This Day In History : May 28

1918 Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan gains independence and declares itself a Democratic Republic

Azerbaijan gained independence and declared itself a Democratic Republic on May 28, 1918. This marked the establishment of the first secular democratic state in the Muslim world.

Also on This Day in History May 28

Discover what happened on May 28 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries,
famous births and notable deaths.

Births on This Day, May 28
  • 1908 Ian Fleming

    English journalist and author who created James Bond

  • 1944 Rudy Giuliani

    American lawyer and politician who served as the 107th Mayor of New York City

  • 1945 Patch Adams

    American physician and author who founded the Gesundheit! Institute

  • 1865 Gerrit Grijns

    Dutch researcher and co-discoverer of vitamin B1 (thiamine)

  • 1925 Bülent Ecevit

    Four term Turkish Prime Minister (between 1974 and 2002)

Deaths on This Day, May 28
  • 1843 Noah Webster

    American lexicographer who published his first dictionary in 1806

  • 1972 Edward VIII

    King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Empire and Emperor of India (Jan 20th, 1936 until his abdication on Dec 11th, 1936),

  • 1998 Philip L. Carret

    American  investor and founder of Pioneer Fund, one of the first mutual funds in the United States.

  • 2014 Maya Angelou

    American author ("I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"), poet and actress (Nyo-Roots)

  • 1929 Alice Stopford Green

    Irish historian and proponent of Irish independence

1952

Women in Greece are granted the right to vote

Women in Greece were granted the right to vote on May 28, 1952, through legislation passed by the Greek government. This historic milestone marked a significant step forward for women's rights and political participation in Greece.
1900

Total solar eclipse occurs 1900

A total solar eclipse occurred in the year 1900, on May 28th. This eclipse was visible from parts of North and South America, Africa, Europe, and Asia.
1937

The Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco opened to vehicular traffic on May 28, 1937.
1948

The Israeli Air Force (IAF)

The Israeli Air Force (IAF) was officially founded on May 28, 1948, shortly after the start of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
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