1027day.year
Robert II of France names his son Henry I as junior King of the Franks.
In 1027, King Robert II of France crowned his son Henry I as junior King of the Franks, securing the Capetian succession.
In 1027, reigning monarch Robert II of France elevated his eldest surviving son Henry as co-king, adopting the practice of associating heirs with the throne to ensure smooth succession.
This ceremony took place at Reims, a traditional coronation site, reinforcing the legitimacy of the young prince within the Frankish realm.
By crowning his heir during his own lifetime, Robert II followed a strategy to prevent succession disputes and rival claims.
The event marked a key moment in the consolidation of Capetian rule, establishing a direct father-to-son lineage that would shape French monarchy.
Henry I would later assume full powers upon his father's death in 1031, continuing the dynasty's steady hold over the kingdom.
The coronation set a precedent for future French kings to secure dynastic continuity through early anointing of heirs.
1027
Robert II of France
Henry I
1608day.year
The Protestant Union, a coalition of Protestant German states, is founded to defend the rights, land and safety of each member against the Catholic Church and Catholic German states.
In 1608, Protestant German princes form the Protestant Union to defend their territories and faith against Catholic powers.
On May 14, 1608, ten Protestant states of the Holy Roman Empire assembled at Auhausen and established the Protestant Union.
The alliance aimed to protect member states from external threats by the Catholic League and the Habsburg monarchy.
It formalized mutual defense obligations and promised military support in case of aggression.
The Union’s creation intensified confessional tensions that would eventually lead to the Thirty Years’ War.
Despite its initial promise, internal divisions and limited resources weakened the alliance.
The Protestant Union dissolved in 1621 after defeats by Catholic forces but left a legacy of religious-political coalitions in Europe.
1608
Protestant Union
Protestant
German
Catholic Church
1610day.year
Henry IV of France is assassinated by Catholic zealot François Ravaillac, and Louis XIII ascends the throne.
On May 14, 1610, King Henry IV of France is assassinated by Catholic fanatic François Ravaillac; his son Louis XIII succeeds him.
In 1610, French King Henry IV was travelling in his carriage near Paris when he was fatally stabbed by François Ravaillac, a fanatical Catholic.
Henry IV’s death ended an era of religious reconciliation symbolized by the Edict of Nantes.
His nine-year-old son, Louis XIII, immediately became king, with his mother Marie de’ Medici acting as regent.
The assassination highlighted the volatile religious climate in post-war France.
Under regency, France navigated internal factions and maintained the cautious policies of Henry IV.
The event set the stage for Cardinal Richelieu’s rise and further centralization of royal power.
1610
Henry IV of France
Catholic
François Ravaillac
Louis XIII
1800day.year
The 6th United States Congress recesses, and the process of moving the Federal government of the United States from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., begins the following day.
The 6th U.S. Congress recesses, initiating the move of the federal capital from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.
On May 14, 1800, the 6th United States Congress adjourned, paving the way for the relocation of the federal government. The move from Philadelphia to the newly established seat of Washington, D.C., began the following day. President John Adams and his administration prepared to leave behind the bustling streets of Philadelphia. Construction of the Capitol and the White House was underway in the swampy terrain of Georgetown. This transition marked a key moment in American history, shaping the future identity and geography of the young nation. Although Washington was still incomplete, the symbolic importance of a purpose-built capital was clear. The journey laid the foundation for the city's growth into a political powerhouse.
1800
6th United States Congress
recesses
Federal government of the United States
Philadelphia
Washington, D.C.
1811day.year
Paraguay: Pedro Juan Caballero, Fulgencio Yegros and José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia start actions to depose the Spanish governor.
Revolutionaries led by Caballero, Yegros, and de Francia initiate moves to depose the Spanish governor in Paraguay.
On May 14, 1811, Paraguayan patriots Pedro Juan Caballero, Fulgencio Yegros, and José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia began actions to overthrow Spanish colonial rule. Gathering support in Asunción, they moved swiftly against Governor Bernardo de Velasco. Their bold uprising was fueled by the wave of independence movements across Latin America. Within days, the colonial governor was effectively sidelined, leading to the establishment of a local junta. This event marked Paraguay's first steps toward independence and self-governance. The revolutionaries prioritized stability, avoiding the widespread violence seen elsewhere. Their careful planning laid the groundwork for Paraguay's unique path to nationhood.
1811
Paraguay
Pedro Juan Caballero
Fulgencio Yegros
José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia
1836day.year
The Treaties of Velasco are signed in Velasco, Texas.
Signatories of the Treaties of Velasco formally end hostilities following Texas's victory at San Jacinto.
On May 14, 1836, two Treaties of Velasco were signed between General Sam Houston and Mexican President General Antonio López de Santa Anna. The public and secret agreements followed the decisive Texan victory at the Battle of San Jacinto. Under the treaties, Mexico agreed to withdraw its troops south of the Rio Grande. Santa Anna promised to work toward Mexican recognition of Texas independence. Although the Mexican government later repudiated the documents, they served as the basis for the fledgling Republic's claims. The Treaties of Velasco remain a controversial yet pivotal moment in Texan history. They symbolized the struggle for self-determination in North America.
