May 04

Events - Politics & Government

1493day.year

In the papal bull Inter caetera, Pope Alexander VI divides the New World between Spain and Portugal along the Line of Demarcation.

Pope Alexander VI issues the papal bull Inter caetera in 1493, drawing a Line of Demarcation to divide the New World between Spain and Portugal.
In 1493, Pope Alexander VI issued the papal bull Inter caetera to arbitrate competing claims by Spain and Portugal over newly discovered lands in the Americas. The decree drew an imaginary Line of Demarcation 100 leagues west of the Azores, granting all lands to the west to Spain and those to the east to Portugal. This division aimed to resolve disputes following Columbus’s voyages but left many indigenous peoples’ rights unaddressed. The bull formed the basis for the later Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494, which adjusted the demarcation line further west. Inter caetera had far-reaching consequences for the colonial ambitions of European powers and shaped the geopolitical landscape of the Americas. It remains a landmark moment in the history of colonialism and international diplomacy.
1493 papal bull Inter caetera Pope Alexander VI New World Line of Demarcation
1776day.year

Rhode Island becomes the first American colony to renounce allegiance to King George III.

Rhode Island becomes the first American colony to renounce allegiance to King George III on May 4, 1776.
On May 4, 1776, the colony of Rhode Island formally declared its independence from Great Britain, ahead of the Continental Congress’s declaration later that year. Settlers cited grievances over taxation without representation and British interference in colonial affairs. This bold move made Rhode Island a pioneer among the colonies in rejecting monarchical rule. The declaration reflected growing revolutionary sentiment and inspired other colonies to take similar actions. Rhode Island’s early break with Britain underscored the resolve for self-governance that fueled the American Revolution. The event is commemorated as a key step toward the founding of the United States.
1776 Rhode Island George III
1814day.year

Emperor Napoleon arrives at Portoferraio on the island of Elba to begin his exile.

Napoleon Bonaparte arrives at Portoferraio on Elba to commence his exile following his abdication in 1814.
On May 4, 1814, Napoleon Bonaparte landed at Portoferraio on the island of Elba under terms of the Treaty of Fontainebleau. Exiled far from France, he was granted sovereignty over Elba but under close Allied supervision. Despite the island’s small size, he quickly organized its administration, introduced reforms, and improved infrastructure. His stay on Elba lasted less than a year, but he used the time to maintain contact with supporters. In February 1815, he escaped and returned to France, sparking the Hundred Days campaign. Napoleon’s exile to Elba remains a dramatic episode in his storied life and the Napoleonic Wars.
1814 Napoleon Portoferraio Elba
1814day.year

King Ferdinand VII abolishes the Spanish Constitution of 1812, returning Spain to absolutism.

On May 4, 1814, King Ferdinand VII nullified the Spanish Constitution of 1812 and restored absolute monarchy, ending a brief experiment in liberal government.
The Spanish Constitution of 1812 was adopted by the Cortes of Cádiz during the Peninsular War, championing liberal and constitutional monarchy principles. On May 4, 1814, King Ferdinand VII abolished this constitution upon his restoration to the throne, rejecting its reforms. The abolition marked a decisive turn back to absolutism, dissolving representative bodies and revoking civil rights established under the 1812 charter. This reversal unsettled intellectuals and reformists who had gained political influence during the French occupation. It ignited dissent among liberal factions, setting the stage for future constitutional struggles and civil conflicts in Spain. The event remains a pivotal moment in Spanish history, highlighting the contest between absolutism and liberalism.
Spanish Constitution of 1812 absolutism
1910day.year

The Royal Canadian Navy is created.

On May 4, 1910, the Royal Canadian Navy was established, granting Canada its own naval force separate from Britain.
The Naval Service Act of 1910 authorized the creation of the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) under the reign of King Edward VII. The initial fleet included the cruisers HMCS Niobe and HMCS Rainbow, transferred from the Royal Navy. The RCN’s formation signaled Canada’s growing autonomy in defense and its commitment to maritime security. Early roles included fisheries patrols, search and rescue, and training exercises along Canada’s extensive coastline. The navy expanded rapidly during World War I, escorting convoys and engaging in anti-submarine warfare. The establishment of the RCN laid the foundation for Canada’s modern naval capabilities and its role in international affairs.
1910 Royal Canadian Navy
1932day.year

Having been incarcerated at the Cook County Jail since his sentencing on October 24, 1931, mobster Al Capone is transferred to the federal penitentiary in Atlanta after the U.S. Supreme Court denies his appeal for conviction of tax evasion.

