Discover what happened on May 12 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.

May 12

Discover what happened on May 12 with HISTORY&#8217;s summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.

What Happened on May 12 | HISTORY

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One of the worst years of the Great Depression, when one in four Americans lacked work and nearly 9,000 banks had failed, 1932 brought the election of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the U.S. presidency for the first of his four terms. Amelia Earhart flew the Atlantic in triumph, while the kidnapping of aviator Charles Lindbergh’s young son ended in tragedy. In the Middle East, King Abdul Aziz ibn Saud united the regions under his control to establish the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

1932

In 1957, the Soviet Union shot its Sputnik satellite into orbit, launching a space race with the U.S. The Little Rock Nine integrated an Arkansas high school to fierce local opposition, forcing President Eisenhower to send in federal troops to escort them. Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the first such law since Reconstruction. In Liverpool, England, 16-year-old John Lennon and 15-year-old Paul McCartney met for the first time at a church fair. In the U.S., frisbees flew into popularity.

1957

1965

The Cold War heated up in 1949 when the Soviet Union tested its first atomic bomb and Germany split into two separate nations—one aligned with the West, the other with the Soviets. To counteract the threat, the U.S. and European allies signed the NATO charter. In Asia, Communists declared the creation of the People’s Republic of China. George Orwell predicted scarier times ahead with his novel “1984,” and consumers saw the introduction of 45 r.p.m. records, Kraft singles and Lego plastic bricks.

1949

1961

1903

1963

1907

1975

1780

America’s Founding Fathers decided that one elected civilian—the U.S. president—would lead the executive branch of the federal government, a governmental structure that has remained in place for more than 200 years.

U.S. Presidents

The 1970s was an era when the women's rights, gay rights and environmental movements gained momentum. The Vietnam War came to a close, the Watergate scandal led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon, the United States ended direct involvement in the Vietnam War and President Jimmy Carter grappled with an energy crisis, inflation and the Iran Hostage Crisis.

1970s

The Vietnam War pitted communist North Vietnam and the Viet Cong against South Vietnam and the United States. The war ended when U.S. forces withdrew in 1973 and Vietnam unified under Communist control two years later.

Vietnam War

Crime has been a dark and powerful undercurrent in human society throughout history. Uncover the facts behind some of the most daring robberies, brazen scams and brutal murders ever committed.

Crime

Sports and recreation are an integral part of human history, from the ancient Olympics to the Kentucky Derby, Jackie Robinson, Negro League Baseball, the Super Bowl and more.

Sports

The Revolutionary War waged by the American colonies against Britain influenced political ideas and revolutions around the globe, as a small fledgling nation won its freedom from the greatest military force of its time.

American Revolution

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History.com Editors

Art history tells the complex story of human civilization through art, literature and design. It ranges from prehistoric art of the Neolithic period through Renaissance masterpieces, Impressionism, Modernism, the Bauhaus and contemporary art.

Art, Literature and Film History

The Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union lasted for decades and resulted in anti-communist suspicions and international incidents that led two superpowers to the brink of nuclear disaster.

This Day In History: May 12

Kidnapped Lindbergh baby found dead

Also on This Day in History May | 12

Ferrari race car crashes at Mille Miglia race, killing 11

This Day in History Video: What Happened on May 12

Rolling Stones record “Satisfaction,” which came to Keith Richards in his sleep

Soviet Union lifts its 11‑month blockade against West Berlin

Race car driver A.J. Foyt gets first pro victory

Lyndon B. Johnson visits South Vietnam

Teddy Roosevelt’s trip to San Francisco is captured on film

Bob Dylan walks out on “The Ed Sullivan Show”

Celebrated actress Katharine Hepburn is born

American freighter ship Mayaguez seized by Cambodian navy

Americans suffer worst defeat of revolution at Charleston

Also on This Day in History May | 12

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