May 1886

Saturday 01:

The start of the general strike which eventually wins the eight-hour workday in the United States. These events are today commemorated as May Day or Labour Day in most industrialized countries.

Tuesday 04:

Haymarket Square Riot: A bomb is thrown at policemen trying to break up a labor rally in Chicago, Illinois, United States, killing eight and wounding 60. The police fire into the crowd.

Saturday 08:

Pharmacist Dr. John Styth Pemberton invents a carbonated beverage that would later be named "Coca-Cola".

Saturday 29:

Putney Bridge opened in west London.