From ancient alliances to modern revolutions: Exploring history’s turning points
1386 – Ratification of the Treaty of Windsor
The Treaty of Windsor, ratified on May 9, 1386, established what would become the world’s oldest diplomatic alliance still in force today. Signed between King Richard II of England and King John I of Portugal, this agreement formalized a military and political alliance between the two nations during a period of significant geopolitical tension in Europe. The treaty came at a crucial time when Portugal sought to secure its independence from Castile, while England aimed to strengthen its position against France during the Hundred Years’ War.
Historical Context
The late 14th century was marked by shifting alliances and territorial disputes across Europe. Portugal had recently secured its independence following the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385, while England was deeply entrenched in the Hundred Years’ War with France. Both nations recognized the strategic advantages of a formal alliance that would provide mutual military support and favorable trade conditions.
Significance
The Treaty of Windsor has demonstrated remarkable longevity, remaining in effect for over 600 years and shaping Anglo-Portuguese relations through numerous historical periods. It facilitated important trade relationships during the Age of Discovery, provided mutual support during various conflicts, and established a diplomatic precedent that would influence international relations for centuries. The alliance was invoked during both World Wars and continues to symbolize one of history’s most enduring diplomatic partnerships.
1502 – Christopher Columbus Embarks on His Fourth Voyage
On May 9, 1502, Christopher Columbus set sail from Cádiz, Spain, on his fourth and final voyage to the Americas. With four ships and approximately 150 men, Columbus departed under the sponsorship of the Spanish Crown, seeking a westward passage to Asia. This expedition would prove to be his most challenging, marked by hurricanes, hostile encounters, and ultimately being stranded in Jamaica for over a year before returning to Spain.
Historical Context
By 1502, Columbus had already completed three voyages across the Atlantic, establishing Spanish colonies in the Caribbean. However, his reputation had suffered due to his controversial governance of Hispaniola. This fourth voyage represented an opportunity for Columbus to redeem himself and potentially discover the elusive westward passage to the Asian spice markets that had been his original goal.
Significance
Though Columbus failed to find a passage to Asia, his fourth voyage contributed significantly to European knowledge of Central America, as he explored the coasts of Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. The expedition’s hardships, including being marooned on Jamaica where Columbus famously predicted a lunar eclipse to impress the indigenous population, revealed both the ingenuity and desperation of European explorers. This final journey marked the end of Columbus’s explorations and further solidified Spain’s claim to territories in the Americas, accelerating the process of colonization that would transform the Western Hemisphere.
1960 – FDA Approves First Oral Contraceptive
On May 9, 1960, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Enovid, the first oral contraceptive pill for commercial use in the United States. Developed by Gregory Pincus, John Rock, and M.C. Chang with funding from women’s rights activist Katherine McCormick, the pill contained synthetic hormones that prevented ovulation. Initially approved only for treating menstrual disorders, the FDA’s decision to approve it for contraceptive use marked a revolutionary moment in reproductive health and women’s autonomy.
Historical Context
The development of the birth control pill occurred against a backdrop of changing social attitudes toward sexuality and family planning in post-World War II America. Despite existing laws in many states that restricted contraceptive access (such as the Comstock Laws), researchers persisted in developing a reliable, female-controlled contraceptive method. The pill emerged during a time when women were increasingly entering the workforce and seeking greater control over their reproductive lives.
Significance
The FDA’s approval of the birth control pill catalyzed profound social change, becoming a cornerstone of the sexual revolution and women’s liberation movement of the 1960s and 1970s. By separating sexuality from reproduction, the pill gave women unprecedented control over family planning, enabling them to pursue education and careers with greater freedom. The pill’s introduction led to dramatic decreases in unplanned pregnancies and maternal mortality while contributing to changing family structures and gender roles. Its approval also sparked ongoing debates about reproductive rights, religious values, and government regulation that continue to shape political discourse today.
1978 – Assassination of Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro
On May 9, 1978, the body of former Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro was discovered in the trunk of a Renault 4 in central Rome, bringing a tragic end to his 55-day kidnapping by the Red Brigades, a far-left terrorist organization. Moro, president of the Christian Democratic Party, had been abducted on March 16 while en route to a parliamentary session that would have formalized a historic compromise between his party and the Italian Communist Party—a political arrangement the Red Brigades vehemently opposed.
Historical Context
Moro’s kidnapping and murder occurred during Italy’s “Years of Lead,” a period of intense political terrorism and social unrest from the late 1960s through the early 1980s. The country was deeply divided between left and right-wing factions, with extremist groups on both sides engaging in violence. Moro had been working toward a controversial “Historic Compromise” that would have brought the Communist Party into government for the first time in Western Europe, a move that threatened both domestic extremists and Cold War geopolitical interests.
Significance
The assassination of Aldo Moro represents one of the most traumatic political events in modern Italian history, often compared to the Kennedy assassination in its impact on national consciousness. The government’s refusal to negotiate with terrorists, despite Moro’s desperate letters from captivity, sparked lasting debates about the balance between state security and individual life. The murder effectively ended hopes for the Historic Compromise and deepened political divisions in Italy. The event also marked a turning point in Italy’s fight against terrorism, leading to enhanced anti-terrorism measures and eventually contributing to the decline of the Red Brigades. Conspiracy theories surrounding potential international involvement in Moro’s death continue to influence Italian politics and culture.
1994 – Nelson Mandela Inaugurated as South Africa’s First Black President
On May 9, 1994, Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the first Black president of South Africa, marking the definitive end of the apartheid regime and the beginning of a new democratic era. The ceremony at the Union Buildings in Pretoria was attended by dignitaries from around the world and witnessed by millions of South Africans who had lived under racial segregation for generations. Mandela’s inauguration came just two weeks after South Africa’s first fully democratic elections, in which his African National Congress party won a decisive victory.
Historical Context
Mandela’s rise to the presidency followed a remarkable personal journey from political prisoner to national leader. After spending 27 years in prison for his anti-apartheid activism, Mandela was released in 1990 amid growing international pressure and internal resistance to the apartheid system. The four years between his release and inauguration were marked by intense negotiations, political violence, and ultimately a peaceful transition to majority rule that many had thought impossible.
Significance
Mandela’s inauguration represented one of the 20th century’s most profound political transformations—the peaceful transition from white minority rule to democracy in a deeply divided nation. His presidency established a model of reconciliation rather than retribution, most notably through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that addressed apartheid-era crimes. Mandela’s leadership style, emphasizing forgiveness and national unity captured in his concept of the “Rainbow Nation,” provided a powerful alternative to the cycle of violence that had characterized many post-colonial transitions. His inauguration also signaled South Africa’s reintegration into the international community after years of sanctions and isolation, while inspiring democratic movements across Africa and beyond.
