Historical Events on February 13: Significant Moments in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on February 13, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on February 13 - Key Moments Throughout History

1900 Tragic Death of U.S. Representative Charles A. Chickering: On February 13, 1900, U.S. Representative Charles A. Chickering met a tragic and unexpected end when he fell from the fourth-floor window of his New York City residence. The circumstances surrounding his death were mysterious and sudden, cutting short the political career of a prominent congressional figure. The incident raised questions about the potential causes of such a fatal accident, whether it was an unfortunate mishap or something more sinister.
1901 First Documented Medical Outbreak at Mengo Hospital, Uganda: British missionary doctors J. Howard Cook and Albert Cook identified and documented an unspecified illness outbreak at Mengo Hospital in Uganda. This event marks an important moment in early 20th-century medical observation in East Africa, highlighting the challenges of healthcare and disease management during the colonial period.
1902 Birth of Blair Moody, U.S. Senator from Michigan: Blair Moody was born on February 13, 1902, in Michigan. He would later serve as a United States Senator representing Michigan from 1951 to 1952, though his political career was relatively brief. Moody was known for his contributions to public service during the mid-20th century.
1903 Venezuelan Crisis Settlement with European Powers: In a significant diplomatic resolution, Britain, Germany, and Italy reached a comprehensive settlement with Venezuela, effectively ending the naval blockade that had been imposed due to Venezuela's previous refusal to pay foreign debts and provide reparations for damages incurred during the Federal War. The breakthrough was facilitated through American diplomatic intervention, specifically via the Washington Protocols, demonstrating the emerging role of the United States as a mediator in international conflicts.
1904 France and Siam Border Agreement: On February 13, 1904, France and Siam (now Thailand) negotiated a diplomatic agreement defining the precise territorial boundaries of French colonial protectorates in Laos and Cambodia. This treaty was part of the broader colonial negotiations in Southeast Asia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, where European powers were establishing and demarcating their territorial claims.
1905 Binger Hermann Land Deal Indictment: On February 13, 1905, U.S. Representative Binger Hermann from Oregon was indicted for alleged collusion in a controversial land deal involving the Blue Mountain Forest Reserve. This legal action highlighted potential corruption and improper land management practices during the early 20th century.
1906 Uneventful Day in 1906: While no major historical events were recorded on February 13, 1906, this does not diminish the potential significance of the broader historical context of that time. The early 20th century was a period of significant global transformation, including technological advancements, political shifts, and social changes.
1907 British Women's Suffrage Protest at Parliament: On February 13, 1907, a significant demonstration by the women's suffrage movement took place in London, where approximately 60 women activists stormed the British Parliament building in a bold protest demanding voting rights. The suffragettes, members of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) led by Emmeline Pankhurst, used direct action tactics to draw public attention to their cause of women's electoral enfranchisement. This event was part of a larger campaign of civil disobedience that would ultimately contribute to women gaining voting rights in the United Kingdom.
1908 Uneventful Day in 1908: On February 13, 1908, no significant historical events were recorded. This day appears to have been a relatively quiet period in global history, with no major political, social, or cultural developments noted in standard historical archives.
1910 Berlin Workers' Protest Against Prussian Electoral System: On February 13, 1910, thousands of workers marched in Berlin to protest the Prussian three-class franchise, an electoral system that disproportionately favored wealthy voters. Under this system, the top one-fifth of voters controlled two-thirds of parliamentary seats, creating significant social inequality. During the protest, city police and Prussian army forces violently suppressed the demonstration, using bayonets and resulting in 40 wounded protesters. This event was a critical moment in the broader struggle for democratic representation in Germany, ultimately contributing to the systemic changes that would occur with the fall of the German Empire in 1918.
1911 Birth of Faiz Ahmed Faiz: Faiz Ahmed Faiz, a renowned Urdu poet and the first Asian recipient of the Lenin Peace Prize, was born in Sialkot, Pakistan. He would become one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, known for his progressive and politically engaged poetry that championed social justice and human rights.
1912 Founding of Boston Latin School: Boston Latin School was established as the first tax-supported public school in America, marking a significant milestone in the development of public education in the United States. Located in Boston, Massachusetts, this institution would become a pioneering model for free, publicly funded education.
1913 Tibet Declares Independence from Qing Dynasty: The 13th Dalai Lama, Thubten Gyatso, officially proclaimed Tibetan independence, ending decades of Manchu Qing dynasty rule. This historic declaration initiated a period of nearly four decades of Tibetan self-governance, marking a significant moment in Tibet's political history.
