Have you ever wondered what happened on May 17 in history? Or which famous people were born on this day? May 17 has seen some big events and the births of many interesting people over the centuries. Let’s explore them!
Historical Events on May 17
England Declares War on France (1689)
On May 17, 1689, the English King William III said that England was at war with France. This was to help the Dutch Republic in a fight called the Nine Years’ War. The Dutch were friends with the English, so King William wanted to join the war on their side against the French.
Vivaldi’s First Opera (1713)
A famous music writer named Antonio Vivaldi had his first opera performed on May 17, 1713. It was called “Ottone in villa” and was played at a theater in a place that is now part of Italy. Vivaldi would go on to write many more great pieces of music.
Battle of Chotusitz (1742)
In 1742, there was a big battle at a place called Chotusitz between the countries of Prussia and Austria. The Prussian army was led by their king, Frederick the Great. His army beat the Austrians in the fight.
The Greatest Crime in Literary History (1824)
The writer Lord Byron kept diaries. But on May 17, 1824, after he died, some of his friends burned the diaries! They did it in London at the office of a man named John Murray. Some people say this was a terrible thing to do because it destroyed Byron’s writings.
First Color Photograph (1861)
James Clerk Maxwell was a scientist from Scotland. On May 17, 1861, he showed the first color photograph to people in London. It was a picture of a striped ribbon. This was a very important step in learning how to take color photos.
Famous Birthdays on May 17
Bartholomew Roberts (1682-1722)
Bartholomew “Black Bart” Roberts was a pirate.
Birthday: May 17, 1682
Birthplace: Wales, England
Known for: Roberts attacked many ships near America and Africa. He was one of the most famous pirates.
Edward Jenner (1749-1823)
Edward Jenner was an English doctor.
Birthday: May 17, 1749
Birthplace: Berkeley, England
Known for: Jenner discovered vaccines. His smallpox vaccine saved many lives.
Alfonso XIII (1886-1941)
Alfonso XIII was a king of Spain.
Birthday: May 17, 1886
Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
Known for: Alfonso was king from 1886 until 1931. He had to deal with many problems and was later forced to leave Spain.
Cool Papa Bell (1903-1991)
James “Cool Papa” Bell was a baseball player.
Birthday: May 17, 1903
Birthplace: Mississippi, USA
Known for: Bell was a very fast center fielder in the Negro Leagues. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Dennis Hopper (1936-2010)
Dennis Hopper was an American actor and movie director.
Birthday: May 17, 1936
Birthplace: Kansas, USA
Known for: Hopper acted in movies like Easy Rider and Blue Velvet. He also directed movies.
Takeaways
May 17 was a day of many important events throughout history. Big things happened like England starting a war, Prussia winning a battle, and the first color photo being shown. We also remember the famous people born on this day, like the pirate Bartholomew Roberts, the doctor Edward Jenner who made vaccines, and actors like Dennis Hopper. It’s fun to learn what happened on certain days in the past!
References:
1. Barclay, Andrew. “Today in History: May 17.” History Happens, 17 May 2023
https://historyhappens.com/today-in-history-may-17/
2. “Famous Birthdays on May 17.” On This Day, 17 May 2023
https://www.onthisday.com/birthdays/may/17
