Every day in history has its own story to tell. Some days are filled with big events that change the world. May 28 is one of those days. Many important things happened on this day throughout history. Some famous people were also born on May 28. Let’s explore what makes this day so special.

Historical Events on May 28

Joan of Arc Accused of Heresy (1431)

Joan of Arc was a young French woman who led the French army to several victories during the Hundred Years’ War. She claimed that God had chosen her to help France win the war. However, on May 28, 1431, Joan was accused of going against the church by wearing men’s clothes again. This accusation led to her being executed by being burned at the stake.

Spanish Armada Departs (1588)

In 1588, King Philip II of Spain sent a large fleet of ships called the Spanish Armada to invade England. He wanted to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I and make England a Catholic country again. The Duke of Medina-Sidonia was in charge of leading the armada. The event was important because it was part of a big war between England and Spain.

Battle of Jumonville Glen (1754)

The Battle of Jumonville Glen happened on May 28, 1754. It was a small fight that led to a bigger war called the French and Indian War. George Washington, who later became the first U.S. president, was involved in the battle. During the fight, a French Canadian officer named Joseph Coulon de Jumonville was killed.

Indian Removal Act Signed (1830)

On May 28, 1830, U.S. President Andrew Jackson signed the Indian Removal Act. This law allowed the government to force Native American tribes like the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Creek, and Seminole to leave their lands in Georgia and other nearby states. Many Native Americans died during the forced move, which became known as the Trail of Tears.

Premiere of “Foul Play” (1858)

Dion Boucicault was a famous Irish playwright. On May 28, 1858, his play “Foul Play” had its first showing in London. The play was about a man who was wrongly accused of a crime. It was popular with audiences and helped make Boucicault even more famous.

Famous Birthdays on May 28

Selim II (1524–1574)

Selim II was the son of Suleiman the Magnificent. He became the 11th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire in 1566. During his rule, the Ottomans took control of the island of Cyprus. However, they also lost an important sea battle against European countries. Selim II was known for enjoying a life of luxury and leaving much of the ruling to his advisors.

George I (1660–1727)

George I was born in Germany but became King of Great Britain and Ireland in 1714. He was the first British monarch from the House of Hanover. During his reign, the powers of the monarchy decreased, and the role of Parliament grew stronger. George I faced a rebellion in Scotland in 1715 but managed to defeat it.

William Pitt the Younger (1759–1806)

William Pitt the Younger, became the youngest Prime Minister of Great Britain at the age of 24. He served from 1783 to 1801, and again from 1804 until his death in 1806. Pitt was known for his honesty and his ability to manage the country’s finances. He led Britain during the French Revolutionary Wars and helped form alliances against France.

Alexandre de Beauharnais (1760-1794)

Alexandre de Beauharnais was a French politician and general during the French Revolution. He married Joséphine de Beauharnais, who later became the wife of Napoleon Bonaparte. Alexandre served in the French army and was elected to the National Assembly. He was, however, detained during the Reign of Terror and executed in 1794 by guillotine.

Edvard Beneš (1884–1948)

Edvard Beneš was a Czech politician who helped establish Czechoslovakia as an independent country after World War I. He served as the country’s foreign minister and later as its president from 1935 to 1938, and again from 1945 to 1948. During World War II, Beneš led the Czechoslovak government-in-exile in London. After the war, he returned to Czechoslovakia but resigned in 1948 after the communist party took over the government.

Takeaways

May 28 is a day filled with important historical events and the birthdays of remarkable people. From Joan of Arc’s accusation of heresy to the signing of the Indian Removal Act, this day witnessed moments that shaped the course of history.

The famous people born on May 28, such as Selim II, George I, William Pitt the Younger, Alexandre de Beauharnais, and Edvard Beneš, left their mark on the world through their actions and leadership. By learning about these events and people, we can better understand how the past has influenced the world we live in today.

References:

1. “Joan of Arc.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 21 Apr. 2021, www.history.com/topics/middle-ages/saint-joan-of-arc.
2. “Spanish Armada.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 27 May 2020, www.britannica.com/event/Spanish-Armada.
3. “Battle of Jumonville Glen.” George Washington’s Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/battle-of-jumonville-glen/.
4. “Indian Removal Act.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 12 May 2021, www.britannica.com/topic/Indian-Removal-Act.
5. “Dion Boucicault.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 15 Dec. 2020, www.britannica.com/biography/Dion-Boucicault.
6. “Selim II.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 16 May 2021, www.britannica.com/biography/Selim-II.
7. “George I.” The Royal Family, The Royal Household, www.royal.uk/george-i.
8. “William Pitt the Younger.” Gov.uk, Government Digital Service, www.gov.uk/government/history/past-prime-ministers/william-pitt-the-younger.
9. “Alexandre de Beauharnais.” Napoleon.org, Fondation Napoléon, www.napoleon.org/en/history-of-the-two-empires/biographies/alexandre-de-beauharnais/.
10. “Edvard Beneš.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 15 May 2021, www.britannica.com/biography/Edvard-Benes.