1914 ASCAP Established to Protect Musical Copyrights: The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) was founded in New York City to protect and manage the intellectual property rights of musical creators. This organization would become a crucial institution in ensuring fair compensation and legal protection for composers, songwriters, and music publishers across the United States.
1915 German Torpedo Boat SMS V25 Sinks in North Sea: During World War I, the German torpedo boat SMS V25 struck a naval mine in the North Sea, resulting in a catastrophic sinking. The incident led to the tragic loss of 79 crew members, highlighting the deadly nature of naval warfare during this period. Naval mines were indiscriminate weapons that posed significant risks to maritime operations, often causing unexpected and devastating casualties.
1916 Russian Offensive in Eastern Anatolia during World War I: On February 13, 1916, Russian Imperial forces launched a significant offensive against the Ottoman Empire's Third Army in the Erzurum region of Eastern Anatolia. The Russian military, strategically positioned and numerically superior, began a calculated advance against the undermanned and poorly equipped Ottoman defensive positions. This offensive was part of the broader Caucasus Campaign during World War I, which saw intense military confrontations between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire.
1917 Mata Hari's Arrest for Espionage: On February 13, 1917, the famous exotic dancer and alleged spy Mata Hari (born Margaretha Geertruida Zelle) was arrested by French authorities in Paris during World War I. She was accused of being a double agent working for Germany and passing critical military intelligence to the enemy, which was considered a serious act of treason during wartime.
1918 First World War Combat Casualty from Madison: On February 13, 1918, during World War I, Private Ralph Spaulding from Madison, who was serving in Company H of his regiment, became the first combat fatality from his unit. His death marked a somber milestone for his hometown and highlighted the human cost of the ongoing global conflict.
1919 Birth of Tennessee Ernie Ford: Tennessee Ernie Ford, a renowned American country music singer and television personality, was born in Bristol, Tennessee. Known for his distinctive bass-baritone voice and hit songs like 'Sixteen Tons', Ford would become a significant figure in mid-20th century American popular music and entertainment.
1920 Allies Seek German War Criminals Post-World War I: The Allied powers submitted a comprehensive list of nearly 1,000 German war criminals to the German government, demanding their extradition for trial. Germany's Defense Minister Gustav Noske publicly declared the surrender of these individuals to be 'virtually impossible', highlighting the tensions of the post-war period.
1921 Armenian February Uprising Against Bolshevik Rule: On February 13, 1921, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) launched a significant rebellion against the newly established Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic. Led by former Prime Minister Simon Vratsian, the uprising sought to challenge Bolshevik control in Yerevan. The rebels successfully drove out Bolshevik forces and Soviet Army supporters from the city, temporarily establishing the Republic of Mountainous Armenia. However, the Soviet Army counterattacked and ultimately suppressed the uprising after seven weeks of resistance, reestablishing communist control over the region.
1922 Maritime Tragedy: Caldwell H. Colt Shipwreck: On February 13, 1922, a devastating maritime disaster occurred when the fishing schooner Caldwell H. Colt was wrecked on a reef near the Tortugas, Florida Keys. Out of the nine crew members aboard, only two survived the catastrophic incident. The shipwreck highlights the perilous conditions faced by maritime workers in the early 20th century, where navigation challenges and unpredictable sea conditions could lead to fatal outcomes.
1923 Fascist Italy's Anti-Freemason Resolution: On February 13, 1923, Italy's ruling Grand Fascist Council passed a significant resolution prohibiting Fascist Party members from being Freemasons. This decree was part of the Fascist regime's efforts to consolidate power and eliminate perceived competing organizational loyalties.
1924 IBM's Corporate Rebranding: On February 13, 1924, the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company officially rebranded itself as the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), a name that would become synonymous with technological innovation. This strategic renaming signaled the company's ambitious vision in the emerging field of computing and data processing.
1925 Sheikh Said Rebellion Erupts in Turkey: The Sheikh Said rebellion commenced in southeastern Turkey, marking a significant moment of Kurdish nationalist resistance. Led by Sheikh Said, who delivered a provocative sermon from his mosque at Dicle, the uprising was a direct response to the Turkish republic's abolition of the Ministry of Religion and Foundations. This rebellion represented a critical challenge to the newly formed Turkish state's secular policies and Kurdish cultural autonomy.
