This Day That Year

May 15

in History

Liu Bei Claims the Throne — A sandal-weaver becomes an emperor
Chengdu, ChinaClassical
221

Liu Bei Claims the Throne

A sandal-weaver becomes an emperor

In the ancient Chinese city of Chengdu, Liu Bei -- a man who claimed descent from the Han imperial family but had started life weaving straw sandals -- proclaimed himself emperor of Shu Han, declaring his state the legitimate successor to the fallen Han dynasty. His rise from poverty to imperial power, aided by the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang and the oath-brothers Guan Yu and Zhang Fei, became one of the most celebrated stories in Chinese literature and culture.

221 AD
Ida Rhodes Was Born — A woman who taught machines to think
Ukraine (then Russian Empire)Early 20th Century
1900

Ida Rhodes Was Born

A woman who taught machines to think

In a Jewish community in Ukraine, Ida Rhodes was born -- the mathematician who would become a pioneer of computer programming in the United States. Emigrating to America as a child, she rose to become one of the most influential women in early computing, working at the National Bureau of Standards where she helped develop the first computer program for the Social Security Administration. Her work laid the groundwork for the digital systems that now govern modern life.

1900 AD
Pinewood derby — Don Murphy organized the first pinewood derby, an event for Cub Scouts of the Boy Scouts of America where wooden cars built by the scouts are raced.
Late 20th Century
1953

Pinewood derby

Don Murphy organized the first pinewood derby, an event for Cub Scouts of the Boy Scouts of America where wooden cars built by the scouts are raced.

Don Murphy organized the first pinewood derby, an event for Cub Scouts of the Boy Scouts of America where wooden cars built by the scouts are raced.

1953 AD