Today in History – May 18, 2026

Posted By: Staff May 18, 2026

🌍 Politics & World History

  • 1804 – Napoleon declared Emperor.
    Napoleon Bonaparte was proclaimed Emperor of the French by the French Senate, transforming France into an empire.
  • 1910 – Earth passes through Halley’s Comet tail.
    Public fascination and fear spread worldwide as Earth passed through the tail of Halley’s Comet.
  • 1980 – Mount St. Helens erupts.
    Mount St. Helens erupted in Washington, becoming one of the deadliest volcanic events in U.S. history.

🔬 Science & Technology

  • 1897 – Dracula published.
    Bram Stoker published Dracula, influencing horror literature and pop culture.
  • 1969 – Apollo 10 launched.
    Apollo 10 launched as a crucial rehearsal mission for the Moon landing.

🎭 Culture & the Arts

  • 1920 – Pope John Paul II born.
    Pope John Paul II was born in Poland.
  • 1980 – “The Empire Strikes Back” premieres era.
    The Empire Strikes Back began its rollout, becoming one of the most acclaimed sequels ever made.

⚽ Sports

  • 1933 – First modern NHL playoff traditions expand.
    Championship hockey gained major popularity in North America.
  • 2019 – Preakness Stakes upset.
    War of Will won the Preakness Stakes.

🎂 Notable Birthdays – May 18

  • 1868 – Nicholas II of Russia – Last Russian tsar.
  • 1912 – Perry Como – Singer.
  • 1920 – Pope John Paul II – Catholic leader.
  • 1970 – Tina Fey – Actress and comedian.
  • 1980 – MichaĹ‚ Ĺ»ebrowski – Actor.

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