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On This Day in History: May 6

Explore the historical events that shaped our world on May 6th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.

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May 6

1527 CE, May 6

Mutinous, German and Spanish mercenaries, from Charles V's army led by Charles III, Duke of Bourbon, attacked Rome on May 6, 1527, sacking the city and causing immense destruction in Rome. The Duke of Bourbon, died in the initial attack but the troops continued the attack and the looting until February 1528. The attack cost the lives of 147 Swiss guards.

Pope Clement VII escaped to Castel Sant'Angelo where he was trapped for seven months, and forced to pay 400,000 ducats, cede territory, and agree to political terms. He escaped, disguised as a peddler before paying the full ransom. The event occurred during the Italian Wars as a result of a power struggle between the Pope and the Emperor; although the Emperor was not aware or sanctioned the attack on Rome. Up to 90% of the city’s art treasures were stolen or destroyed and The looting resulted in many people killed from murder, famine, and the plague, causing widespread destruction, effectively ending the High Renaissance in Rome and affecting the European power dynamics.

1882 CE, May 6

The Chinese Exclusion Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Chester A. Arthur on May 6, 1882. 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

1937 CE, May 6

The Hindenburg disaster occurs on May 6, 1937, 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

1942 CE, May 6

U.S. Lt. General Jonathan Wainwright unconditionally surrenders all U.S. troops in the Philippines to the Japanese on May 6, 1942. 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

1955 CE, May 6

The Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) Joins NATO, on May 6, 1955, bringing the nation, enabling its remilitarization as it entered the Western defense system. More

1992 CE, May 6

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev gives a symbolic speech about the Cold War, on May 6, 1992, at Westminster College in Fulton Missouri; the same site of Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech 46 years earlier. More

1994 CE, May 6

The English Channel Tunnel, or “Chunnel,” built under the English Channel is officially opened on May 6, 1994, 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

1998 CE, May 6

Steve Jobs introduces Apple's first iMac, a personal computer on May 6, 1998. 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.