Browse Historical Events by Day: What Happened on May 6th?

The Sack of Rome - Spanish and German Imperial troops, led by Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, sacked Rome, marking the end of the Italian High Renaissance. This event, involved a mutinous army, including Landsknecht soldiers (German mercenaries) and other foreign troops, who looted and plundered the city, forcing the Pope to flee and causing widespread destruction. More

The Sack of Rome takes place, as troops of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, led by Charles III, Duke of Bourbon, pillage and destroy the city.

The Chinese Exclusion Act was passed by Congress and signed by President Chester A. Arthur. This act provided an absolute 10-year ban on Chinese laborers immigrating to the United States. It was the first significant law restricting immigration into the United States. More

The Hindenburg disaster occurs in Manchester Township, New Jersey, United States. The German passenger airship catches fire during its landing approach resulting in the death of 35 people on board and one ground crew member. The incident played a significant role in the decline of airship passenger travel. More

U.S. Lt. General Jonathan Wainwright unconditionally surrenders all U.S. troops in the Philippines to the Japanese. All surviving troops; 12,000 Americans and 66,000 Filipinos, were taken to a prison stockade in Manila. This was the largest contingent of U.S. soldiers ever to surrender. More

The Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) Joins NATO. More

The English Channel Tunnel, or “Chunnel,” built under the English Channel is officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II and French president, François Mitterrand. The Chunnel is 31 miles long, 23 of them underwater at an average depth of 150 feet below the sea bed, making it the world’s longest undersea tunnel. The Chunnel cuts travel time between England and France to 35 minutes. More

Steve Jobs introduces Apple's first iMac, a personal computer. The iMac G3 was a redesigned, consumer-focused computer that was both innovative and easy to use. Its distinctive design and ease of internet access made it a popular choice. It went on to became hugely successful and helped revive the struggling company.