1926 Nazi Party Bamberg Conference: The Nazi Party held the Bamberg Conference, a significant internal meeting that helped consolidate Adolf Hitler's leadership and strategic direction for the party.
1927 Devastating Bosnian Earthquake: A catastrophic seismic event struck Bosnia, with a series of twenty earthquake tremors occurring within a single hour. The disaster resulted in approximately 100 fatalities, primarily concentrated in the area along the Neretva River, causing significant loss of life and potential infrastructure damage.
1928 Lindbergh Concludes Goodwill Tour: Charles Lindbergh successfully completed his two-month, 15-nation goodwill tour by landing in St. Louis, marking a significant diplomatic and aviation milestone. This tour helped strengthen international relations and showcased the emerging potential of aviation diplomacy in the late 1920s.
1929 Omar Torrijos Herrera's Political Career: Omar Torrijos Herrera emerged as a significant political figure in Panama, later becoming a key military leader who would play a crucial role in negotiating the Panama Canal Treaties with the United States.
1930 Charles Evans Hughes Confirmed as Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court: On February 13, 1930, Charles Evans Hughes was confirmed by the United States Senate as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, receiving 52 votes in favor and 26 votes against. Hughes, a prominent legal and political figure, was set to officially take office on February 24, 1930. Prior to this appointment, Hughes had served as a Governor of New York, a Republican presidential candidate in 1916, and Secretary of State under President Warren G. Harding.
1931 British Raj Capital Transfer to New Delhi: The British colonial administration completed its transfer of the capital from Calcutta (now Kolkata) to New Delhi, marking a significant administrative shift in British-controlled India.
1932 Birth of Medal of Honor Recipient Leo Thorsness: Leo Thorsness, a distinguished American military pilot, was born in Minnesota. During the Vietnam War, he demonstrated extraordinary heroism in aerial combat, which later earned him the prestigious Medal of Honor for his exceptional courage and service to the United States.
1933 Warsaw Convention on International Air Carriage: The Warsaw Convention, a landmark international treaty formally titled 'Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules Relating to the International Carriage by Air', officially went into effect. This agreement standardized regulations for international air transportation, significantly impacting global aviation law and passenger rights.
1934 Austrian Government Bans Socialist Party: The Austrian government under Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss officially banned the Socialist Party, marking a significant moment in the political suppression of left-wing movements in Austria during the 1930s.
1935 Bruno Hauptmann Convicted of Lindbergh Baby Murder: In a landmark criminal trial on February 13, 1935, a jury in Flemington, New Jersey found Bruno Hauptmann guilty of the 1932 kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh's infant son, a case that had captivated and horrified the American public. Hauptmann was convicted of a crime that shocked the nation and became one of the most infamous criminal cases of the early 20th century.
1936 Charles Maurras Incites Political Violence Against Popular Front: On February 13, 1936, Charles Maurras, a prominent far-right French political journalist and leader of the monarchist Action Française movement, published a provocative column in his newspaper calling for violent action against politicians supporting the left-wing Popular Front coalition. His inflammatory rhetoric suggested using 'the knife' against political opponents, representing a dangerous escalation of political tensions in pre-World War II France.
1937 Devastating Theater Fire in Andong, China: A catastrophic theater fire at the Manchu Wutai Playhouse in Andong, China, during Lunar New Year celebrations resulted in at least 658 fatalities among 7,500 attendees, representing one of the deadliest theater fires in history
1938 Birth of Oliver Reed: On February 13, 1938, the renowned British actor Oliver Reed was born in Wimbledon, London, England. Reed would go on to become a prominent figure in British cinema, known for his intense performances and charismatic screen presence in films during the 1960s and 1970s.
1939 German Capture of Budapest During World War II: German forces successfully captured Budapest after a two-month siege, effectively driving Hungarian forces out of the city. This strategic military action was part of the larger Axis powers' operations in Eastern Europe during World War II, significantly impacting the geopolitical landscape of the region.
1940 Finland Seeks Swedish Military Support: Finland requested military assistance from Sweden to help fight against the Soviet Union during the Winter War. However, Sweden declined the request, fearing potential retaliatory invasions from both Britain and Germany. This decision highlighted the complex geopolitical tensions and neutrality strategies of Nordic countries during World War II.
1941 Nazi Persecution of Dutch Jews in Amsterdam: On February 13, 1941, Nazi leaders escalated their persecution of the Jewish population by ordering all non-Jewish residents to leave Amsterdam's Jewish Quarter and began enclosing the area with barbed wire, effectively creating a segregated zone.
