Historical Events on March 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 March 13, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on March 13 - Key Moments Throughout History

1900 Birth of Giorgos Seferis, Greek Poet: Giorgos Seferis, a renowned Greek poet and Nobel Prize in Literature laureate, was born. He would become one of the most important Greek poets of the 20th century, significantly contributing to modern Greek literature.
1901 Death of Benjamin Harrison, 23rd US President: Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States, passed away on March 13, 1901, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Harrison served as president from 1889 to 1893 and was a significant political figure during the late 19th century. He was known for his advocacy of civil rights and his efforts to modernize the U.S. Navy.
1902 Cargo Ship Reporter Wrecked in San Francisco Bay: On March 13, 1902, the cargo ship Reporter met with a maritime disaster in San Francisco Bay. The vessel crashed into the wreckage of another ship named King, ultimately leading to its own destruction. This incident highlights the navigational challenges and maritime risks prevalent in the early 20th century, when shipping routes were less regulated and maritime navigation technologies were still developing.
1903 Fall of the Sokoto Caliphate: On March 13, 1903, the British colonial administration effectively ended the Sokoto Caliphate, a powerful Islamic sultanate in northern Nigeria. The British accepted the surrender of the last Vizier and strategically appointed Muhammadu Attahiru II as the new Caliph, effectively transforming the autonomous Islamic state into a colonial protectorate. This event marked a significant moment in the European colonization of West Africa, fundamentally altering the political, social, and religious landscape of the region.
1904 Carnegie Hero Fund Established: Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie founded the Carnegie Hero Fund, an organization dedicated to recognizing and supporting individuals who perform extraordinary acts of civilian heroism, often at great personal risk. The fund provides financial assistance and recognition to heroes who have saved or attempted to save human lives.
1905 Mata Hari's Exotic Dance Performance in Paris: On March 13, 1905, Mata Hari, the legendary Dutch exotic dancer, courtesan, and alleged spy, captivated audiences with her groundbreaking performance at the Musée Guimet in Paris. Her mesmerizing dance act, inspired by traditional Javanese and Balinese dance styles, challenged European perceptions of exotic entertainment and female sexuality during the early 20th century. Dressed in elaborate, revealing costumes that blended Eastern and Western aesthetics, Mata Hari transformed herself into a sensational performer who would later become infamous for her complex life as an international spy during World War I.
1906 Death of Susan B. Anthony: Pioneer of Women's Rights: Susan B. Anthony, a prominent American civil rights leader and pivotal figure in the women's suffrage movement, passed away on March 13, 1906, in Rochester, New York. Throughout her lifetime, she tirelessly advocated for women's right to vote, gender equality, and social justice. Her decades of persistent activism laid critical groundwork for the 19th Amendment, which would grant women the right to vote 14 years after her death. Anthony's legacy as a transformative social reformer continues to inspire generations of civil rights activists and champions of gender equality.
1907 Panic of 1907: Financial Crisis Grips the United States: On March 13, 1907, a severe financial panic erupted that would become known as the Panic of 1907, triggering a significant economic depression. This financial crisis was characterized by a series of bank runs, stock market crashes, and widespread economic instability that exposed critical weaknesses in the American banking system. The panic was precipitated by a combination of speculative investments, tight monetary policies, and a loss of investor confidence. The economic downturn would ultimately lead to major reforms in the U.S. financial regulatory framework, including the eventual creation of the Federal Reserve System in 1913.
1908 University of Pittsburgh Established: On March 13, 1908, the Western University of Pennsylvania underwent a significant institutional rebranding, officially changing its name to the University of Pittsburgh. This renaming marked an important milestone in the institution's history, signaling its growing prominence and ambition in higher education. The transformation reflected the university's expanding academic scope and its desire to establish a more distinctive regional identity.
1909 University of Chicago Completes Perfect Basketball Season: The University of Chicago men's basketball team achieved a remarkable feat by defeating the University of Minnesota 20-15, concluding an undefeated 12-0 season. This victory highlighted the team's exceptional performance and dominance in collegiate basketball during the early 20th century.
