On May 18, history reveals a tapestry of significant events that shaped the world. From the dramatic fall of Antioch in 1268 to the bold nuclear test by India in 1974, this date marks pivotal moments across centuries. Births of influential figures and tragic losses also punctuate the day. Curious about the full scope of these events? There’s much more to uncover on this remarkable date.
History
Major Historical Events
1268 – Battle of Antioch: The Mamluk Sultanate, led by Baybars, decisively defeated the Crusader forces in the city of Antioch, marking the end of the Principality of Antioch, one of the key Crusader states in the Levant.
This event greatly weakened the Crusader presence in the region.
1804 – Napoleon Bonaparte Proclaimed Emperor: Napoleon was officially proclaimed Emperor of the French by the French Senate, marking a pivotal moment in his rise to power.
This transformation changed France from a republic to an empire under his rule.
1860 – Abraham Lincoln Nominated for President: Abraham Lincoln was nominated as the Republican candidate for President of the United States at the party’s convention in Chicago.
This set the stage for his eventual election and leadership during the American Civil War.
1974 – India Becomes a Nuclear Power: India successfully conducted its first nuclear test, codenamed “Smiling Buddha,” in Pokhran, Rajasthan.
This made India the sixth nation in the world to possess nuclear weapons and shifted the balance of power in South Asia.
1980 – Mount St. Helens Eruption: The catastrophic eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington State, USA, killed 57 people and caused widespread destruction.
This marked one of the deadliest and most economically damaging volcanic events in U.S. history.
Famous Birthdays
1868 – Nicholas II of Russia: The last Emperor of Russia was born on this day in Tsarskoye Selo. Nicholas II ruled during a tumultuous period, ultimately abdicating in 1917 during the Russian Revolution, and his family was later executed by the Bolsheviks.
1872 – Bertrand Russell: The British philosopher, mathematician, and Nobel Prize laureate was born in Trellech, Wales. Russell made significant contributions to logic and analytic philosophy, and he was a prominent advocate for peace and social reform.
1912 – Perry Como: The American singer and television personality, known for his smooth voice and relaxed style, was born in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. Como became one of the most popular crooners of the 20th century with hits like “Catch a Falling Star.”
1920 – Pope John Paul II: Born as Karol Józef Wojtyła in Wadowice, Poland, he became the first non-Italian pope in over 450 years when elected in 1978. His papacy was marked by efforts to promote peace and interfaith dialogue.
1970 – Tina Fey: The American actress, comedian, and writer was born in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. Fey is best known for her work on “Saturday Night Live,” creating the hit series “30 Rock,” and her iconic role in “Mean Girls.”
Notable Deaths
1909 – Isaac Albéniz: The Spanish composer and pianist, renowned for his works inspired by Spanish folk music, passed away on this day in Cambo-les-Bains, France. His compositions, such as the suite “Iberia,” remain influential in classical music.
1911 – Gustav Mahler: The Austrian composer and conductor, a leading figure in late-Romantic music, died in Vienna. Mahler’s symphonies and songs, blending profound emotion with innovative orchestration, left a lasting impact on classical music.
1981 – William Saroyan: The American playwright and novelist, known for his Pulitzer Prize-winning play “The Time of Your Life,” passed away in Fresno, California. Saroyan’s works often explored themes of human kindness and the immigrant experience.
Today in Music History
1911 – Gustav Mahler’s Death: As mentioned earlier, the legendary composer Gustav Mahler passed away on this day, leaving behind a legacy of symphonic works that continue to inspire musicians and audiences worldwide.
1967 – The Beatles Sign with EMI: The Beatles signed a new nine-year contract with EMI Records, solidifying their partnership with the label that would produce some of the most iconic albums in music history, including “Abbey Road” and “Let It Be.”
1978 – “The Buddy Holly Story” Premieres: The biographical film about rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Buddy Holly premiered on this day, starring Gary Busey in the lead role. The movie celebrated Holly’s contributions to music before his tragic death in 1959.
Today in Sports History
1953 – Jacqueline Cochran Breaks Sound Barrier: American aviator Jacqueline Cochran became the first woman to break the sound barrier, piloting a Canadair F-86 Sabre jet over California. Her achievement marked a significant milestone in aviation history.