1942 Cancellation of Operation Seelöwe: Adolf Hitler officially cancels Operation Seelöwe, the planned German invasion of Great Britain. This strategic decision effectively ended Nazi Germany's immediate hopes of conquering the United Kingdom through a direct amphibious assault, marking a significant turning point in World War II's European theater.
1943 Corsair Fighter Aircraft Enters Combat: The Vought F4U Corsair, a legendary fighter aircraft, commenced its first combat operations. Known for its distinctive inverted gull-wing design, the Corsair would become one of the most successful fighter planes of World War II, particularly in Pacific theater operations.
1944 USS Macaw Sinks at Midway Island: During World War II, the submarine rescue ship USS Macaw tragically sank at Midway Island after running aground. This incident highlighted the dangerous maritime conditions and challenges faced by naval vessels during wartime operations in the Pacific theater.
1945 Dresden Bombing by British Forces during World War II: On February 13, 1945, British bombers launched Operation Thunderclap, a massive aerial bombardment directed by Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Approximately 800 Lancaster bombers attacked Dresden's city center, dropping 1,600 tons of incendiary and high-explosive bombs. The devastating raid created a catastrophic firestorm, destroying over 1,680 acres, obliterating or damaging 86,000 houses, and resulting in an estimated 20,000 to 25,000 civilian casualties.
1946 ENIAC: First General-Purpose Electronic Computer Announced: The first general-purpose electronic computer, ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer), was publicly announced in the United States. This groundbreaking technological marvel weighed 30 tons, stretched 80 feet long, stood 8 feet high, and contained 18,000 vacuum tubes, 70,000 resistors, 10,000 capacitors, and 1,500 relays. With only twenty words of memory and programmed via 6,000 dials and switches, ENIAC was initially developed in 1943 to calculate artillery shell trajectories during World War II, marking a pivotal moment in computing history.
1947 Mike Krzyzewski Birth: Mike Krzyzewski, legendary American basketball coach and player, was born in Chicago, Illinois. He would go on to become one of the most successful coaches in NCAA basketball history, leading Duke University's team to multiple national championships.
1948 Communist Takeover in Czechoslovakia Begins: A pivotal moment in Cold War history unfolded as the Czechoslovak government resisted communist infiltration by ordering police to prevent the replacement of non-communist commanders, ultimately setting the stage for the Communist Party's eventual takeover.
1949 António Óscar Carmona's Uncontested Presidential Re-election: On February 13, 1949, António Óscar Carmona was re-elected as the President of Portugal in an uncontested election, highlighting the authoritarian nature of the Estado Novo regime. The absence of an opposing candidate underscored the limited democratic processes during this period of Portuguese political history.
1950 B-36 Nuclear Bomber Crash off Vancouver Coast: A U.S. Air Force B-36 bomber carrying a nuclear weapon crashed into the Pacific Ocean near Vancouver, Canada. The Mark 4 nuclear bomb casing contained no functional nuclear explosive and detonated upon ocean impact. Of the 17 crew members, twelve were rescued by a fishing boat, while five were reported missing and presumed dead. This incident highlighted the potential risks of nuclear-armed aircraft during the early Cold War period.
1951 Battle of Chipyong-ni: The Battle of Chipyong-ni was a critical engagement during the Korean War, marking a significant turning point in the conflict. United Nations forces, primarily composed of American and South Korean troops, successfully defended against a massive Chinese offensive. This battle represented the 'high-water mark' of the Chinese incursion into South Korea, effectively halting their advance and demonstrating the resilience of UN forces. The strategic defense at Chipyong-ni prevented the complete collapse of UN lines and set the stage for subsequent counteroffensives.
1952 Rocky Marciano Triumphs in Boxing Match: Professional boxer Rocky Marciano secured his 39th consecutive victory by defeating Lee Savold in a notable boxing match. This win further solidified Marciano's reputation as an undefeated and dominant heavyweight boxer of his era.
1953 Christine Jorgensen Returns from Groundbreaking Gender Reassignment Surgery: Christine Jorgensen, a pioneering transgender woman, returned to New York after undergoing successful sexual reassignment surgery in Denmark. Her highly publicized transition marked a significant moment in the understanding and visibility of transgender experiences in mid-20th century America.
