1274day.year
In France, the Second Council of Lyon opens; it ratified a decree to regulate the election of the Pope.
The Second Council of Lyon convened in 1274, addressing church reforms and establishing new rules for papal elections.
In May 1274, Pope Gregory X convened the Second Council of Lyon, gathering over five hundred bishops and church officials.
The council aimed to address church unity, administrative reform, and the looming threat of Mongol incursions.
A landmark decree standardized procedures for papal elections, requiring a two-thirds majority of cardinals.
This reform sought to curtail political interference and expedite the selection of future pontiffs.
Delegates also debated measures to reconcile with the Eastern Orthodox Church and improve crusade logistics.
The council's decisions had lasting impact on papal governance and inter-church relations.
1274
Second Council of Lyon
Pope
1342day.year
In Avignon, France, Cardinal Pierre Roger is elected Pope and takes the name Clement VI.
In 1342, Cardinal Pierre Roger was chosen as Pope by the College of Cardinals, becoming Clement VI.
In May 1342, the papal conclave in Avignon elected Pierre Roger, a skilled diplomat and patron of the arts, as Pope.
He took the name Clement VI, succeeding Benedict XII and continuing the papacy’s stay in France.
Clement VI faced the challenges of the Black Death and rising tensions between European monarchs.
Known for his extravagance, he transformed the papal court into a center of culture and learning.
Under his leadership, the papacy commissioned major works, supported scholars, and expanded charitable foundations.
Clement's tenure left an indelible mark on the Church’s spiritual and political influence during a time of crisis.
1342
Avignon
elected
Pope
Clement VI
1625day.year
State funeral of James VI and I (1566–1625) is held at Westminster Abbey.
The elaborate state funeral of King James VI and I took place at Westminster Abbey in 1625, honoring the monarch of both Scotland and England.
In May 1625, Westminster Abbey witnessed the grand funeral of King James VI of Scotland and I of England.
The procession featured ornate wagons, mourning attire, and eulogies celebrating his reign over two kingdoms.
Royal heralds and clergymen delivered sermons extolling James's scholarly pursuits and religious policies.
Coins were minted, and public mournings were observed across England and Scotland.
The ceremony reflected both the solemnity of monarchical tradition and the personal legacy of a unifying sovereign.
James's burial in the Henry VII Lady Chapel solidified his place among England's esteemed monarchs.
1625
State funeral
James VI and I
Westminster Abbey
1718day.year
The city of New Orleans is founded by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville.
Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville founded New Orleans in 1718, laying the foundations for one of America's most vibrant cultural centers.
In 1718, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville, led French settlers to found New Orleans at a strategic site near the Mississippi River's mouth. The new city served as the capital of Louisiana and became a vital port for trade and military operations. Its location allowed control over river and gulf traffic, linking French colonies in North America. Over time, New Orleans evolved into a melting pot of French, Spanish, African, and Creole cultures. The unique blend of cuisines, music, and architecture emerged from this multicultural heritage. Despite natural challenges, the city grew into one of the most important cultural hubs in the United States, renowned for its vibrant traditions and historical significance.
1718
New Orleans
Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville
1794day.year
French Revolution: Robespierre introduces the Cult of the Supreme Being in the National Convention as the new state religion of the French First Republic.
In 1794, Maximilien Robespierre introduced the Cult of the Supreme Being as the new state religion of the French First Republic during the Revolution.
On May 7, 1794, amidst the turbulence of the French Revolution, Maximilien Robespierre formally presented the Cult of the Supreme Being to the National Convention. This deistic faith aimed to replace traditional Christianity and promote civic virtue and unity among citizens. Robespierre believed that belief in a Supreme Being could inspire moral behavior and strengthen the republic. The new religion was celebrated with elaborate festivals and ceremonies, including a grand Festival of the Supreme Being in June. However, critics saw it as an example of political overreach and personal cult-building. The initiative contributed to the growing tensions that led to Robespierre's downfall later that year.
1794
French Revolution
Robespierre
Cult of the Supreme Being
National Convention
state religion
French First Republic
1832day.year
Greece's independence is recognized by the Treaty of London.
The Treaty of London formally recognized Greece's independence from the Ottoman Empire on May 7, 1832.
After years of struggle during the Greek War of Independence, the Treaty of London was signed on May 7, 1832, by Britain, France, and Russia. This agreement officially acknowledged the sovereignty of the newly formed Greek state. It established borders that granted Greece control over the Peloponnese and parts of Central Greece. The treaty also laid the groundwork for the restoration of a constitutional monarchy under Otto of Bavaria. It marked the first successful liberation movement in the Ottoman Empire and inspired other nationalist causes across Europe. The recognition of Greece signaled a shift in the balance of power and the decline of centuries of Ottoman dominance in southeastern Europe.
1832
Treaty of London
1915day.year
The Republic of China accedes to 13 of the 21 Demands, extending the Empire of Japan's control over Manchuria and the Chinese economy.
In 1915, China accepted 13 of Japan's Twenty-One Demands, granting Japan increased control over Manchuria and Chinese economic affairs.