Notorious gangster Al Capone is transferred to Atlanta’s federal penitentiary after his appeal is denied.
After being convicted of tax evasion in 1931, Al Capone spent months at the Cook County Jail in Chicago while awaiting the outcome of his appeal. On May 4, 1932, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected his attempt to overturn the verdict, sealing his fate. Federal authorities promptly moved Capone to the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary, a facility designed to break the power of high-profile criminals. His transfer marked a turning point in the government’s fight against organized crime, demonstrating a commitment to enforcing financial laws. While incarcerated, Capone’s health began to decline, and he remained isolated from his criminal empire. The case set legal precedents for pursuing mobsters through financial investigations and tax laws. Capone’s fall from power became emblematic of federal law enforcement’s growing capabilities in combating organized crime.
1932 Cook County Jail mobster Al Capone federal penitentiary in Atlanta U.S. Supreme Court tax evasion
1979day.year

Margaret Thatcher becomes the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Margaret Thatcher is sworn in as Britain's first female Prime Minister, marking a historic political milestone.
On May 4, 1979, Conservative Party leader Margaret Thatcher became the first woman to hold the office of Prime Minister in the United Kingdom. Her election followed the defeat of James Callaghan's Labour government in the general election earlier that week. Thatcher's leadership style and policies, later known as Thatcherism, emphasized free markets, deregulation, and a strong national defence. She faced immediate challenges including high inflation, industrial unrest, and a faltering economy. Her tenure reshaped British politics and society, reducing the power of trade unions and privatizing state industries. Thatcher's ascension represented a breakthrough for women in politics and set the stage for a turbulent and transformative era in UK history.
1979 Margaret Thatcher Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
1989day.year

Iran–Contra affair: Former White House aide Oliver North is convicted of three crimes and acquitted of nine other charges; the convictions are later overturned on appeal.

Oliver North is convicted on charges related to the Iran–Contra affair, marking a major development in the political scandal.
On May 4, 1989, former National Security Council aide Colonel Oliver North was convicted of three counts, including obstructing Congress, in connection with the Iran–Contra affair. He faced charges of diverting arms sales profits to Nicaraguan rebels and concealing information from Congress. The convictions were hailed as a triumph for congressional oversight and accountability in government. North's high-profile trial captivated the nation and raised questions about executive authority and covert operations. Later that year, his convictions were overturned on appeal, but the trial's revelations had already reshaped public perceptions of the Reagan administration. The case remains a defining moment in the study of American political scandals and the balance of power.
1989 Iran–Contra affair White House Oliver North
1990day.year

Latvia declares independence from the Soviet Union.

On May 4, 1990, Latvia boldly declared its independence from the Soviet Union, setting the stage for Baltic freedom and the dissolution of the USSR.
Facing decades of Soviet rule, the Latvian Supreme Council issued the Declaration on the Restoration of Independence on May 4, 1990. This historic resolution nullified the 1940 annexation and reinstated Latvia's pre-war constitution. The declaration emerged from the peaceful Singing Revolution, a cultural movement uniting citizens in song and protest. Despite initial resistance from Moscow, Latvia's bold move inspired neighboring Estonia and Lithuania to pursue their own sovereignty. By August, all three Baltic states had restored full independence. Today, May 4 is celebrated annually as Latvia's Restoration of Independence Day.
1990 Latvia declares independence Soviet Union
1994day.year

Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO leader Yasser Arafat sign a peace accord, granting self-rule in the Gaza Strip and Jericho.

Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO leader Yasser Arafat signed a landmark peace accord granting Palestinian self-rule in Gaza and Jericho on May 4, 1994.
In a high-profile ceremony on the White House lawn, Rabin and Arafat formalized the Gaza–Jericho Agreement following the Oslo Accords. The accord created the Palestinian Authority to administer civil affairs in the Gaza Strip and Jericho. It outlined phased Israeli military withdrawals and established election timelines. The iconic handshake between Rabin and Arafat symbolized hope after decades of conflict. While opposition remained on both sides, the agreement represented a major diplomatic breakthrough. It paved the way for further negotiations in the pursuit of lasting peace.
1994 Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin PLO Yasser Arafat a peace accord Gaza Strip Jericho
1998day.year

A federal judge in Sacramento, California, gives "Unabomber" Theodore Kaczynski four life sentences plus 30 years after Kaczynski accepts a plea agreement sparing him from the death penalty.

Unabomber Theodore Kaczynski accepted a plea agreement and was sentenced to four life terms plus 30 years, avoiding the death penalty on May 4, 1998.
A federal judge in Sacramento sentenced Theodore Kaczynski to four consecutive life terms and an additional 30 years after he accepted a plea deal. Known as the 'Unabomber,' Kaczynski carried out a nationwide letter-bomb campaign from 1978 to 1995, killing three people and wounding many others. Faced with mounting evidence, he pled guilty to avoid the death penalty. The resolution brought an end to one of the FBI's longest and most complex manhunts, which had employed forensic linguistics to identify him. Kaczynski was later imprisoned at ADX Florence, a supermax facility in Colorado. His case sparked debates over domestic terrorism, mental health, and the criminal justice system.
1998 Sacramento, California Unabomber Theodore Kaczynski death penalty
2000day.year

Ken Livingstone becomes the first Mayor of London (an office separate from that of the Lord Mayor of London).

Ken Livingstone became the inaugural Mayor of London on May 4, 2000, inaugurating a new era of city governance separate from the Lord Mayor.
Following a 1998 referendum to create a Greater London Authority, Londoners voted to elect their first citywide mayor. Ken Livingstone won the inaugural election with a campaign focused on reducing crime, cutting congestion, and boosting public transport. His victory marked the first time Londoners directly chose a political leader for the entire metropolis. As mayor, Livingstone established the London Assembly to provide oversight. He introduced the Congestion Charge in 2003, aiming to reduce traffic and pollution in central London. His administration laid the groundwork for modern city management and infrastructure development.
2000 Ken Livingstone first Mayor of London Lord Mayor of London