What happened in May 1994?
The top front-page story of each day in May 1994, as it was reported at the time. Click a date to see that day’s full front page and the matching birthday books.
- May 1🗳️ South Africa Votes – South Africa begins counting votes in its first fully democratic elections, marking a historic moment for the nation and its people.
- May 2🏁 Senna Dies in Crash – Ayrton Senna, a three-time Formula One world champion, died after a crash during the San Marino Grand Prix in Imola, Italy.
- May 3🎉 Mandela Celebrates Victory – Nelson Mandela celebrated his presidential victory in South Africa, sparking widespread joy and dancing in the streets across the nation.
- May 4🕊️ Gaza Self-Rule Agreement – Israel and the P.L.O. finalize details for Palestinian self-rule in Gaza and Jericho, paving the way for a historic signing ceremony.
- May 5🕊️ Israel-P.L.O. Accord – Israel and the P.L.O. signed an agreement starting Israel's withdrawal from Gaza and Jericho, granting Palestinians self-rule for the first time.
- May 6🌉 Chunnel Officially Opens – Britain's Queen and France's President make history by officially opening the Channel Tunnel, reconnecting Britain and the European Continent.
- May 7🚄 Channel Tunnel Inaugurated – Queen Elizabeth II and President Mitterrand inaugurate the Channel Tunnel, linking England and France for the first time since the Ice Age.
- May 8🛣️ World's Oldest Road Found – Archaeologists discovered what may be the world's first paved road in Egypt, dating back 4,600 years to the Old Kingdom.
- May 9🏛️ Panama's Historic Election – A left-of-center businessman wins Panama's first democratic elections in over 25 years, signaling a significant political shift.
- May 10🌍 Mandela Is President – Nelson Mandela was elected as the first black president of South Africa, marking the end of apartheid and a new era for the nation.
- May 11🇿🇦 Mandela Takes Office – Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa's first black President, marking a historic moment for the nation and the world.
- May 12🏛️ First Palestinian Rule – Deir el Balah becomes the first town under Palestinian authority, marking a significant transition from Israeli control.
- May 13🔬 New I.B.M. Laser Method – I.B.M. scientists demonstrated a new optical disk technology that could expand storage capacity over tenfold for digital disks.
- May 14🕌 Palestinian Police Guard Synagogue – Palestinian police now guard an ancient synagogue in Jericho, marking a significant moment in the region's complex history.
- May 15🌍 Mandela Sworn In – Nelson Mandela was sworn in as South Africa's first black president, marking the end of apartheid and a new era for the nation.
- May 16💻 New Apple Laptops – Apple introduces six new models in its Powerbook line, aiming to regain market share in the competitive laptop industry.
- May 17🌍 Abortion Pill Agreement – The French manufacturer of RU-486 announced an agreement to pave the way for the abortion pill's availability in the U.S. by 1996.
- May 18🏛️ Theater Reclamation Begins – A ceremony at the Victory Theater marks the start of reclaiming 42nd Street's neglected playhouses for children's performances.
- May 19🍅 FDA Approves Tomato – The FDA approved the Flavr Savr tomato, the first genetically altered food, promising garden-fresh taste year-round.
- May 20🏒 Rangers Triumph in Overtime – The Rangers secured a victory over the Devils in a thrilling overtime match, showcasing a fierce battle with 50 shots on goal.
- May 21⚽ World Cup Expands Teams – FIFA announced an increase to 32 teams for the 1998 World Cup in France, enhancing global participation in the tournament.
- May 22🏛️ Renaissance Architecture Exhibit – The Palazzo Grassi in Venice hosts a major exhibition on Renaissance architecture, featuring a restored model for St. Peter's.
- May 23🌍 Crisis-Torn Africa – Crisis-torn Africa faces a growing refugee problem, highlighting significant humanitarian challenges on the continent.
- May 24🎬 Tarantino Wins Cannes – "Pulp Fiction," directed by Quentin Tarantino, wins the Palme d'Or at the Cannes International Film Festival, marking a significant achievement in cinema.
- May 25🧬 New Enzyme Approved – Genzyme Corporation received FDA approval to market a genetically engineered enzyme for treating Gaucher's disease, aiding 5,000 patients globally.
- May 26🌌 Black Holes Confirmed – The Space Telescope confirmed the existence of supermassive black holes, marking a significant advancement in astrophysics.
- May 27🐋 Whaling Ban Approved – A 40-nation commission voted to create a sanctuary in Antarctica, permanently barring commercial whaling around the continent.
- May 28🏛️ Sarajevo Library Fire – The Vijecnica, Sarajevo's historic town hall, was engulfed in flames, marking a tragic moment in the city's history during the conflict.
- May 29🌉 Lucerne's Chapel Bridge Reopens – Lucerne's historic Chapel Bridge, a symbol of the city, reopened after reconstruction following a devastating fire.
- May 30🏆 Indy 500 Victory – Al Unser Jr. wins the 78th Indianapolis 500, marking his second victory at this prestigious auto racing event.
- May 31🌍 U.N. Urges North Korea – The U.N. Security Council urged North Korea to preserve evidence of nuclear fuel possibly diverted for weapons.
Happy Birthday! 1994 – The Year in Headlines
The whole of 1994 in real headlines. See the 1994 book →