On May 7, 1915, the government of the Republic of China acquiesced to thirteen of the Twenty-One Demands issued by the Empire of Japan. These demands sought extensive Japanese influence over Chinese territory, finance, and industry, particularly in Manchuria and Shandong. President Yuan Shikai's administration, facing diplomatic pressure and military threats, agreed to the key points, provoking national outrage and protests. The concessions undermined China's sovereignty and fueled anti-Japanese sentiment among intellectuals and the public. International reaction was mixed, with Western powers expressing concern but offering limited support. The episode weakened Yuan's government and contributed to rising Chinese nationalism, shaping the nation's modern political landscape.
Republic of China
21 Demands
Empire of Japan
Manchuria
1920day.year
Treaty of Moscow: Soviet Russia recognizes the independence of the Democratic Republic of Georgia only to invade the country six months later.
On May 7, 1920, Soviet Russia signed the Treaty of Moscow recognizing Georgian independence, only to invade the country six months later.
The Treaty of Moscow, signed on May 7, 1920, between Soviet Russia and the Democratic Republic of Georgia, formally acknowledged Georgia's sovereignty and renounced Russian claims to its territory. The agreement was part of Lenin's strategy to stabilize relations on Russia's periphery amidst the Civil War. Georgian leaders welcomed the recognition as a triumph of their independence movement. However, the peace was short-lived: in February 1921, the Red Army invaded Georgia, dissolving its democratic government and incorporating it into the Soviet Union. The betrayal of the treaty damaged trust in Soviet diplomacy and had lasting consequences for Georgian national identity. The brief recognition and subsequent invasion remain poignant symbols of the turbulent post-war era in the Caucasus.
Treaty of Moscow
Soviet Russia
Democratic Republic of Georgia
1940day.year
World War II: The Norway Debate in the British House of Commons begins, and leads to the replacement of Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain with Winston Churchill three days later.
On May 7, 1940, the Norway Debate began in the British House of Commons, ultimately leading to Winston Churchill replacing Neville Chamberlain as Prime Minister.
The Norway Debate, which opened on May 7, 1940, in the British House of Commons, centered on the government's handling of the failed Norway campaign in World War II. MPs from all parties criticized Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain for ill-preparedness and inadequate military planning. Despite Chamberlain's efforts to defend his record, dissent grew within his Conservative Party. When the vote of confidence was held, Chamberlain survived but with a drastically reduced majority. Recognizing his weakened authority, he resigned three days later and recommended Winston Churchill as his successor. Churchill's appointment marked a turning point in Britain’s war leadership, ushering in a government determined to fight on against Nazi Germany. The debate is remembered as a pivotal moment that reshaped British politics and the Allied war effort.
1940
World War II
Norway Debate
British House of Commons
Neville Chamberlain
Winston Churchill
1948day.year
The Council of Europe is founded during the Hague Congress.
The Council of Europe was established on May 7, 1948, at the Hague Congress to promote democracy and human rights across Europe.
Delegates from ten Western European nations convened in The Hague on May 7, 1948, to found the Council of Europe. The new body aimed to foster democratic governance, uphold human rights, and encourage legal standards among member states. It introduced the European Convention on Human Rights, which became a cornerstone of pan-European law. The Council of Europe facilitated postwar reconciliation and cooperation during the early Cold War era. Its Parliamentary Assembly provided a unique forum for cross-border dialogue and parliamentary diplomacy. Over time, membership expanded, strengthening the continent’s commitment to shared values and the rule of law.
1948
Council of Europe
Hague Congress
1960day.year
Cold War: U-2 Crisis of 1960: Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev announces that his nation is holding American U-2 pilot Gary Powers.
On May 7, 1960, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev announced that the USSR was holding American U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers, exposing US espionage operations.
During the height of the Cold War, a CIA U-2 reconnaissance plane piloted by Francis Gary Powers was shot down over Soviet airspace on May 1, 1960. After days of uncertainty, Premier Nikita Khrushchev publicly confirmed on May 7 that Powers was in Soviet custody. The revelation exposed clandestine US spying operations and derailed a planned summit between President Eisenhower and Soviet leadership. The U-2 incident heightened tensions between the superpowers and set back prospects for détente. Powers was tried and convicted of espionage but was later exchanged for a captured Soviet spy in 1962. The affair underscored the perils of aerial surveillance in the nuclear age and shaped US-Soviet relations for years.
1960
Cold War
U-2 Crisis of 1960
Nikita Khrushchev
U-2
Gary Powers
1992day.year
Michigan ratifies a 203-year-old proposed amendment to the United States Constitution making the 27th Amendment law. This amendment bars the U.S. Congress from giving itself a mid-term pay raise.
Michigan's 1992 ratification of the 203-year-old 27th Amendment made it law, forbidding midterm pay raises for members of Congress.
The 27th Amendment prohibits any law that changes the compensation for Senators and Representatives from taking effect until after the next election.
First proposed in 1789, it languished unratified for over two centuries.
On May 7, 1992, Michigan's legislature approved the amendment, providing the necessary final ratification.
This ended the longest ratification period for any U.S. constitutional amendment.
The amendment was then certified and added to the Constitution.
Its enactment ensured that members of Congress could no longer award themselves immediate pay increases.
This event highlighted the evolving nature of constitutional amendments and citizen activism.
It underscored the principle of accountability in government compensation.
1992
Michigan
United States Constitution
27th Amendment
U.S. Congress