1954 Frank Selvy's Historic 100-Point Basketball Performance: On February 13, 1954, Frank Selvy made NCAA basketball history by becoming the first and only Division I player to score an extraordinary 100 points in a single game while playing for Furman University against Newberry College. This remarkable achievement remains unmatched in collegiate basketball, showcasing Selvy's exceptional scoring prowess and setting a record that has stood for decades.
1955 Israeli Dead Sea Scrolls Acquisition: Israel successfully obtained four of the seven Dead Sea Scrolls, a significant archaeological and historical discovery that would provide unprecedented insights into ancient biblical texts and Jewish history.
1956 Soviet Art Exhibition Showcases Four Decades of Artistic Evolution: A comprehensive exhibition of Soviet artists' works spanning the period from 1917 to 1956 opens in Moscow, featuring prominent artists like Mikhail Avilov, Aleksandr Gerasimov, and Aleksandr Deineka. The exhibition provides a visual narrative of artistic development during a transformative period in Soviet history, covering the years from the Russian Revolution to the mid-1950s.
1957 Southern Christian Leadership Conference Organizes: The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), a pivotal civil rights organization led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was formally organized in New Orleans, Louisiana. This marked a significant moment in the American civil rights movement, establishing a key institutional platform for nonviolent resistance and racial equality advocacy.
1958 Death of Cristabel Pankhurst: Cristabel Pankhurst, a prominent British suffragette and women's rights activist, passed away. She was a key figure in the women's suffrage movement, working alongside her mother Emmeline Pankhurst to campaign for women's right to vote in the United Kingdom.
1959 Fidel Castro Becomes Premier of Cuba: Fidel Castro assumes the role of Premier of Cuba, marking a significant turning point in Cuban political history. This event represents a critical moment in the Cuban Revolution, with Castro taking formal governmental leadership after years of revolutionary struggle.
1960 France Becomes Fourth Nuclear Power: On February 13, 1960, France successfully conducted its first nuclear test, codenamed 'Gerboise Bleue' (Blue Jerboa), at the Reggane Proving Grounds in Algeria. This historic test marked France's entry into the exclusive club of nuclear-armed nations, joining the United States, Soviet Union, and United Kingdom in possessing nuclear weapons capabilities.
1961 Patrice Lumumba's Death Announced: The Congolese government officially announces the killing of Patrice Lumumba, a pivotal political figure in the Congo's independence movement, marking a tragic moment in post-colonial African history.
1962 NASA Announces John Glenn's Mercury 6 Mission: NASA Headquarters officially announced the upcoming Mercury 6 mission, confirming that astronaut John Glenn's historic spaceflight would launch no earlier than February 13. The mission involved resolving a technical issue with the Atlas launch vehicle's fuel tank, demonstrating NASA's meticulous preparation for space exploration.
1963 Rwenzori Mountains Independence Rebellion: Residents of the Rwenzori Mountains in the Toro Kingdom region of southwestern Uganda launched a rebellion against the Ugandan government, declaring independence and attempting to establish the Republic of Ruwenzuru. This localized uprising highlighted ethnic tensions and regional autonomy movements in post-colonial Uganda.
1964 The Beatles Make Historic Ed Sullivan Show Debut: The Beatles made their groundbreaking first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show, broadcasting live from New York and captivating an unprecedented audience of 73.7 million television viewers. This performance marked a pivotal moment in music history, effectively launching the British Invasion and transforming popular culture in the United States.
1965 Peggy Fleming Wins US Figure Skating Championship: Peggy Fleming, a talented 16-year-old figure skater, secured the ladies senior figure skating title at the United States National Figure Skating Championships. Her victory marked a significant milestone in her early skating career and foreshadowed her future Olympic success.
1966 Ralph Nader Alleges Surveillance by Auto Industry: Consumer safety advocate Ralph Nader reported to The Washington Post that he was being followed, likely by representatives of the automotive industry in response to his critical work on car safety standards. This incident highlighted the tensions between consumer protection activists and powerful industrial interests during the 1960s.
1967 Discovery of Leonardo da Vinci's Madrid Codices: American researchers discovered the Madrid Codices by Leonardo da Vinci in the National Library of Spain, revealing previously unknown manuscripts and drawings by the Renaissance polymath.
1968 US Military Deployment to Vietnam: The United States military escalates its involvement in the Vietnam War by deploying an additional 10,500 soldiers to the conflict zone, further intensifying the American military presence during this critical period of the war.
