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What Happened Today in History on May 29

Explore the historical events that shaped our world on May 29th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.

Constantinople falls to the Ottoman Empire forces led by Sultan Mehmed II after a being under siege for 55 days. The fall of Constantinople marked the end of the Byzantine Empire which had lasted for over 1000 years. Constantine XI Palaiologos, the last Byzantine emperor, was killed fighting against the Ottoman Empire.

The Spanish Armada sets sail from Lisbon, Portugal, with the aim of invading England during the Anglo-Spanish War.

The city of Montreal is founded by French colonists under the direction of Paul de Chomedey de Maisonneuve.

The Battle of Dover (also known as the Battle of Goodwin Sands) takes place during the First Anglo-Dutch War between the navies of the Commonwealth of England and the United Provinces of the Netherlands. It proved to be an indecisive battle although opinions about the outcome of that battle vary among historians of that period. The flagships were commanded by Admirals Robert Blake and Maarten Tromp.

King Charles II of England is restored to the throne after the period of Commonwealth following the English Civil War. More

Rhode Island ratifies the Articles of Confederation becoming the 13th State. More

Wisconsin was admitted to the Union of States and becomes the 30th State.

Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay completed the first confirmed ascent of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953. More

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was founded by the Arab League. The PLO was created as an umbrella organization representing various Palestinian organizations and movements, with the stated goal of liberation of Palestine. The founding convention was held in Jerusalem on May 28, 1964, and the PLO was formally established on June 2, 1964. Since 1974, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) has a presence within the United Nations, not as a full member state but as observer status and is invited to participate in UN activities. Since 2012, the PLO operates under the name "Palestine" as a non-member observer state, allowing it to participate in UN sessions and conferences, maintain a permanent observer mission, and sign UN treaties More

1999, May 29 - Discovery Becomes the first Space Shuttle to Dock with the International Space Station. More