On May 4, 1959, the music world held its breath for the very first Grammy Awards. Think of it like the World Series or the Olympics, but for singers and musicians! Artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie went home with the shiny gramophone trophy that night. Before this, there wasn't one big, official award to celebrate the best songs and albums of the year. Now THAT'S history!
Tragic Kent State Shootings During Protest
Not all protests end peacefully, and May 4, 1970, is a very sad day in American history. Students at Kent State University in Ohio were protesting the Vietnam War when members of the National Guard opened fire on the crowd. Four students were killed, and many others were injured. This awful event caused huge shockwaves across the country and made many young people question authority and the ongoing war. It's a tough reminder of how important it is to talk things out, not shoot.
Fun Facts About May 4
- May 4th is also celebrated as 'Star Wars Day' because 'May the Fourth' sounds like 'May the Force be with you'!
- The Royal Canadian Navy was officially created on May 4, 1910, after being part of the British Royal Navy.
- Ernest Hemingway won the Pulitzer Prize for his book 'The Old Man and the Sea' on this day in 1953.
- May 4th is International Firefighters' Day, honoring firefighters around the world!
A Look Back in Time
May 4th has seen a huge range of human activity! We jump from the Age of Exploration in 1494, with European powers dividing up the 'New World,' to the rise of global industry with the U.S. taking over the Panama Canal in 1904. Later, the mid-20th century brought both cultural milestones, like the first Grammys, and intense political turmoil with the tragic Kent State shootings. This date reminds us that history isn't just old wars; it’s about exploration, building, culture, and standing up for your beliefs.
Born on This Day
Audrey Hepburn
You probably know her from the movie *Breakfast at Tiffany's*! Audrey Hepburn was a super-famous actress known for her elegance, style, and big, beautiful eyes. She also worked hard as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, helping children around the world.
Thomas Henry Huxley
This brilliant scientist was nicknamed 'Darwin's Bulldog' because he was the main person who defended Charles Darwin’s ideas about evolution. He studied biology and fossils, helping people understand how life on Earth has changed over millions of years. What a dedicated science detective!
Golda Meir
Golda Meir was a true trailblazer who became the fourth Prime Minister of Israel! She was one of the country's founders and led it through the Yom Kippur War. Imagine being the leader of a whole country—that's a lot of responsibility!
Will Arnett
Will Arnett is a hilarious Canadian actor famous for voicing characters like the LEGO Batman in the *LEGO* movies! He’s also known for his roles in funny TV shows. He’s a master of playing characters who think they are super cool, even when they aren't.