This Day in History: May 7

1429: English siege of Orleans broken by Joan of Arc and the French army

In the midst of the Hundred Years' War, a teenage girl named Joan of Arc led a French army to victory against the English in the Siege of Orleans. This triumph was a turning point in the war and helped secure the eventual French victory.

1867: Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel patents dynamite in England, the first of three patents he would receive for the explosive material

Alfred Nobel's invention of dynamite revolutionized the construction and mining industries, but it also had devastating effects when used as a weapon in warfare. This invention would ultimately lead Nobel to establish the Nobel Prizes, including the Peace Prize.

1895: Alexander Popov demonstrates the world's first radio receiver

Russian physicist Alexander Popov's creation of the radio receiver paved the way for the development of wireless communication, which would eventually transform the world by enabling instant communication across vast distances.

1912: Columbia University approves plans for awarding the Pulitzer Prize in several categories, after established by Joseph Pulitzer

The Pulitzer Prize, named after Joseph Pulitzer, the founder of the New York World newspaper, is now one of the most prestigious awards in journalism, literature, and music composition. The prize has been awarded annually since 1917 and recognizes excellence in various categories.

1915: RMS Lusitania sunk by German submarine off the southern coast of Ireland; 1198 lives lost

The sinking of the RMS Lusitania during World War I was a significant event that contributed to the eventual entry of the United States into the war. The ship's sinking also prompted international outrage due to the loss of civilian lives and the violation of international law.

1939: Germany and Italy announce an alliance known as the Rome-Berlin Axis

The alliance between Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy would have far-reaching consequences, ultimately leading to World War II and the deaths of millions of people. The Axis powers were eventually defeated by the Allied powers, marking the end of the war in 1945.

1945: World War II: Unconditional German surrender to the Allies signed by General Alfred Jodl at Rheims

The signing of the unconditional surrender by Germany marked the end of World War II in Europe. This event was a momentous occasion and brought about the beginning of the rebuilding process for the war-torn continent.

1946: Sony is founded

Originally known as Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering, Sony has become one of the world's leading manufacturers of electronic products. The company's innovations have included the Walkman, the PlayStation, and numerous other groundbreaking products.

2000: Vladimir Putin becomes President of Russia

Vladimir Putin's ascent to the presidency of Russia marked a new era in the country's history. Putin's leadership has been characterized by both significant economic growth and a controversial approach to governance, marked by accusations of authoritarianism and human rights abuses.

2017: Emmanuel Macron wins France's presidential election defeating Marine Le Pen

Emmanuel Macron's victory in the French presidential election marked a significant moment for European politics, as it signaled a rejection of far-right populism and a renewed commitment to European