May 7th Through History

Explanation: The capitulation signed by Alfred Jodl at Reims was considered insufficient by the Soviets, which led to a second surrender ceremony in Berlin on May 8, 1945, the date celebrated as Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day).

Explanation: The sinking of the Lusitania caused nearly 1,200 victims and contributed to turning American public opinion against Germany. Although the United States did not enter the war until 1917, this event was one of the triggers of their engagement.

Explanation: New Orleans was named in tribute to the Duke of Orléans, regent of France at the time. Founded in Louisiana territory, it became a cosmopolitan city blending French, Spanish, and African cultures, giving birth notably to jazz at the beginning of the 20th century.

Explanation: The Battle of the Coral Sea was historically remarkable because it was the first naval combat where enemy ships never directly saw each other: all attacks were carried out by carrier-based aviation, thus inaugurating a new form of naval warfare.

Explanation: The 9th symphony is particularly famous for its last movement, the Ode to Joy, with chorus and soloists on the poem by Friedrich Schiller. Beethoven was almost completely deaf during its composition and first performance at the Kärntnertortheater in Vienna.

Explanation: Marie Myriam won Eurovision 1977 at Wembley with the song "L'Oiseau et l'Enfant", with 136 points. This victory remains one of the clearest for France in this contest. France is among the few countries to have won Eurovision multiple times.

Explanation: The Battle of Dien Bien Phu lasted 57 days and saw the capitulation of the French expeditionary corps facing the Viet Minh forces commanded by General Giap. This defeat led to the Geneva Accords in July 1954, which divided Vietnam into two states.

Explanation: Johannes Brahms, born in Hamburg in 1833, is considered, along with Bach and Beethoven, one of the "Three Bs" of German classical music. His work includes four symphonies, two piano concertos, a violin concerto, and a famous German Requiem.

Explanation: What makes this case unique in American constitutional history is that the amendment had been initially proposed in 1789 by James Madison, but had never been ratified by enough states. It took 203 years before Michigan became the 38th state to ratify it, finally making it official.

Explanation: The English siege of Orléans had begun in October 1428. Joan of Arc arrived to reinforce the French garrison in April 1429 and, in just a few days, succeeded in liberating the city. This victory earned her the nickname "Maid of Orléans" and revived French hopes in the Hundred Years' War.