Today in History
2009 The Sri Lankan Civil War ends
Up to 100,000 people died in the 25-year conflict between the government and the separatist Tamil Tigers. It ended with the Tigers losing.
1980 Mount St. Helens erupts
The eruption claimed the lives of 57 people. A massive crater replaced a large portion of the previously cone-shaped volcano, and its summit is now about 1300 feet (400 meters) lower than before the eruption.
1927 45 people die in the United States’ worst school massacre
A disgruntled school board member detonated several bombs at the Bath Consolidated School and other Michigan locations in the Bath school disaster.
1848 The first German National Assembly gathers in Frankfurt
The assembly was Germany’s first freely elected parliament. It produced a constitution that served as the foundation for Germany’s current constitution (Grundgesetz).
1804 Napoleon Bonaparte is appointed Emperor of the French
Even today, the French leader, a Corsican native, is well-known for his successful military campaigns – and his ultimate defeat at the Battle of Waterloo.
Births On This Day, May 18
1920 Pope John Paul II
1912 Perry Como
American singer, actor
1897 Frank Capra
Italian/American director, producer, screenwriter
1895 Augusto César Sandino
Nicaraguan rebel leader
1868 Nicholas II of Russia
Deaths On This Day, May 18
2004 Elvin Jones
American drummer
1955 Mary McLeod Bethune
American educator, activist
1911 Gustav Mahler
Austrian composer
1909 Isaac Albéniz
Spanish pianist, composer
1799 Pierre Beaumarchais
French playwright