1969 Duke University Student Protest: The Afro-American Society at Duke University led a significant student takeover of the Allen building, demanding increased opportunities for Black students and more diverse faculty representation.
1970 Black Sabbath Debut Album Release: Black Sabbath releases their self-titled debut album, which is widely considered a groundbreaking moment in the history of heavy metal music, fundamentally defining the genre's sound and aesthetic.
1971 Vietnam War: South Vietnamese Invasion of Laos: As part of the ongoing Vietnam War, 12,000 South Vietnamese troops, backed by substantial American air and artillery support, launched an invasion into Laos, marking a significant escalation of the conflict into neighboring territory.
1972 XI Winter Olympic Games Close in Sapporo: The 11th Winter Olympic Games concluded in Sapporo, Japan, marking the end of an international sporting event that showcased winter athletic excellence from around the world.
1973 US Dollar Devaluation: The United States government officially devalued the US dollar by 10 percent, a significant economic policy move that impacted international currency markets and trade relationships. This devaluation was part of the broader Bretton Woods system adjustments and aimed to address trade imbalances and economic pressures of the early 1970s.
1974 Solzhenitsyn Exiled from Soviet Union: Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, the renowned Nobel Prize-winning author and prominent Soviet dissident, was forcibly expelled from the Soviet Union. The Soviet government stripped him of his citizenship and deported him to Frankfurt, West Germany, marking a significant moment in Cold War-era intellectual persecution.
1975 Cyprus Political Development: Rauf Denktash, the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, proclaimed the establishment of a Turkish-Cypriot Federation, marking a significant moment in the ongoing Cyprus dispute and territorial tensions.
1976 Nigerian Military Coup Attempt: A significant political upheaval occurred in Nigeria when a military coup attempt failed, resulting in the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed. Lieutenant General Olusegun Obasanjo subsequently took power as the new head of state.
1977 Eric Heiden Wins World Speed Skating Championship: Eric Heiden made history by becoming the first American to win the world speed skating championship, showcasing exceptional athletic prowess and breaking national barriers in international winter sports competition.
1978 Hilton Hotel Bombing in Sydney: A devastating terrorist bombing occurred outside the Hilton Hotel in Sydney, Australia, when an explosive device detonated in a refuse truck, resulting in the tragic deaths of two refuse collectors and a police officer. This incident was a significant act of terrorism that shocked the Australian public and raised serious security concerns.
1979 Tragic Kidnapping of US Ambassador in Afghanistan: In Kabul, Muslim extremists kidnapped the American ambassador to Afghanistan, Adolph Dubs. During a dramatic confrontation, Dubs was killed in a gunfight between his kidnappers and local police, marking a significant diplomatic incident during the tumultuous period of Soviet influence in Afghanistan.
1980 XIII Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid: The XIII Olympic Winter Games are held in Lake Placid, New York, USA from February 13 to February 24, 1980. This international sporting event brought together athletes from around the world to compete in various winter sports disciplines.
1981 Rupert Murdoch Acquires The Times and Sunday Times: Australian media mogul Rupert Murdoch purchased The Times and The Sunday Times for £12 million, marking a significant moment in British media ownership. This acquisition represented a major shift in the landscape of British print journalism, with Murdoch's News International gaining control of two prestigious and influential newspapers.
1982 1982 Winter Olympics Open in Lake Placid: The XIII Winter Olympic Games commenced in Lake Placid, New York, United States, bringing together athletes from around the world to compete in various winter sports disciplines.
1983 Tragic Cinema Fire in Turin: A devastating fire at a cinema in Turin, Italy, resulted in the tragic loss of 64 lives, marking one of the most significant cinema-related disasters in Italian history.
1984 Groundbreaking Pediatric Transplant: Six-year-old Stormie Jones from Texas made medical history by becoming the first child to successfully receive a combined heart and liver transplant. This pioneering surgical procedure marked a significant milestone in pediatric organ transplantation.
1985 Solidarity Leaders Arrested in Poland: In a significant crackdown on the pro-democracy movement, Polish police arrested seven leaders of the Solidarity trade union. This action represented continued government suppression of opposition forces during the communist era in Poland.
1986 Single European Act Signed: The Single European Act is signed, marking a crucial milestone in European integration. This treaty aimed to create a single market within the European Economic Community, laying groundwork for future European Union development and economic cooperation.
