May 23rd Historical Events
 
1430 Joan of Arc, the French heroine of the Hundred Years' War, was captured by the Burgundians and later handed over to the English. Her capture marked a turning point in the war.
 
1533 King Henry VIII's marriage to Catherine of Aragon was declared null and void by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer. This event was a key moment in the English Reformation.
 
1568 The Netherlands declared independence from Spain, starting the Eighty Years' War. This war eventually led to the recognition of the Dutch Republic in 1648.
 
1701 Pirate Captain William Kidd was executed for piracy and murder in London. His trial and execution were part of a broader effort to suppress piracy.
 
1788 Constitution South Carolina became the eighth state to ratify the United States Constitution, helping to pave the way for its adoption.
 
1813 Battle of Fort George During the War of 1812, American forces captured Fort George from the British in Ontario, Canada. This was a significant victory for the United States.
 
1844 The Bahá'í Faith, a monotheistic religion emphasizing the spiritual unity of all humankind, was founded by Bahá'u'lláh in Persia (modern-day Iran).
 
1873 Canada's North-West Mounted Police Established The North-West Mounted Police, now known as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), was established to maintain order in the western territories of Canada.
 
1911 New York Public Library Opens The New York Public Library, one of the largest public library systems in the world, opened its main branch in Manhattan, a landmark event for public education and access to knowledge.
 
1934 Infamous American criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were ambushed and killed by law enforcement officers in Louisiana, ending their notorious crime spree.
 
1945 The Flensburg Government, the short-lived German administration after Hitler's death, was dissolved by the Allies, marking the final end of Nazi Germany.
 
1949 Federal Republic of Germany Established The Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany West Germany was formally adopted, creating a new democratic government post-World War II.
 
1960 Tsunami in Chile Following the Great Chilean Earthquake, a massive tsunami struck Hilo, Hawaii, causing significant destruction and loss of life.

1995 Java Programming Language Released Sun Microsystems released the Java programming language, revolutionizing software development with its "write once, run anywhere" capability.2008 Western Wall Excavation Dispute Israeli archaeologists resumed excavation near the Western Wall in Jerusalem, sparking controversy and protests due to the site's religious significance to multiple faiths. 

These events highlight a range of historical moments, from military engagements and natural disasters to cultural milestones and technological advancements.