1910 Arrest of Veer Savarkar in London: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a prominent Indian revolutionary and nationalist leader, was arrested by London police upon his return to the United Kingdom. This arrest was significant in the context of the Indian independence movement, as Savarkar was a key figure in challenging British colonial rule and advocating for Hindu nationalist ideology. His detention would become a pivotal moment in his political activism and the broader struggle against British imperialism.
1911 U.S. Supreme Court Upholds Corporate Income Tax: In a landmark legal decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the federal tax on corporate income as constitutional, establishing a significant precedent for future taxation policies and government revenue collection.
1912 Bulgaria and Serbia Form Strategic Alliance: Bulgaria and Serbia signed a significant bilateral alliance pact, which was ostensibly directed against Austria but contained secret provisions potentially targeting the Ottoman Empire. This diplomatic agreement was part of the complex geopolitical maneuvering in the Balkan region preceding World War I.
1913 Pancho Villa Returns to Mexico: Mexican Revolutionary leader Pancho Villa dramatically returns to Mexico from his self-imposed exile in the United States, marking a significant moment in the ongoing Mexican Revolution. His return signals potential renewed conflict and political instability in the region.
1914 Italian Military Engagement in Tripoli: An Italian military column successfully repelled a significant attack by 2,000 Arab tribesmen near Tripoli during the colonial period. The engagement resulted in heavy casualties for the attacking force, with 263 tribesmen killed, while the Italian forces suffered 42 soldier and two officer fatalities, with an additional 100 soldiers wounded.
1915 Battle of Neuve Chapelle Logistics Failure: During World War I, the British military's offensive at Neuve Chapelle was critically undermined by severe logistical challenges. Ineffective supply lines prevented adequate arming of front-line troops, forcing military command to postpone and ultimately abandon the planned offensive within two days of its initiation. This strategic failure highlighted the critical importance of military logistics in warfare.
1916 Birth of Corinne Lindy Boggs, Prominent American Politician: Corinne Lindy Claiborne Boggs was born on this date, who would later become a significant Democratic Representative from Louisiana. She served in the United States House of Representatives from 1973, representing her home state and becoming an influential female political figure during a period of increasing women's participation in national politics.
1917 Russian Revolution Begins: Political Upheaval in Russia: The Russian Revolution commenced on March 12, 1917, with critical political transformations occurring on March 13. Key developments included the revolutionary party's decisive removal of Prince Golitsin, the Russian Premier, and General Byelyaev, the Russian Minister for War, from their official positions. This marked a pivotal moment in Russian political history, signaling the imminent collapse of the Tsarist regime and the emergence of a new political order.
1918 German Occupation of Odessa: During World War I, German forces occupied the strategic Black Sea port city of Odessa, expanding their territorial control in the region and demonstrating the ongoing military campaigns of the conflict.
1919 The Axeman of New Orleans Sends Threatening Letter: On March 13, 1919, a chilling letter was distributed to newspapers in New Orleans, following a brutal attack on Charles Cortimiglia and his family. The letter, sent by the infamous serial killer known as the Axeman, added a psychological terror dimension to the already horrifying series of axe murders that had been terrorizing the city. This communication was part of a larger, mysterious crime spree that would become one of the most notorious unsolved criminal cases in early 20th-century American history.
1920 Kapp Putsch: Failed Coup Attempt in Berlin: Wolfgang Kapp led a right-wing nationalist coup attempt against the Weimar Republic government in Berlin. The putsch was ultimately unsuccessful due to widespread public resistance and a general strike by workers, which effectively paralyzed the coup's momentum and prevented the overthrow of the democratic government.
1921 Mongolia Declares Independence from China: On March 13, 1921, Mongolia declared its independence from China, marking a significant moment in the country's political history. Baron Roman Ungern von Sternberg played a crucial role in this process, leading a complex political and military transition that would reshape Mongolia's geopolitical landscape.
1922 Prince of Wales Inaugurates Royal Indian Military College: Prince Edward inaugurated the Prince of Wales Royal Indian Military College in Dehradun, India. This significant event symbolized the British Empire's acknowledgment of growing Indian nationalist sentiments and the need for Indianization within the military officer corps.
