The Sierra Gorda biosphere is established.
17 May 1987
An Iraqi Dassault Mirage F1 fighter jet fired missiles at the USS Stark. 37 were killed.
15 May 1848
In Hungary, the Habsburg rulers are compelled to meet the demands of the Reform party; sparking the Hungarian Revolution.
12 May 1975
The Cambodian navy seizes an American merchant ship SS Mayaguez in international waters.
10 May 1849
A riot breaks out at the Astor Opera House in New York City after a dispute between actors Edwin Forrest and William Charles Macready.