May 1: Facts & Historical Events On This Day

Geoffrey Hinton, the “Godfather of AI,” resigned from Google amidst growing concerns over AI.

The so-called godfather, who gained his nickname for his pioneering work in the AI field, resigned to help spread the word about the dangers of the emerging technology.

Crown Prince Naruhito became the Emperor of Japan following his father’s abdication.

The first cruise ship to travel from the U.S. to Cuba in fifty years departed from Miami, Florida.

Same-sex marriage was legalized in Sweden.

SpongeBob SquarePants premiered on Nickelodeon.

The Royal Air Force began a series of attacks on Argentina’s Air Force in the Falkland Islands.

The air raids were the longest-ranged bombing runs at the time, with the Vulcan bombers traveling 6,600 nautical miles (12,200 km). While impressive, the damage done by the raids was repaired within 24 hours.

Amtrak began operating as the United States’ passenger railroad company.

The Beatles performed their final show in England at Empire Pool in Wembley, London.

Despite running out of oxygen, Jim Whittaker became the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest.

Fidel Castro banned elections and declared Cuba to be a socialist nation.

Mr. Potato Head was officially released, originally only consisting of the accessories which were stuck in an actual potato.

General Mills introduced Cheerios.

The cereal was named and introduced as CheeriOats, marketed as an oat-based and ready-to-eat cereal. It wasn't until 1945 that the cereal was shortened to Cheerios.

The Empire State Building opened.

When the Empire State Building opened, President Herbert Hoover was the one who first turned on the lights of the building. At the time, the Empire State Building was the world's tallest skyscraper.

Pluto was officially named.

The name Pluto was suggested by 11-year old Venetia Burney when she heard about the discovery of a new planet. The idea was forwarded to the scientists, and the name was officially adopted on this day.

The All-China Federation of Trade Unions was founded.

With over 300 million members, the All-China Federation of Trade Unions is the largest trade union in the world.

A national strike began in the United States, calling for an eight-hour workday instead of 12 hours.

Construction started on Chicago’s first-ever skyscraper for the Home Insurance Company of New York.

Levi Strauss was founded.

The German immigrant, Levi Strauss, moved from Bavaria to San Francisco on May 1st. He moved there to open a west coast branch of his brother's business.

The Acts of Union were passed, officially uniting England and Scotland as one country.