Today in history 5/1/2021

1707: Acts of Union came into force. Scotland relinquished its parliament under the agreement. The 1707 Act of Union created the Kingdom of Great Britain.

1841: First emigrant wagon train leaves Independence, Missouri, for California.

1886: The Philadelphia carpenters led a movement for a shorter workday by organising America’s first citywide general strike, demanding an eight-hour workday.

1931: The 102-story Empire State Building opens in Midtown Manhattan, New York.