Today In History [31st May, 2015]

A chronological timetable of historical events that occurred on this day in history. Historical facts of the day in the areas of military, politics, science, music, sports, arts, entertainment and more. Discover what happened today in history.

Today in History
May 31

1433           Sigismund is crowned emperor of Rome.
1678           The Godiva procession, commemorating Lady Godiva's legendary ride while naked, becomes part of the Coventry Fair.
1862           At the Battle of Fair Oaks, Union General George B. McClellan defeats Confederates outside of Richmond.
1879           New York's Madison Square Garden opens its doors for the first time.
1889           Johnstown, Pennsylvania is destroyed by a massive flood.
1900           U.S. troops arrive in Peking to help put down the Boxer Rebellion.
1902           The Boer War ends with the Treaty of Vereeniging.
1909           The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) holds its first conference.
1913           The 17th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, providing for direct election of senators, is ratified.
1915           A German zeppelin makes an air raid on London.
1916           British and German fleets fight in the Battle of Jutland.
1928           The first flight over the Pacific takes off from Oakland.
1941           An armistice is arranged between the British and the Iraqis.
1955           The Supreme Court orders that states must end racial segregation "with all deliberate speed."
1962           Adolf Eichmann, the former SS commander, is hanged near Tel Aviv, Israel.
1969           John Lennon and Yoko Ono record "Give Peace a Chance."
1974           Israel and Syria sign an agreement on the Golan Heights.
1979           Zimbabwe proclaims its independence.
1988           President Ronald Reagan arrives in Moscow, the first American president to do so in 14 years.

Born on May 31
1469           Manuel I, King of Portugal (1495-1521).
1819           Walt Whitman, American poet.
1894           Fred Allen [John Florence Sullivan], American comedian.
1898           Norman Vincent Peale, American religious leader.
1925           Julian Beck, theater manager.
1930           Clint Eastwood, American film actor and director.