May 1889

Thursday 02:

Menelik II, Emperor of Ethiopia, signs a treaty of amity with Italy, which gives Ethiopia control over Eritrea.

Monday 06:

The Eiffel Tower is officially opened to the public at the Universal Exposition in Paris.

Tuesday 14:

The children's charity the NSPCC is launched in London.

Sunday 26:

Opening of the first Eiffel Tower elevator to the public

Friday 31:

Johnstown Flood: Over 2200 people die after a dam break sends a 60-foot (18-meter) wall of water over the town of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.