1987 Record Baseball Salary Arbitration Award: Detroit Tigers' pitcher Jack Morris was awarded a groundbreaking salary of US$1.85 million through arbitration, which at the time represented the highest arbitration award in Major League Baseball history. This event highlighted the evolving economic landscape of professional sports and players' increasing negotiating power.
1988 XV Olympic Winter Games in Calgary: The XV Olympic Winter Games are held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada from February 13 to February 28, 1988. This international sporting event brought together athletes from around the world to compete in various winter sports disciplines.
1989 Khomeini Issues Fatwa Against Salman Rushdie: Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Supreme Leader of Iran, issued a controversial fatwa calling for the death of Salman Rushdie and his publishers over the novel 'The Satanic Verses', sparking a global controversy about freedom of expression and religious sensitivities.
1990 German Reunification Agreement: A significant diplomatic milestone where an agreement was reached for a two-stage plan to reunite Germany, marking the end of Cold War division and setting the stage for German national reunification.
1991 Amiriyah Shelter Bombing during Gulf War: During the Gulf War, US forces conducted a controversial air strike on the Amiriyah shelter in Baghdad using two laser-guided 'smart bombs'. Allied forces claimed the bunker was a military communications outpost, but the attack resulted in the tragic deaths of over 400 Iraqi civilians, making it one of the most devastating incidents of the conflict.
1992 Major Soccer League All-Star Game: The annual Major Soccer League All-Star Game takes place, with the West team defeating the East team by a score of 14 to 9 in an exciting display of athletic talent and inter-conference competition.
1993 Merlene Ottey's 200m Indoor World Record: Jamaican sprinter Merlene Ottey set a remarkable world record in the women's 200-meter indoor event, completing the race in an impressive 21.87 seconds. This achievement highlighted her exceptional speed and technical prowess in track and field athletics.
1994 Ranong Maritime Tragedy: A devastating maritime disaster near Ranong, Thailand, resulted in the loss of 200 lives, highlighting the critical importance of maritime safety and emergency response protocols.
1995 UN Tribunal Charges Bosnian Serb Commanders with Genocide: A United Nations tribunal formally charged 21 Bosnian Serb military commanders with genocide and crimes against humanity, marking a significant moment in international justice for war crimes committed during the Balkan conflicts.
1996 Nepalese People's War Begins: The Nepalese People's War, a significant armed conflict between the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) and the Nepalese government, officially commenced. This insurgency would dramatically reshape Nepal's political landscape and lead to substantial social and political transformations over the next decade.
1997 Dow Jones Crosses 7,000 Milestone: The Dow Jones Industrial Average achieved a historic milestone by closing above 7,000 points for the first time, gaining 60.81 points to reach 7,022.44, signaling strong economic performance and investor confidence.
1999 Moon Phase on February 13, 1999: On February 13, 1999, the moon was in a waning crescent phase, representing the final stage of the lunar cycle before the new moon. During this phase, less than half of the moon's illuminated surface was visible from Earth, appearing as a thin, curved sliver in the night sky. This astronomical phenomenon occurs approximately 22-25 days after the previous new moon, gradually decreasing in visibility before disappearing completely.
2000 Final Peanuts Comic Strip Published: On February 13, 2000, the final Peanuts comic strip was published in newspapers worldwide, marking the end of a legendary comic series created by Charles M. Schulz. This 17,897th installment came just one day after Schulz's death, symbolically concluding a remarkable 50-year run that had profoundly influenced popular culture and comic art.
2001 2001 El Salvador Earthquake: On February 13, 2001, a devastating magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck El Salvador, causing widespread destruction across the country and affecting neighboring Guatemala and Honduras. The earthquake resulted in at least 315 confirmed deaths, 3,399 injuries, and extensive infrastructure damage. Numerous landslides occurred in multiple regions of El Salvador, compounding the disaster's impact.
2002 Waylon Jennings Passes Away: Legendary American country music singer and songwriter Waylon Jennings died on February 13, 2002, at the age of 64. A key figure in the outlaw country music movement, Jennings was known for his distinctive voice and influential musical career.
2003 US Special Forces Pre-Invasion Deployment in Iraq: Two US Special Forces units had been operating inside Iraq for over a month, making preliminary preparations for a large-scale invasion, signaling the imminent military intervention in Iraq.
2004 Iran Admits Advanced Uranium Enrichment Design: Iran acknowledged possessing a design for an advanced high-speed uranium enrichment centrifuge, following confrontation with evidence from a secret nuclear supply network linked to Pakistani scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan.
