In History, Today on May 12

The WannaCry ransomware attack began, affecting hundreds of thousands of computers worldwide, particularly impacting the UK's National Health Service.

A second major earthquake struck Nepal, measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale, just weeks after a previous devastating quake. This earthquake caused further casualties and damage in a country already struggling with the aftermath of the April 2015 earthquake.

A mining disaster took place at the Soma mine in Turkey, which became one of the deadliest mining disasters in Turkey's history with 301 miners killed.

A train collision occurred in eastern India near the city of Jhargram, involving a cargo train and a passenger train due to suspected Maoist sabotage.

A devastating earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale struck Sichuan Province in China, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The earthquake resulted in nearly 87,000 deaths and left millions homeless.

A series of explosions at the Kaspiysk Victory Day parade in Russia kills 44 people. The explosions targeted a crowded ceremony, marking a significant act of violence in the region.

The Tate Modern art gallery was opened in London, housed in the former Bankside Power Station, and soon became one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the world.

The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia was established by the United Nations to prosecute serious crimes committed during the Yugoslav Wars, marking a significant step in international justice.

The Soviet spacecraft Luna 5 crashed on the Moon, marking a failed attempt to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface.

The Soviet Union lifted the Berlin Blockade, which had been in place since June 1948, allowing supplies to flow into West Berlin and marking a significant moment in the early Cold War.

The Soviet Union launches the unsuccessful Kharkov offensive against the German Army during World War II.

The coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth took place at Westminster Abbey in London, marking the beginning of their reign following the abdication of King Edward VIII.

The body of Charles Lindbergh Jr., the kidnapped son of Charles Lindbergh, is found in Hopewell, New Jersey.

The General Strike in the United Kingdom ends after nine days.

Brazil was in the final stages of abolishing slavery, an effort culminating just a day after with the signing of the Lei Áurea (Golden Law) by Princess Isabel.

The first performance of Franz Liszt's symphonic poem 'From the Cradle to the Grave' took place in Budapest.

Founding of Tunisia's city of Bizerte as a French protectorate following the Treaty of Bardo.

Manitoba Act was passed by the Canadian Parliament, leading to the creation of Manitoba as a province in Canada.

The Battle of Raymond during the American Civil War concluded, marking a Union victory under Major General James B. McPherson against Confederate forces led by Brigadier General John Gregg.

The UK Parliament passed the Poor Law Amendment Act, amending the system established by the Poor Law Amendment Act of 1834 concerning the care of the poor.

During the Mexican-American War, the US declared war on Mexico, formalizing their state of hostilities due to disputes over Texas and territorial expansion.

The birth of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

Napoleon Bonaparte conquers Venice.

Charleston, South Carolina, fell to British forces during the American Revolutionary War, marking one of the worst American defeats of the war.

The chief advisor to King Charles I, Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford, is executed.

The Day of the Barricades in Paris, a turning point in the French Wars of Religion.

The National University of San Marcos, the oldest university in the Americas, was founded in Lima, Peru. It played a crucial role in the intellectual and cultural development of Latin America.

Jagiellonian University, one of the oldest universities in the world, was founded in Kraków, Poland. It became a major center of learning and culture in Central Europe.

Richard I of England, also known as Richard the Lionheart, arrived in the city of Acre during the Third Crusade. His arrival marked a significant moment in the Crusades as he was one of the leading figures in the Christian efforts to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control.

The first recorded mention of the city of Zagreb in medieval documents called 'Zagreb's Assembly.'

The Battle of Pressburg begins, marking a significant conflict between the Frankish Empire and the Hungarian forces.

Pope Stephen I begins his papacy.