On 31 May in poetry and history
Poets born or who died on this date, plus historical events that happened on this day across history.
610 poets with calendar dates · 6,535 events with calendar dates in the catalogue
2 birthdays · 9 world events on 31 May
Birthdays
-
-
Fannie Isabel Sherrick
c. 31 May 1855 – c. 1890 (~35)
Born c. 31 May 1855 — would have been 171 in 2026
World events on this day
-
Indigo Synthesis by BASF
In 1897, BASF successfully synthesized indigo, marking a significant advancement in the production of dyes and textiles. This commercial production of synthetic indigo ended the reliance on natural plant sources, which were often labor-intensive and costly. The availability of synthetic indigo revolutionized the dye industry, making vibrant colors more accessible and affordable for consumers.
-
HMS Queen Mary Explodes at Jutland
The British battlecruiser HMS Queen Mary was struck repeatedly by German gunfire during the Battle of Jutland in the North Sea on 31 May 1916. Its magazines exploded, breaking the ship apart. Only twenty of its crew of nearly 1,300 survived.
-
Tulsa Race Massacre
The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 was a devastating event in which a white mob attacked the prosperous Black community of Greenwood in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Over the course of two days, the mob looted, burned, and killed, resulting in the destruction of homes and businesses and the loss of many lives. This tragedy highlighted the racial tensions and violence prevalent in America, and its legacy continues to resonate in discussions about race relations and justice in the United States.
-
The Great Earthquake of 1970 in Peru
On May 31, 1970, a devastating earthquake, estimated at magnitude 7.9, struck the north coast of Peru, with the mountain city of Huaraz being particularly hard hit. The quake triggered a massive mudslide that buried the city, killing an estimated 67,000 people. This was one of the deadliest earthquakes in Latin American history and a major humanitarian crisis. The disaster exposed the extreme vulnerability of the Andean region to seismic events and led to significant improvements in disaster preparedness.
-
Battle of the Kalka River
The Battle of the Kalka River took place in present-day Ukraine, where a coalition of Russian principalities faced off against the invading Mongol forces. This battle marked the beginning of Mongol incursions into Eastern Europe, which would have lasting impacts on the region's political landscape. The defeat of the Russian forces set the stage for further Mongol expansion and influenced the cultural and literary narratives of resistance and identity in Eastern Europe.
-
Royalist Sack of Leicester
Charles I's army stormed Leicester on 31 May 1645 after the Parliamentarian garrison refused to surrender. Soldiers plundered the town, and many combatants and civilians were killed or assaulted. The attack alarmed Parliament and helped draw the New Model Army into the campaign culminating at Naseby.
-
Johnstown Flood
The Johnstown Flood of 1889 was a catastrophic event triggered by the failure of the South Fork Dam after heavy rainfall, resulting in a massive flood that devastated Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Over 2,200 lives were lost, and the disaster exposed significant vulnerabilities in infrastructure and corporate negligence regarding dam safety. This tragedy led to increased awareness and reforms in engineering standards and disaster preparedness, highlighting the importance of maintaining public safety in industrialized societies.
-
Big Ben Clock Tower Completion
The iconic Big Ben clock tower in London began operation in 1859, featuring a massive bell and a precise mechanism that became a symbol of British engineering. The clock's reliability and grandeur made it a landmark of the city, attracting visitors and becoming synonymous with London itself. Its construction marked a significant achievement in Victorian architecture and public works.
-
Battle of Jutland
The Battle of Jutland, fought between May 31 and June 1, 1916, was the largest naval battle of World War I, involving the British Grand Fleet and the German High Seas Fleet. This significant confrontation took place in the North Sea, off the coast of Denmark, and was marked by heavy losses on both sides. Although the battle ended inconclusively, it solidified British naval dominance and had lasting implications for naval warfare strategies.