May 23

On May 23, 1934, the long-running Auto-Lite labor strike in Toledo, Ohio, reached a boiling point as tensions between workers and company supporters exploded into violence. Approximately 6,000 union picketers faced off against 1,300 troops from the Ohio National Guard, leading to five days of street fighting and property damage. Strikers hurled rocks and tear gas while guardsmen responded with rifles and mounted units, resulting in dozens of injuries. The confrontation marked one of the most intense labor disputes of the Great Depression. Public opinion shifted after images of the clashes highlighted the stark power imbalance between industrial workers and state forces. Eventually, the strike ended with negotiations that improved wages and working conditions, setting a precedent for future union actions.

The Intercontinental Hotel in Bucharest officially opened on May 23, 1971. Standing at 87 meters with 15 floors, it quickly became the second-tallest structure in the city. Designed by architect Dinu Antonescu, the hotel featured modernist design and panoramic views of the city center. It was a symbol of Romania’s ties to international tourism and hospitality standards during the Communist era. The hotel hosted foreign dignitaries, business conferences, and cultural events, shaping Bucharest’s skyline. Over the decades, it has remained a landmark and one of the city’s busiest hotels.