May 30

Events - Politics & Government

1416day.year

The Council of Constance, called by Emperor Sigismund, a supporter of Antipope John XXIII, burns Jerome of Prague following a trial for heresy.

In 1416, the Council of Constance condemned reformer Jerome of Prague as a heretic and executed him by burning at the stake.
Called by Emperor Sigismund to end the Western Schism, the Council of Constance sought to restore unity in the Church. Jerome of Prague, a follower of Jan Hus, defended his theological views on the Eucharist and Church reform. Accused of heresy, Jerome underwent trial and recantation efforts but ultimately refused to abandon his beliefs. On May 30, 1416, he was led to the stake and executed, becoming a martyr for religious reform. Jerome’s death fueled calls for change that would resonate throughout Bohemia and the broader Christian world.
1416 Council of Constance Emperor Sigismund Antipope John XXIII Jerome of Prague heresy
1536day.year

King Henry VIII of England marries Jane Seymour, a lady-in-waiting to his first two wives.

On May 30, 1536, King Henry VIII wed Jane Seymour, his third wife and the one who would bear his only legitimate male heir.
Following the execution of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII sought a politically prudent union and chose Jane Seymour, a lady-in-waiting to his former queens. The royal wedding took place at Hampton Court Palace with modest ceremonies reflecting Seymour’s low profile. Jane quickly gained the king’s favor through her gentle demeanor and devout piety. In October 1537, she gave birth to Edward VI, securing the Tudor line, but tragically died days later. Her marriage to Henry VIII had lasting repercussions on the English succession and court politics.
1536 Henry VIII of England Jane Seymour lady-in-waiting
1574day.year

Henry III becomes King of France.

On May 30, 1574, Henry III became King of France upon his brother’s death, beginning the final Valois reign.
Born Alexandre de Valois, Henry III first ruled as King of Poland before returning to France. Following the death of his brother Charles IX, he was proclaimed King Henry III on May 30, 1574. His reign faced intense religious conflict between Catholics and Huguenots during the French Wars of Religion. Henry’s attempts at political moderation and tolerance proved unpopular with hardliners on both sides. His death in 1589 ended the Valois dynasty and paved the way for the Bourbon accession under Henry IV.
1574 Henry III
1642day.year

From this date all honors granted by Charles I of England are retroactively annulled by Parliament.

In 1642, Parliament retroactively annuls all honors granted by Charles I, striking at the core of royal prerogative.
On May 30, 1642, the English Parliament issues an ordinance nullifying all titles, honors, and offices bestowed by King Charles I since 1625. This unprecedented measure attacks the crown's patronage and undermines the king's authority. It reflects escalating tensions over royal taxation and absolutist rule. The annulment strips supporters of their social status and inflames factional divisions. Seen as a direct challenge to monarchical power, the act deepens the rift leading to the English Civil War. It exemplifies Parliament’s assertion of supremacy over royal prerogative in a constitutional crisis.
1642 Charles I of England annulled by Parliament
1814day.year

The First Treaty of Paris is signed, returning the French frontiers to their 1792 extent, and restoring the House of Bourbon to power.

The First Treaty of Paris is signed in 1814, restoring France’s 1792 borders and reinstating the Bourbon monarchy.
On May 30, 1814, the allied powers and France sign the First Treaty of Paris following Napoleon’s abdication. The accord restores France’s frontiers to their 1792 boundaries, rolling back years of expansion. It officially reinstates the Bourbon dynasty under King Louis XVIII. France pays a modest indemnity but retains its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The treaty aims to establish a stable balance of power in post-Napoleonic Europe. It sets the stage for the Congress of Vienna and the reordering of European politics.
1814 First Treaty of Paris House of Bourbon
1834day.year

Minister of Justice Joaquim António de Aguiar issues a law seizing "all convents, monasteries, colleges, hospices and any other houses" from the Catholic religious orders in Portugal, earning him the nickname of "The Friar-Killer".

In 1834, Joaquim António de Aguiar enacts a decree dissolving Portugal’s Catholic religious orders, earning him the nickname "The Friar-Killer."
On May 30, 1834, Portugal’s Minister of Justice Joaquim António de Aguiar enacts a law confiscating all properties of Catholic religious orders. Convents, monasteries, colleges, hospices, and other houses are secularized and transferred to state control. The sweeping measure aims to weaken church influence and address state financial needs. It provokes widespread protest from clergy and devout citizens. Aguiar's uncompromising action earns him the popular nickname "The Friar-Killer". The law marks a turning point in Portugal's liberal reforms and anticlerical movement.
1834 Joaquim António de Aguiar Catholic religious orders
1842day.year

John Francis attempts to murder Queen Victoria as she drives down Constitution Hill in London with Prince Albert.

