Today in Histroy

1791 Constitution of May 3 is proclaimed by the Great Sejm (Parliament) of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, becoming the 1st modern constitution in Europe
1926 Britain’s Trade Union Congress calls for the country’s first ever general strike, begins at 1 minute to midnight in support striking coal miners, lasts 9 days
1937 Margaret Mitchell wins Pulitzer Prize for “Gone With the Wind”
1945 World War II: German ship “Cap Arcona” laden with prisoners sunk by Royal Air Force in East Sea, 5,800 killed – one of largest maritime losses of life
1947 Japan’s post-war constitution goes into effect, granting universal suffrage, stripping Emperor Hirohito of all but symbolic power and outlawing Japan’s right to make war

Today in Film & TV

1944 “Going My Way”, directed by Leo McCarey and starring Bing Crosby premieres in New York (Best Picture 1945)
1960 Musical “Fantasticks” by Harvey Schmidt and Tom Jones, premieres in NYC (world’s longest running musical)

Today in Sports

1999 Stephen Hendry defeats Mark Williams 18-11 to win the World Snooker Championship for a record seventh time.