May 22

Monday 22, 1972:

Ceylon adopts a new constitution, changes its name to Sri Lanka, and joins the British Commonwealth.

Thursday 22, 1947:

Cold War: In an effort to fight the spread of Communism, U.S. President Harry S. Truman signs an act into law that will later be called the Truman Doctrine. The act grants $400 million in military and economic aid to Turkey and Greece.

Wednesday 22, 1872:

Reconstruction: U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant signs the Amnesty Act of 1872 into law restoring full civil rights to all but about 500 Confederate sympathizers.

Friday 22, 1840:

The transporting of British convicts to the New South Wales colony is abolished.

Tuesday 22, 1455:

Wars of the Roses: At the First Battle of St Albans, Richard, Duke of York, defeats and captures King Henry VI of England.

More on May, 22

• May, 22 in History
• People Born on May, 22
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