8 May What Happened On This Day In History

Today in History: May 8th is the 128th day of the year (129th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. There are 237 days remaining until the end of the year.

There are several notable events that happened on May 8 throughout history, and that’s why it’s an important day in Indian and world history.

What Happened this Day in India History Events | Unsplash

If you’re wondering to know about what happened today in History? Then you’re in the right place. On this day, there are several notable events that have occurred throughout Indian and world history. 

In this article, we have compiled a list of the important things that happened all around the world on May 8. Take a look:  

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Today in History: What Happened This Day in India History Events

World Red Cross Day – May 8

World Red Cross Day, also known as World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, is observed on May 8th each year. It is an annual commemoration of the principles and humanitarian work carried out by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The date of May 8th holds significance as it marks the birth anniversary of Henry Dunant, the founder of the Red Cross and the recipient of the first Nobel Peace Prize.

World Thalassaemia Day – May 8

World Thalassaemia Day is observed on May 8th every year to raise awareness about Thalassaemia, a genetic blood disorder. Thalassaemia is characterized by the body’s inability to produce sufficient healthy red blood cells, leading to anemia and other complications.

The aim of World Thalassaemia Day is to educate the public about Thalassaemia, its prevention, treatment, and the challenges faced by individuals living with the condition. The day also seeks to promote initiatives for better healthcare and support for Thalassaemia patients and their families.

What Happened this Day in India History Events

Mahatma Gandhi kept 21 day fast against British rule

On 8 May 1933, he announced a fast for 21 days for the Harijan cause. After coming out of prison Gandhiji devoted himself exclusively to the cause of the ‘Harijans’. The weekly Harijan now took the place of Young India, which had served the national cause from 1919 to 1932.

The World Health Organization announced the elimination of smallpox.

On May 8, 1980, WHO declared smallpox eradicated – the only infectious disease to achieve this distinction. This remains among the most notable and profound public health successes in history.

What happened in World History on May 8

What Happened this Day in India History Events

V-E Day is celebrated in America and Britain

On May 8, 1945, both Great Britain and the United States celebrate Victory in Europe Day. Cities in both nations, as well as formerly occupied cities in Western Europe, put out flags and banners, rejoicing in the defeat of the Nazi war machine during World War II.

Militia Act establishes conscription under federal law

On May 8, 1792, Congress passes the second portion of the Militia Act, requiring that every free able-bodied white male citizen of the respective States, resident therein, who is or shall be of age eighteen years, and under the age of forty-five years be enrolled in the militia.

The first major battle of the Mexican-American War  

In 1846, the first major battle of the Mexican-American War was fought at Palo Alto, Texas; U.S. forces led by Gen. Zachary Taylor were able to beat back Mexican forces.  

1886 – Coca-Cola is invented

Back on May 8, 1886, the world’s first Coca-Cola was served at Jacobs’ Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia. It was the creation of Dr. John Pemberton as a tonic for common ailments. He likely had no idea what was in store for his product, the company, and an industry that would grow into the giant it is today. 

Equal rights for Blacks and whites  

On May 8, 1996, South Africa took another step from apartheid to democracy by adopting a constitution that guaranteed equal rights for Blacks and whites.

Today’s Highlight in History:   

– In 1945, President Harry S. Truman announced on radio that Nazi Germany’s forces had surrendered, and that “the flags of freedom fly all over Europe.”

– In 1984, the Soviet Union announced it would boycott the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

– In 2003, the Senate unanimously endorsed adding to NATO seven former communist nations: Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

– In 2018, President Donald Trump withdrew the U.S. from the nuclear accord with Iran and restored harsh sanctions; Trump had been a severe critic of the deal negotiated by the Obama administration in which Iran agreed to restrictions on its nuclear program.

– In 2021, a car bombing attack in Afghanistan’s capital killed more than 90 people, many of them students leaving a girls’ school.

What Happened this Day in India History Events

Also on this day:

In addition to these historical events on May 8 events, there is also the birthday and death of several notable individuals that you must know about.

Famous People’s Birthday on May 8

1916: Chinmayananda Saraswati, an Indian spiritual leader, was born.

1929 – Birth of India’s famous Thumri singer Girija Devi.

1988 – P. R. Sreejesh was born. Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh is an Indian professional field hockey player who plays as a goalkeeper and former captain of the Indian national team. 

Famous People’s Death Anniversary on May 8

1915 – Amir Chand who was India’s freedom fighter passed away.

1915 – Bhai Balmukund – one of the revolutionaries who fought for India’s independence, passed away.

1960 – J. H. C. Whitehead, known as Henry, was a British mathematician and was one of the founders of homotopy theory. He was born in Chennai, India, and died in Princeton, New Jersey, in 1960.

List of important days in May 2023

Month-wise Important Days List 2023

This was all about the interesting and intriguing events that occurred on May 8! For more such informative content, keep following universo virtual.