On this day in history

May 1

American

1863Lee and Jackson strike at Chancellorsville, the battle that will cost Jackson his life.

Lee and Jackson strike at Chancellorsville, the battle that will cost Jackson his life.

1898Commodore Dewey destroys the Spanish fleet at Manila Bay without losing a man.

Commodore Dewey destroys the Spanish fleet at Manila Bay without losing a man.

1931The Empire State Building opens as the tallest building in the world.

The Empire State Building opens as the tallest building in the world.

2003George W Bush declares major combat over in Iraq beneath a Mission Accomplished banner, years too early.

George W Bush declares major combat over in Iraq beneath a Mission Accomplished banner, years too early.

1707England and Scotland unite as the Kingdom of Great Britain under the Acts of Union.

England and Scotland unite as the Kingdom of Great Britain under the Acts of Union.

1945Joseph Goebbels poisons his six children and kills himself in the Berlin bunker.

Joseph Goebbels poisons his six children and kills himself in the Berlin bunker.

2004Ten nations join the European Union in its largest single expansion.

Ten nations join the European Union in its largest single expansion.