May 15
1718 - James Puckle, a London lawyer, patents the world's first machine gun.
1756 - The Seven Years' War begins when England declares war on France.
1793 - Diego Marín Aguilera flies a glider for "about 360 meters", at a height of 5-6 meters, during one of the first attempted flights.
1940 - Nylon stockings go on sale for the first time in the United States.
1940 - World War II: After fierce fighting, the poorly trained and equipped Dutch troops surrender to Nazi Germany, marking the beginning of 5 years of occupation.
1940 - McDonald's is founded.
1941 - Baseball player Joe DiMaggio starts his record-breaking 56-game hitting streak.
2004 - The largest known prime number at the time of its discovery, 224036583 − 1, is found by Josh Findley and the GIMPS collaborative effort.
Also the day Nero was born.