1807day.year
The Slave Trade Act 1807 takes effect, abolishing the slave trade within the British Empire.
On May 1, 1807, the British Parliament enacted the Slave Trade Act, ending the transatlantic slave trade in the British Empire.
Building on years of abolitionist campaigning led by William Wilberforce, the Slave Trade Act outlawed the transport of enslaved Africans by British ships. The law mandated naval patrols to suppress illegal slave trading along the African coast. While the act did not free existing slaves, it marked a crucial step toward ending the inhumane trade. Atlantic economies adjusted as Britain shifted focus to other colonies and industries. The act inspired abolition movements across Europe and the Americas. The legacy of this legislation resonates in ongoing discussions about human rights and historical memory.
1807
Slave Trade Act 1807
1840day.year
The Penny Black, the first official adhesive postage stamp, is issued in the United Kingdom.
The world's first adhesive postage stamp revolutionized mail delivery in the United Kingdom.
On May 1, 1840, the United Kingdom issued the Penny Black, the world’s first official adhesive postage stamp. This innovation standardized postal rates and simplified mail processing across the nation. Designed under the guidance of Sir Rowland Hill, it featured a profile of Queen Victoria and a bold black design. The introduction of prepaid postage transformed the accessibility of mail services for the public. Collectors today prize surviving Penny Black stamps for their historical significance and rarity.
1840
Penny Black
postage stamp
United Kingdom
1866day.year
The Memphis Race Riots begin. Over three days, 46 blacks and two whites were killed. Reports of the atrocities influenced passage of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
The Memphis Race Riots erupted, resulting in violence and deaths that influenced U.S. constitutional reform.
On May 1, 1866, racial tensions in Memphis, Tennessee, erupted into three days of violent riots targeting newly freed Black residents. Sparked by conflicts over employment, political rights, and social integration, white mobs attacked Black neighborhoods, churches, and schools. By the end of the unrest, 46 African Americans and two whites had been killed, and hundreds more were injured or displaced. The brutality captured national attention and fueled debates in Congress over civil rights protections. Legislative advocates cited the riots as evidence of the need for the Fourteenth Amendment to guarantee equal protection under the law. The Memphis Riots thus became a pivotal moment in Reconstruction-era America, underscoring the challenges of racial justice.
1866
Memphis Race Riots
Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution
1886day.year
Rallies are held throughout the United States demanding the eight-hour work day, culminating in the Haymarket affair in Chicago, in commemoration of which May 1 is celebrated as International Workers' Day in many countries.
Workers nationwide rallied for an eight-hour day, leading to the Haymarket affair and the birth of International Workers’ Day.
On May 1, 1886, labor activists organized strikes and demonstrations nationwide, demanding the adoption of an eight-hour workday for industrial workers. In Chicago, large crowds gathered at Haymarket Square to protest police violence against strikers. The rally turned tragic when a bomb was thrown into the crowd, killing and injuring both police officers and civilians. The ensuing crackdown led to controversial trials and heightened tensions between labor and law enforcement. In remembrance of the events, May 1 became International Workers’ Day, celebrated annually by labor movements worldwide. These protests underscored the struggle for labor rights and shaped future labor reforms in the United States and beyond.
1886
Haymarket affair
Chicago
International Workers' Day
1894day.year
Coxey's Army, the first significant American protest march, arrives in Washington, D.C.
In May 1894, thousands of unemployed Americans led by Jacob S. Coxey marched to Washington, D.C., demanding federal relief through public works projects.
Coxey's Army emerged during the severe economic depression of the early 1890s, organized by Ohio businessman Jacob S. Coxey. Starting with just a handful of veterans, the procession swelled to hundreds as it traversed the country. On May 1, they reached the nation’s capital, taking their grievances directly to Congress. The marchers called for the passage of an 'Army of the Commonweal' bill to fund road construction and provide jobs. Though President Cleveland never met them, their actions brought national attention to the plight of the unemployed. The event set a precedent for future demonstrations and remains a landmark in American protest history.
1894
Coxey's Army
protest march
Washington, D.C.
1925day.year
The All-China Federation of Trade Unions is officially founded. Today it is the largest trade union in the world, with 134 million members.
In 1925, China’s national labor federation was established, later growing into the world’s largest trade union with over 100 million members.
On May 1, 1925, the All-China Federation of Trade Unions (ACFTU) was formally founded as a unified body representing Chinese workers nationwide. The creation of the ACFTU reflected the burgeoning labor movement amid political upheaval and growing industrialization. Initially driven by Communist and nationalist influences, the federation aimed to secure improved wages, working conditions, and social welfare for laborers. Over the decades, the ACFTU expanded its reach, ultimately encompassing workers from diverse sectors across China. Today, with membership exceeding 134 million, it remains the largest trade union in the world. The ACFTU has played a central role in China’s labor policies and social stability, balancing state objectives with workers’ interests. Its foundation marked a significant milestone in the history of organized labor.
1925
All-China Federation of Trade Unions
trade union
1946day.year
Start of three-year Pilbara strike of Indigenous Australians.
Indigenous pastoral workers in the Pilbara begin a landmark three-year strike for better wages and conditions.
On May 1, 1946, hundreds of Indigenous Aboriginal pastoral workers in Western Australia's Pilbara region walked off the job.
They demanded fair pay, decent housing, and basic labor rights from white station owners.
The strike, one of the longest in Australian history, lasted until 1949 and attracted national attention.
Organized by activists like Don McLeod and Clancy McKenna, it laid the foundation for future Indigenous rights movements.
Although immediate gains were limited, the Pilbara strike galvanized public awareness and helped shape Australia's journey toward reconciliation.
1946
Pilbara strike
Indigenous Australians
1975day.year
The Särkänniemi Amusement Park opens in Tampere, Finland.
Särkänniemi Amusement Park opens in Tampere, Finland, offering a range of rides and attractions to visitors.
On May 1, 1975, the Särkänniemi Amusement Park welcomed its first guests on the shores of Lake Näsijärvi in Tampere. The park featured thrilling roller coasters, a classic carousel, and one of Finland’s first planetariums. Over the years, Särkänniemi expanded to include an aquarium, dolphinarium, and observation tower with panoramic views. It quickly became a popular family destination and a key attraction in Finnish leisure culture. Today, Särkänniemi remains one of Scandinavia’s most beloved parks, blending entertainment and education.
1975
Särkänniemi Amusement Park
Tampere
2009day.year
Same-sex marriage is legalized in Sweden.
Sweden becomes one of the early adopters of same-sex marriage legalization on May 1, 2009.
On May 1, 2009, Sweden officially legalized same-sex marriage, granting same-sex couples the same marital rights as opposite-sex couples. This landmark decision followed years of advocacy by LGBTQ+ groups and political debate. The new law amended existing partnership legislation and allowed joint adoption for same-sex spouses. Sweden had recognized registered partnerships since 1995, making this a significant step forward in marriage equality. The move reinforced Sweden's reputation as a leader in human rights and equal treatment. Ceremonies and celebrations marked the day across the country, highlighting its social and cultural impact.
2009
Same-sex marriage