In History, Today on May 17

Voters in the Philippines elected Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. as president, marking the return of the Marcos family and political influence decades after Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s dictatorship.

US President Joe Biden signed a hate crimes law addressing hate crimes against Asian Americans, a priority during his administration in response to rising anti-Asian attacks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Taiwan's parliament becomes the first in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, following a 2017 constitutional court ruling.

An international investigation officially accused the Russian military of responsibility for the missile that downed flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014, killing all 298 on board.

The WannaCry ransomware attack affects hundreds of thousands of computers worldwide, exploiting vulnerabilities in Microsoft Windows.

A shootout between rival biker gangs in Waco, Texas, leaves nine people dead and 18 others injured.

The International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia was celebrated globally, raising awareness of LGBT rights violations and stimulating interest in LGBT rights work worldwide.

The Eurozone announced its largest financial rescue package at the time, worth €110 billion, agreed upon to bail out Greece during its unprecedented debt crisis.

Sri Lankan government declared victory over the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), ending a 26-year civil war.

The United Nations General Assembly elects South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon as the next Secretary-General, succeeding Kofi Annan.

Massachusetts became the first U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage following a ruling by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in November 2003.

Mobutu Sese Seko, the longtime dictator of Zaire, fled the country, effectively bringing an end to his 32-year rule as the country faced political upheaval.

The World Health Organization removed homosexuality from its list of mental illnesses, marking a significant step in LGBTQ+ rights.

The televised hearings of the United States Senate Watergate Committee began, investigating the Watergate scandal that eventually led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.

The Soviet spacecraft Luna 5 crash-landed on the Moon, highlighting continuing efforts and challenges of the Soviet space program in the era of space exploration.

The first successful test flight of a prototype for the Sikorsky S-61R Super King helicopter was conducted, showcasing advancements in aviation technology.

The United States Supreme Court delivered its landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education, declaring racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional and marking a pivotal moment in the American Civil Rights Movement.

The first Tour de France cycling race post-World War II was officially announced to commence in July after being resumed following its suspension during the war years.

The United States Army Air Forces launched Operation Chastise, targeting German dams in the Ruhr Valley. This operation involved the use of the 'bouncing bomb,' developed by Barnes Wallis, and led to the destruction of the Möhne and Edersee Dams.

The Nazi German army reached Brussels, Belgium, during the Western campaign of World War II, marking the beginning of a rapid advance through Belgium and France.

The Antikythera mechanism, an ancient Greek analog computer, was discovered off the coast of the Greek island Antikythera by a team of Greek sponge divers.

Alaska became a US territory following the Alaska Purchase from Russia in 1867.

The first Kentucky Derby was held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, establishing what would become the longest-running horse race in the United States.

The International Telegraph Union was founded in Paris, France.

The Kingdom of Italy was officially declared, following the annexation of various states in the Italian peninsula.

A large fire ravages St. Louis, Missouri, causing significant destruction and highlighting the burgeoning city's challenges with fire safety in its wooden structures.

The Rensselaer School, now known as Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, is established in Troy, New York. It is one of the first institutions in the world to offer instruction in civil engineering.

The Demerara River in Guyana sees the arrival of the HMS Bellerophon and its crew, marking an important logistical moment in the British West Indies campaign.

French Emperor Napoleon I orders the annexation of the Papal States into the French Empire, marking a crucial step in his conflict with the Catholic Church and Pope Pius VII over the independence of the Church.

The Buttonwood Agreement was signed by 24 stockbrokers and merchants outside 68 Wall Street in New York City, marking the origin of what would become the New York Stock Exchange.

The Seven Years' War begins when Great Britain declares war on France.

Paul de Chomedey, Sieur de Maisonneuve, establishes Ville-Marie, which later becomes Montreal.

Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, was executed for treason, marking a significant event in the power struggles of the English nobility during the reign of King Henry VIII.

The dispute between King Edward III of England and King Philip VI of France escalates when Philip confiscates the Duchy of Aquitaine from Edward, a key event that helps catalyze the Hundred Years' War.

The death of Pope Adrian III, who served as pope from 884 until his death. His papacy was brief, and he is remembered for his efforts to improve relations with the Carolingian Empire.

Pope Liberius is elected as the 36th pope of the Catholic Church, succeeding Pope Julius I. His papacy is marked by the Arian controversy, a significant theological dispute in early Christianity.