2005 60th Anniversary of Dresden Bombing Commemoration: Germans commemorated the 60th anniversary of the devastating firebombing of Dresden during World War II, remembering one of the most controversial aerial attacks in military history.
2006 Saddam Hussein Attends Trial Session: Saddam Hussein was compelled to attend a trial session, wearing a traditional Islamic robe instead of his usual suit. During the proceedings, he vocally protested by shouting "Down with Bush!", demonstrating his defiant attitude.
2007 Baghdad Suicide Truck Bombing: A devastating suicide truck bomb kills at least 15 people in Baghdad, highlighting the ongoing violence and instability in Iraq during the Iraq War.
2008 Australian Prime Minister's Apology to Stolen Generations: Prime Minister Kevin Rudd delivers a historic formal apology to the Stolen Generations, acknowledging the systemic racism and trauma inflicted on Indigenous Australian children who were forcibly removed from their families.
2009 US Economic Stimulus Package Approved: The U.S. House of Representatives approves a $787 billion economic stimulus package, consisting of 64% spending and 36% tax cuts, with a vote of 246-183.
2010 Major NATO Offensive in Afghanistan: The largest military operation in Afghanistan since the 2001 Taliban overthrow was launched, involving over 15,000 American, British, and Afghan troops. Operation Moshtarak aimed to defeat Taliban-controlled areas in Helmand Province.
2011 Egypt's Military Suspends Constitution: Following the Egyptian revolution, the army suspends the constitution and dissolves parliament, announcing elections within six months, contingent on continued public demonstrations.
2012 Syrian Civil War Escalation: The Syrian Army continued its intense bombardment of Homs, with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navanethem Pillay, condemning the assault as an indiscriminate attack on civilians. The Free Syrian Army claimed to have repelled a Syrian Army attack on the town of Rastan.
2013 Syrian Civil War: Battle for Aleppo Airport: Rebels engaged in intense fighting with Syrian military forces at an army base protecting Aleppo's international airport. Opposition sources claimed 40 Syrian soldiers were killed as large areas of the base were overrun, highlighting the ongoing intensity of the Syrian conflict.
2014 Virginia Judge Strikes Down Gay Marriage Ban: A Virginia judge declared the state's ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional, marking another significant legal victory for marriage equality in the United States.
2015 Boko Haram Attacks Chad, Triggering Regional Military Response: Thirty Boko Haram militants crossed Lake Chad on four motorboats and attacked Ngouboua village in Chad. This aggression prompted Chad to join a military alliance with Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon to combat the terrorist group.
2016 Death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia: At 79 years old, Justice Antonin Scalia of the United States Supreme Court passed away unexpectedly. A prominent conservative jurist, his death would have significant implications for the future composition of the Supreme Court.
2017 Michael Flynn Resigns as National Security Advisor: Michael T. Flynn resigned from his position as National Security Advisor amid controversy over his communications with Russian officials. Retired General Keith Kellogg was appointed as acting National Security Advisor pending a permanent replacement.
2018 Israeli Police Recommend Netanyahu Indictment: Israeli police recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for corruption and bribery charges, which Netanyahu strongly denies.
2019 Manafort Plea Agreement Violation: U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson ruled that Paul Manafort, former Trump campaign chairman, violated his plea agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Manafort was found to have intentionally lied about three of five issues to federal investigators and the grand jury.
2020 Revolutionary Planetary Formation Research: Scientists published a groundbreaking study in 'Science' journal, challenging existing theories about planetary formation. By studying Arrokoth in the Kuiper Belt, researchers demonstrated that planets may form through gentle clumping rather than violent collisions, revolutionizing our understanding of cosmic evolution.
2021 Trump's Second Impeachment Trial Concludes: The United States Senate conducted the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, ultimately voting to acquit him. The final vote was 57-43, falling short of the two-thirds majority required for conviction, effectively ending the legal proceedings against the former president.
2022 Los Angeles Rams Win Super Bowl LVI: The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl LVI, with wide receiver Cooper Kupp named as the Most Valuable Player (MVP). This victory marked a significant moment for the Rams franchise and Kupp's career.
2023 Devastating Turkey-Syria Earthquake: A catastrophic 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Turkey and northern Syria, causing widespread destruction and claiming over 37,000 lives. The disaster was one of the deadliest earthquakes in the region's modern history, affecting millions and creating a massive humanitarian crisis.

What Is special about February 13?

February 13 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about February 13.