On this Day in History: May 30

A closer look at key historic events that took place on May 30:

In 2011, Germany abandons nuclear energy
This decision was heavily influenced by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan that year and major protests and activism by anti-nuclear proponents.

Last cooling tower in the former Zschornewitz power plant. Wikimedia Commons

In 1942, Britain bombs Cologne

Britain launched “Operation Millennium” on May 30, the first “1,000 bomber raid”, causing widespread destruction, leaving around 45,000 people homeless and killing an estimated 469 civilians Cologne, Germany.

Vertical aerial photograph taken over the Mulheim district of Cologne, Germany, during a heavy daylight raid, showing a Handley Page Halifax flying southwards over the River Rhine, as clouds of smoke rise from targets bombed on the west bank. Two daylight raids on this date completely devastated the Mulheim and Zollstock districts, causing much damage to domestic property as well as industrial premises, power stations, railways and harbour installations. Picryl

In 1854, the Kansas-Nebraska Act is passed

The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 allowed settlers in the territories of Kansas and Nebraska to decide whether slavery would be permitted there, based on popular sovereignty. The act effectively repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820, intensifying tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions and contributing to the escalation of violence in the region, eventually culminating in the American Civil War.

Kansas Nebraska Act – “Forcing Slavery” Flickr

In 1814, the first of the Treaties of Paris is signed

The Treaty marked the end of the Napoleonic Wars and resulted in France losing significant territories and the establishment of a new balance of power in Europe. Napoleon was exiled to the island of Elba, temporarily restoring peace to the continent.

“The map of Europe by treaty; showing the various political and territorial changes which have taken place since the general peace of 1814. With numerous maps and notes ..” (1875) Internet Archive Book Images. Flickr

In 1431, Joan of Arc is burned at the stake

Having led the French army in a momentous victory over England during the Hundred Years’ War, she was later captured by the Burgundians and sold to the English. She was charged with heresy and witchcraft and on May 30 was burned at the stake at the age of 19.

Right-Hand Part of The Life of Joan of Arc Triptych. 1843. Hermitage

In 1381, the Peasants’ Revolt begins

Also known as Wat Tyler’s Rebellion, began in England as a response to socio-economic grievances, including oppressive taxation and serfdom. Led by Wat Tyler, the revolt saw widespread unrest and violence, culminating in the rebels reaching London and briefly seizing control of the city. However, the revolt was eventually suppressed, and its leaders, including Wat Tyler, were killed.