On this day: May 1

Britain’s 1957 Windscale Evacuation Fears Prompt First Large-Scale Nuclear Precaution

On May 1, 1957, public alarm over a major fire at the Windscale nuclear facility led to widespread precautionary measures and the first large-scale evacuation actions in Britain tied to nuclear accident fears, as authorities and residents grappled with uncertain radioactive contamination risks.

Mattel debuts the first modern Barbie doll

On May 9, 1959, Mattel introduced Barbie at the American International Toy Fair in New York, marking the debut of a fashion doll intended for older children and shaping decades of toy design and popular culture.

Bay of Pigs invasion collapses within days

Invasion forces trained and funded by the U.S. launch an assault at Cuba’s Bay of Pigs on 1 May 1961 that quickly falters. Poor planning, lack of expected air support, and strong Cuban government resistance lead to a rapid collapse of the operation.

Empire State Building Opens Its Observation Deck to the Public

On May 1, 1931, the Empire State Building officially opened in New York City, offering the public access to its observation decks atop what was then the world’s tallest skyscraper—a symbol of modern engineering amid the Great Depression.