May 1

    What happened on May 1 in history

    4 events fall on May 1, from 1707 to 1960. Read them below, then try to place a historical scene yourself — guess where in the world it happened and in what year.

    Events on May 1

    1. 1707

      The Acts of Union take effect

      England and Scotland become the single kingdom of Great Britain.

      Play the Exploration & revolution round

    2. 1851

      The Great Exhibition opens

      Victoria opens the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park to a crowd of thousands.

      Read about The Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace, LondonPlay the 19th century round

    3. 1931

      The Empire State Building opens

      Hoover presses a button in Washington to light the world's tallest building.

      Read about Christ the Redeemer Under Construction, Rio de JaneiroPlay the 20th century round

    4. 1960

      A U-2 is shot down over the USSR

      Gary Powers is captured and a superpower summit collapses.

      Read about Construction of the Berlin WallPlay the 20th century round

    Guess where and when

    Explore a 360° historical scene and place it on the map and the timeline. Free, no sign-up.

    Play today's challenge