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.

Guess where and when

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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.

    Play the 20th century round

  4. 1960

    A U-2 is shot down over the USSR

    Gary Powers is captured and a superpower summit collapses.

    Play the 20th century round