May 12

What happened on May 12 in history

3 events fall on May 12, from 1820 to 1949. 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 12

  1. 1820

    Florence Nightingale is born

    The founder of modern nursing is born in the city she is named after.

    Play the 19th century round

  2. 1937

    George VI is crowned

    The coronation goes ahead on the date set for his abdicated brother.

    Play the 20th century round

  3. 1949

    The Berlin blockade ends

    The Soviet Union reopens land routes after nearly a year of airlift.

    Play the 20th century round