(Friday, May 22, 1835) — U.S. Vice President Martin Van Buren of New York was unanimously nominated president today at the 1835 Democratic National Convention meeting at the Fourth Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, more than 19 months ahead of the 1836 general election. Continue reading Democrats unanimously tap VP Martin Van Buren as Andrew Jackson’s successor 190 years ago today (May 22 1835)
Video: 'From U.S. Veep to Rebel General: Breckinridge's Path'
(Monday, May 17, 1875, 5:45 p.m. local time) — John C. Breckinridge, the 14th vice president of the United States, with President James Buchanan, from 1857 to 1861, died this afternoon at his Lexington, Kentucky, home from cirrhosis of the liver at age 54. Continue reading Former U.S. Vice President John C. Breckinridge dies 150 years ago this hour (May 17 1875)
Video: 'Rural Electrification Administration Documentary'
(Saturday, May 11, 1935; during the Great Depression) — The Rural Electrification Administration (REA), one of the New Deal agencies started under U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt, was created today with the primary goal of promoting rural electrification.
(Tuesday, May 9, 1865, 12 noon local time; during the American Civil War) — U.S. President Andrew Johnson issued a proclamation today declaring the American Civil War may be regarded as “virtually at an end” and that nations or ships still harboring fugitives would be denied entry into U.S. ports. Continue reading President Andrew Johnson declares American Civil War ‘virtually at an end’ 160 years ago this hour (May 9 1865)
Video: '[VE Day 75] President Harry Truman's speech for Victory in Europe Day newsreel 8 May 1945'
(Tuesday, May 8, 1945, 9:00 a.m. EWT; on the Western Front of World War II) — U.S. President Harry S. Truman, on his 61st birthday, announced on radio this morning that Nazi Germany’s forces had surrendered, and that “the flags of freedom fly all over Europe” (click here for a clip of this day on “American Experience: Truman” at 1:41:50). Continue reading President Truman announces Germany’s surrender, declares Victory in Europe Day 80 years ago this hour (May 8 1945)
Video: 'Vietnam The Ten Thousand Day War 12of13 Surrender' (May 7, 1975, at 44:24)
(Wednesday, May 7, 1975, during the Cold War) — On the same day that the Viet Cong celebrated its takeover of South Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, U.S. President Gerald R. Ford formally declared an end to the “Vietnam era,” ending wartime veteran’s benefits for new military recruits.
Video: 'WPA (Works Progress Administration) - 1937'
(Monday, May 6, 1935; during the Great Depression) — The Works Progress Administration began operating under an executive order signed today by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Video: 'Reagan at Bitburg May 5 1985) (Complete)' (coverage begins at 8:30 a.m. EDT)
(Sunday, May 5, 1985, 2:51 p.m. CEST) — U.S. President Ronald Reagan presided over a wreath-laying today at the base of a brick cemetery tower looming over the graves of nearly 2,000 German soldiers, including 49 SS troops. Continue reading U.S. President Reagan sparks outrage with visit to German cemetery containing Nazi SS graves 40 years ago this hour (May 5 1985)
Video: 'Ken.Burns.The.Civil.War.9of9.The.Better.Angels.Of.Our.Nature' (May 4, 1865 at 24:35)
(Thursday, May 4, 1865, 1:00 p.m.; during the American Civil War) — U.S. President Abraham Lincoln was laid to rest today in his hometown of Springfield, Illinois, following a 180-city, seven-state train journey from Washington, where he had been assassinated.
Lincoln’s son Willie, who died at age 11 from typhoid fever in 1862 and had originally been buried in Washington while Lincoln was serving as president, was interred next to his father in the family plot.
Video: 'Ken.Burns.The.Civil.War.9of9.The.Better.Angels.Of.Our.Nature' May 3, 1865 at 23:22)
(Wednesday, May 3, 1865, 9:00 a.m. local time; during the American Civil War) — The remains U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, fatally shot on the evening of Apr. 14, 1865, and his deceased son, William Wallace Lincoln, arrived today in Lincoln’s hometown of Springfield, Illinois, for public viewing at the Old State House, concluding a 1,654 mile train journey from Washington for final burial.
