On May 15, 1776, the Virginia Convention instructed its Continental Congress delegation to propose a resolution of independence from Great Britain, paving the way for the United States Declaration of Independence.
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On May 14, 1787, delegates convened a Constitutional Convention, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to write a new Constitution for the United States. George Washington presided over the convention.
On the same day in 1887, Lysander Spooner — author of the pamphlets titled “The Constitution of No Authority” — died.
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Brazil outlaws slavery, May 13
On May 13, 1888, Brazil abolished slavery with the passage of the Lei Áurea (“Golden Law”).
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Axis in Africa surrender, May 12
On May 12, 1943, during World War II, Axis forces in North Africa surrendered.
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Minnesota becomes a state, May 11
On May 11, 1858, Minnesota was admitted as the 32nd U.S. State. Other May 11th events include Luxembourg’s gaining independence in 1867, and Klaus Barbie going on trial in Lyon, 120 years later, for war crimes committed during World War II.
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John Brown born
On May 9, 1800, abolitionist revolutionary (and, technically, terrorist) John Brown was born. In 1883 on this date Spanish philosopher José Ortega y Gasset was born.