On May 8, 1886, pharmacist John Pemberton invented Coca-Cola, a beverage that would become one of the most recognized brands worldwide. Initially marketed as a "brain tonic and intellectual beverage" that could cure headaches and relieve fatigue, it contained a small amount of cocaine from coca leaves. Over time, the formula was changed to remove cocaine, but the name remained, becoming synonymous with the iconic beverage we know today. --AI analysis

On May 8, 1902, Mount Pelee, a volcano on the island of Martinique, erupted, causing one of the worst volcanic disasters in history. The town of Saint-Pierre was completely destroyed, and an estimated 28,000 people lost their lives. The eruption was so powerful that it could be heard and felt hundreds of miles away, serving as a stark reminder of nature's destructive power. --AI analysis

On May 8, 1921, the Swedish parliament passed a landmark law granting women the right to vote in national elections. This significant step towards gender equality was a major milestone in Sweden's history, paving the way for future generations of women to participate fully in the country's political process. --AI analysis

On May 8, 1945, Germany surrendered, marking the beginning of the end of World War II in Europe. This day, known as V-E Day, was celebrated across the Allied nations as a victory over tyranny and oppression. It marked the end of a long and bloody conflict that had claimed millions of lives and left Europe in ruins. --AI analysis

On May 8, 1952, the Eisenhower-Stalin correspondence was published, revealing a series of letters exchanged between U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. These letters showed that there was a possibility of a post-WWII settlement between the two superpowers, offering a glimpse into the complex diplomatic efforts to establish peace and stability in the aftermath of World War II. --AI analysis

On May 8, 1960, a U-2 spy plane was shot down over the Soviet Union, leading to the U-2 Incident. This event heightened tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, as it revealed the extent of U.S. espionage activities against its rival nation. --AI analysis

On May 8, 1972, U.S. President Richard Nixon announced the mining of North Vietnam's ports, a move intended to cut off supplies to the North Vietnamese army and force an end to the Vietnam War. This decision was highly controversial and sparked widespread protests across the United States. --AI analysis

On May 8, 1984, the Soviet Union announced that it would boycott the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. This decision was seen as a response to the U.S.-led boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, which was held during the height of the Cold War. The boycott significantly impacted the Olympic games, with several Eastern Bloc countries following the Soviet Union's lead. --AI analysis

On May 8, 2008, the Airbus A380, the world's largest passenger jet, made its first commercial flight. This marked a significant milestone in aviation history, as the A380 represented a new era in air travel, offering unprecedented comfort and efficiency for passengers and airlines alike. --AI analysis