May 22

On May 22, 1866, businessman Oliver Winchester reorganized his company into the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Drawing on previous designs like the Volcanic pistol, Winchester would produce the iconic lever-action rifle. The company’s firearms offered faster firing rates and improved reliability, transforming military and civilian arms markets. Winchester quickly became synonymous with American frontier expansion and the nation’s rifle culture. The brand’s success established Winchester as a leading arms manufacturer for decades to come.

In response to the 1991 coup that ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the United Nations imposed a comprehensive trade embargo on Haiti. The embargo began on May 22, 1994, targeting imports and exports to isolate the military regime. Sanctions included naval blockades and financial restrictions aimed at restoring constitutional government. The embargo severely impacted Haiti's already fragile economy, deepening humanitarian crises. Diplomatic efforts and negotiations continued alongside sanctions, leading to Aristide's eventual return in October 1994. This episode illustrated the use of economic pressure as a tool for political change in international relations.