1977 – Joe Louis Arena Groundbreaking: The groundbreaking ceremony for Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, took place on this day. The venue would become the longtime home of the Detroit Red Wings hockey team until its closure in 2017.
2012 – London Olympic Torch Relay Begins: The torch relay for the 2012 London Olympics officially started on this day at Land’s End in Cornwall, England, marking the beginning of a nationwide journey leading up to the opening ceremony.
Today in Military and Naval History
1268 – Fall of Antioch to the Mamluks: As noted earlier, the Mamluk Sultan Baybars captured Antioch from the Crusaders on this day, effectively ending the city’s role as a major Crusader stronghold in the Middle East.
1804 – Napoleon’s Coronation Preparations: With his proclamation as Emperor on this day, Napoleon began preparations for his coronation. This move symbolized his consolidation of military and political power in France and across Europe.
1944 – Battle of Monte Cassino Ends: During World War II, Allied forces finally captured the strategic monastery of Monte Cassino in Italy after months of intense fighting against German defenses. This marked a key victory in the Italian Campaign.
Today in Tech and Science History
1974 – India’s First Nuclear Test: As previously mentioned, India conducted its first successful nuclear test on this day, codenamed “Smiling Buddha,” joining the ranks of nuclear-armed nations and reshaping global geopolitics.
1980 – Mount St. Helens Eruption: The eruption of Mount St. Helens, also noted earlier, provided scientists with critical data on volcanic activity, ash dispersal, and ecological recovery. This advanced volcanology and environmental science.
Today in Art, Literature, and Culture
1933 – Tennessee Valley Authority Established: The U.S. Congress passed legislation creating the Tennessee Valley Authority on this day, leading to cultural and economic transformation in the region. This later inspired artistic works and literature about rural America.
1969 – Apollo 10 Launch: NASA’s Apollo 10 mission launched on this day as a dress rehearsal for the moon landing, capturing iconic images of Earth from space. These images inspired countless works of art and cultural reflections on humanity’s place in the universe.
1978 – Premiere of “The Buddy Holly Story”: As mentioned in music history, the premiere of this film on May 18 celebrated Buddy Holly’s cultural impact, influencing later generations of musicians and filmmakers.
Funny & Weird Historical Facts
1652 – Rhode Island Passes Anti-Slavery Law: Rhode Island passed one of the earliest anti-slavery laws in the American colonies on this day, though enforcement was so lax that the state later became a hub for the slave trade.
1830 – First Lawn Mower Patented: Edwin Budding, an Englishman, patented the first lawn mower on this day, inspired by a cloth-cutting machine. His invention was originally pulled by horses, making early lawn care a strangely equine affair.
1910 – Earth Passes Through Halley’s Comet Tail: On this day, Earth passed through the tail of Halley’s Comet, prompting widespread panic as some believed the event would bring poisonous gases or apocalyptic doom. None of which, thankfully, happened.
Today in History for Kids
1804 – Napoleon Becomes Emperor: A long time ago, a man named Napoleon became the Emperor of France on this day.
He was a powerful leader who wanted to make France the strongest country in Europe, and he led big armies into many battles.
1953 – First Woman to Break the Sound Barrier: A super brave pilot named Jacqueline Cochran flew faster than the speed of sound on this day.
She was the first woman to do it, showing everyone that girls can be amazing pilots too!
1980 – A Volcano Explodes: A huge volcano called Mount St. Helens in the United States erupted on this day, sending ash and rocks into the sky.
It was a scary event, but scientists learned a lot about how volcanoes work from it.
Today in History Trivia & Interesting Facts
1268 – Antioch’s Population Devastated: During the fall of Antioch to the Mamluks on this day, historical accounts suggest that Baybars ordered a brutal massacre.
With tens of thousands of residents killed or enslaved, it became one of the darkest moments of the Crusades.
1804 – Napoleon’s Title Choice: When Napoleon was proclaimed Emperor on this day, he deliberately chose the title “Emperor of the French” rather than “Emperor of France.”
This emphasized his connection to the people rather than just the land.
1974 – Smiling Buddha’s Secret: India’s first nuclear test on this day was kept so secret that even many high-ranking Indian officials were unaware of the operation until after it was successfully completed.
1980 – Mount St. Helens’ Unexpected Power: The eruption of Mount St. Helens on this day released energy equivalent to 1,600 times the power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima.
This showcased the incredible force of nature.