In History, Today on May 8

Joan of Arc lifts the Siege of Orléans, marking a turning point in the Hundred Years' War.

Hernando de Soto reaches the Mississippi River, becoming the first recorded European to do so.

Antoine Lavoisier, the 'father of modern chemistry,' is executed by guillotine during the French Revolution.

Greek War of Independence: The Greeks defeat the Turks at the Battle of Gravia Inn.

The Battle of Palo Alto, the first major battle of the Mexican-American War, is fought.

Coca-Cola is first sold at Jacob's Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia.

Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day) is celebrated as the Allies formally accept Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender, marking the end of World War II in Europe.

The Beatles release their final studio album, 'Let It Be.'

Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler become the first climbers to reach the summit of Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen.

The World Health Organization announces the eradication of smallpox.

The World Health Organization declares the SARS outbreak contained in Vietnam, making it the first country to successfully contain the virus.

The final episode of the television series 'Friends' airs, concluding a decade-long run and marking a significant moment in television history.

Dmitry Medvedev is inaugurated as President of Russia, succeeding Vladimir Putin, who becomes Prime Minister.

The European Union and the International Monetary Fund agree on a €110 billion bailout package for Greece to address its sovereign debt crisis.

U.S. President Donald Trump announces the United States' withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).