1836
Treaties of Velasco
1857day.year
Mindon Min was crowned as King of Burma in Mandalay, Burma.
Mindon Min ascends the throne as King of Burma, ushering in an era of reform and modernization.
On May 14, 1857, Mindon Min was crowned King of Burma in Mandalay, marking the start of an ambitious reign. He moved the capital from Amarapura to Mandalay and founded the royal city on strategic grounds. King Mindon initiated administrative reforms, modernized the military, and promoted education and Buddhism. He invited British and French observers, navigating colonial pressures with diplomatic skill. Under his leadership, the Fifth Buddhist Council was convened, reinforcing religious scholarship. Mindon Min also commissioned the Kuthodaw Pagoda, home to the world's largest book. His balanced approach between tradition and innovation shaped modern Myanmar's foundations.
1857
Mindon Min
crowned as King of Burma
Mandalay
Burma
1878day.year
The last witchcraft trial held in the United States begins in Salem, Massachusetts, after Lucretia Brown, an adherent of Christian Science, accused Daniel Spofford of attempting to harm her through his mental powers.
The final witchcraft trial in U.S. history begins in Salem as Lucretia Brown accuses Daniel Spofford of mental harm.
On May 14, 1878, Salem, Massachusetts, witnessed the last witchcraft trial held in the United States. Lucretia Brown filed a lawsuit accusing Daniel Spofford of employing 'mesmeric' powers to harm her. The civil suit blended Victorian-era fascination with spiritualism and lingering fears of occult practices. Though rooted in superstition, the trial followed formal legal procedures, marking the end of an era of witchcraft accusations. The court hearings attracted widespread attention, but Spofford was ultimately exonerated. The case highlighted changing attitudes toward mental science and due process. Its conclusion closed a controversial chapter in American legal and cultural history.
1878
last witchcraft trial held in the United States
Christian Science
1935day.year
The Constitution of the Philippines is ratified by a popular vote.
The Philippine Constitution of 1935 is ratified by popular vote, establishing the Commonwealth government under U.S. supervision.
The Constitution of the Philippines was ratified by popular vote on May 14, 1935.
Drafted the previous year, it established the Commonwealth of the Philippines under U.S. tutelage.
The document created a bicameral legislature, an executive branch, and a Bill of Rights.
It set the framework for a ten-year transitional government leading to full independence.
Manuel L. Quezon was elected as the first President under the new constitutional government.
The ratification marked a significant step toward Philippine self-governance and nationhood.
Full independence was later achieved on July 4, 1946.
1935
Constitution of the Philippines
1948day.year
Israel is declared to be an independent state and a provisional government is established. Immediately after the declaration, Israel is attacked by the neighboring Arab states, triggering the 1948 Arab–Israeli War.
On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel proclaimed its independence, forming a provisional government, which was immediately challenged by neighboring Arab states.
The declaration of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948 marked the end of the British Mandate for Palestine and the birth of a new nation.
David Ben-Gurion read the proclamation of independence in Tel Aviv, establishing a provisional government and new national institutions.
Almost immediately, armies from Egypt, Syria, Transjordan, Lebanon, and Iraq entered the former mandate territory, beginning the Arab–Israeli War.
The ensuing conflict involved large-scale military campaigns and shaped the Middle East's political landscape for decades.
By early 1949, Israel had secured armistice agreements, solidifying its territorial gains but leaving deep-seated tensions that persist today.
1948
Israel is declared to be an independent state
1948 Arab–Israeli War
1955day.year
Cold War: Eight Communist bloc countries, including the Soviet Union, sign a mutual defense treaty called the Warsaw Pact.
Eight Eastern Bloc nations sign the Warsaw Pact, formalizing a Soviet-led mutual defense alliance.
On May 14, 1955, eight Eastern Bloc countries signed the Warsaw Pact in Warsaw, Poland.
Officially known as the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance, it served as the Soviet counterpart to NATO.
Member states pledged to defend one another in the event of external aggression under Soviet command.
The pact cemented the division of Europe into opposing military alliances throughout the Cold War.
It remained in force until its dissolution in 1991 following the collapse of communist governments in Eastern Europe.
1955
Cold War
bloc countries
Warsaw Pact
1970day.year
Andreas Baader is freed from custody by Ulrike Meinhof, Gudrun Ensslin and others, a pivotal moment in the formation of the Red Army Faction.
Andreas Baader is liberated from custody, marking a key turning point in the creation of the Red Army Faction.
On May 14, 1970, radical journalist Ulrike Meinhof, Gudrun Ensslin, and other activists freed Andreas Baader from police custody in West Berlin.
Baader had been arrested for arson protests against the state establishment and was held in public detention.
The daring operation at a downtown library signaled the birth of the Red Army Faction (RAF) as an urban guerrilla group.
Over the next decade, the RAF conducted bombings, kidnappings, and armed robberies in a bid to overthrow West Germany’s political order.
This dramatic rescue embodied the era’s militant left-wing radicalism and led to a prolonged period of domestic terrorism.
1970
Red Army Faction