May 31

Friday 31, 2002:

The 17th Football World Cup, co-hosted by Japan and South Korea, begins with a 1-0 upset of France by Senegal. The tournament ends on June 30, with Brazil winning a record fifth World Cup title.

Saturday 31, 1902:

Second Boer War: The last Afrikaner resistance forces sign a peace treaty with the British at Pretoria, ending the war, and ensuring British control of South Africa.

Saturday 31, 1862:

American Civil War: The Battle of Seven Pines.

Monday 31, 1790:

Alferez Manuel Quimper explores the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Thursday 31, 1759:

The Province of Pennsylvania bans all theater productions.

More on May, 31

• May, 31 in History
• People Born on May, 31
• They left us on May, 31