In 1842, John Francis attempts to assassinate Queen Victoria on Constitution Hill, but his pistol misfires and the royal couple escape unharmed.
On May 30, 1842, John Francis sneaks alongside Queen Victoria’s carriage on Constitution Hill in London. He fires a pistol at the monarch and Prince Albert, but the weapon misfires and causes no injury. Bystanders quickly seize Francis and prevent a second shot. He claims political motivations but is later judged criminally insane. The incident exposes vulnerabilities in royal security. It leads to stricter protective measures for the British sovereign.
1842 Queen Victoria Constitution Hill Prince Albert
1854day.year

The Kansas–Nebraska Act becomes law establishing the U.S. territories of Kansas and Nebraska.

The Kansas–Nebraska Act of 1854 created two new territories and ignited fierce national debates over slavery and westward expansion.
Authored by Senator Stephen A. Douglas, the Act organized the lands west of Missouri and Iowa into the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. It repealed the Missouri Compromise by allowing settlers to decide the issue of slavery by popular sovereignty. Pro- and anti-slavery forces rushed into Kansas, resulting in violent clashes dubbed Bleeding Kansas. The law deepened sectional tensions and paved the way toward the American Civil War. Its passage underscored the challenges of balancing expansion with moral and political divisions.
1854 Kansas–Nebraska Act U.S. territories Kansas Nebraska
1876day.year

Ottoman sultan Abdülaziz is deposed and succeeded by his nephew Murad V.

In 1876, Sultan Abdülaziz was deposed from the Ottoman throne and replaced by his nephew Murad V amid palace intrigue.
Abdülaziz's reign saw ambitious modernization efforts but also mounting financial crises and political dissent. On May 30, conspirators in Constantinople forced him to abdicate. His nephew, Murad V, ascended the throne but struggled with mental health issues. Murad's brief rule lasted only three months before he was himself deposed. These rapid successions reflected the empire's internal turmoil and set the stage for future reforms and constitutional movements.
1876 Abdülaziz Murad V
1876day.year

The secret decree of Ems Ukaz, issued by Russian Tsar Alexander II in the German city of Bad Ems, was aimed at stopping the printing and distribution of Ukrainian-language publications in the Russian Empire.

The secret 1876 Ems Ukaz banned Ukrainian-language publications in the Russian Empire, initiating a harsh campaign of linguistic suppression.
While convalescing in Bad Ems, Tsar Alexander II signed the Ems Ukaz to curb Ukrainian cultural and political movements. The decree outlawed the printing, import, and teaching of Ukrainian in schools. Russian authorities enforced strict penalties against violators and closed publishing houses. Intellectuals responded by circulating samizdat manuscripts in secret. This measure aimed to strengthen Russification but ultimately fueled Ukrainian national consciousness. The ban remained largely in effect until the early 20th century.
1876 Ems Ukaz Alexander II Bad Ems Ukrainian-language Russian Empire
1913day.year

The Treaty of London is signed, ending the First Balkan War; Albania becomes an independent nation.

The 1913 Treaty of London ended the First Balkan War and recognized Albania's independence.
On May 30, 1913, the Treaty of London brought an end to the First Balkan War. Under its terms, the Ottoman Empire ceded large territories in the Balkans. Most significantly, it recognized the autonomy of Albania. This treaty reshaped Southeast Europe's political boundaries. It laid groundwork for future alliances and tensions in the region. While it satisfied major powers, local disputes foreshadowed further conflict.
1913 Treaty of London First Balkan War Albania
1961day.year

The long-time Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo is assassinated in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Dominican Republic dictator Rafael Trujillo was assassinated in Santo Domingo, ending his 31-year authoritarian rule.
On 30 May 1961, a group of Dominican dissidents ambushed and assassinated Rafael Trujillo near Santo Domingo, ending over three decades of brutal dictatorship. Trujillo had ruled since 1930, building a personality cult and suppressing opposition through secret police and censorship. His death triggered a period of political upheaval that paved the way for democratic reforms. The assassination marked a turning point in Dominican history and became a symbol of resistance against oppressive regimes.
1961 Rafael Trujillo Santo Domingo