May 16

Monday 16, 1988:

A report by American Surgeon General C. Everett Koop states that the addictive properties of nicotine are similar to those of heroin and cocaine.

Thursday 16, 1918:

The Sedition Act is passed by the U.S. Congress, making criticism of the government a jailable offense.

Friday 16, 1777:

Lachlan McIntosh and Button Gwinnett shoot each other during a duel near Savannah, Georgia. Gwinnett, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, dies three days later.

Monday 16, 1605:

Paul V becomes Pope.

Monday 16, 1532:

Sir Thomas More resigns as Lord Chancellor of England.

More on May, 16

• May, 16 in History
• People Born on May, 16
• They left us on May, 16