1923 Lee de Forest Demonstrates Sound-on-Film Technology: Lee de Forest, a pioneering inventor, showcased his groundbreaking sound-on-film moving picture technology in New York City. This demonstration represented a significant milestone in cinema history, as it allowed synchronized sound to be recorded directly onto the film strip, revolutionizing the motion picture industry and paving the way for 'talking pictures'.
1924 Proclamation of the Weimar Republic Anniversary: On this day, Germany commemorates the establishment of the Weimar Republic, a pivotal period in German history that followed World War I and preceded the rise of Nazi Germany. The Weimar Republic represented Germany's first attempt at parliamentary democracy, lasting from 1919 to 1933. This period was characterized by significant political, social, and economic challenges, including hyperinflation, political instability, and the harsh conditions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles.
1925 Tennessee Legislature Bans Evolution Teaching: The Tennessee legislature passed a bill that banned the teaching of Charles Darwin's theory of evolution in the state's public schools, a controversial decision that would later lead to the famous Scopes 'Monkey' Trial.
1926 Raúl Alfonsín's Political Significance: Raúl Alfonsín, a pivotal Argentine political leader who served as President from 1983 to 1989, was a key figure in Argentina's return to democracy after the military dictatorship.
1927 Kuomintang Leadership Crisis: In a significant political upheaval, the Kuomintang leadership votes to remove Chiang Kai-shek from most executive positions, retaining him only as commander of expeditionary forces. However, Chiang defies this demotion and, after capturing Shanghai two weeks later, consolidates his power and takes absolute control of the Kuomintang party, demonstrating his political resilience and military prowess.
1928 St. Francis Dam Disaster: A catastrophic failure of the St. Francis Dam in the Santa Clarita Valley, California, resulted in a massive flood that killed approximately 450 people. The dam's collapse unleashed a devastating wall of water that swept through the San Francisquito Canyon, destroying everything in its path and becoming one of the worst civil engineering disasters in United States history.
1929 Donald Bradman's Second Test Century: On March 13, 1929, cricket legend Donald Bradman achieved a remarkable milestone by scoring 123 runs against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), marking his second Test century. This performance was an early indication of Bradman's extraordinary batting prowess, which would later earn him recognition as one of the greatest cricketers in history. His consistent and powerful batting style would revolutionize the sport and set unprecedented standards for future generations of cricketers.
1930 Discovery of Pluto by Clyde Tombaugh: Clyde Tombaugh, an astronomer at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, officially announced the discovery of the ninth planet in our solar system, Pluto. This groundbreaking astronomical finding expanded humanity's understanding of the solar system's composition and structure.
1931 Communist Council Member Murdered by Nazis: Ernst Henning, a German Communist Party member of the Hamburg city council, was brutally murdered by three Nazi Party members. This violent act exemplified the escalating political violence and ideological conflicts in Germany during the Weimar Republic's final years, reflecting the growing tensions between communist and Nazi political groups.
1932 Uneventful Day in 1932: While no specific significant historical events were recorded for March 13, 1932, this period was part of the challenging era of the Great Depression. During this time, the United States and much of the world were experiencing severe economic hardship, with high unemployment and widespread poverty following the stock market crash of 1929.
1933 Great Depression: Bank Holiday Ends: President Franklin D. Roosevelt's mandated bank holiday concludes, allowing banks across the United States to reopen and begin restoring public confidence in the financial system during the depths of the Great Depression.
1934 Himmler Consolidates Police Power in Nazi Germany: Heinrich Himmler, a key leader in the Nazi regime, assumed complete command of all police forces in Germany, significantly expanding the centralized control and potential for state-sponsored oppression. This strategic move was a critical step in the Nazi Party's consolidation of power and establishment of a totalitarian state.
1935 Nazi Germany Restricts Jewish Professional Opportunities: The Nazi regime implemented discriminatory policies targeting Jewish professionals by establishing a guild organization that effectively prevented Jews from working in manual trades. Individuals were required to pass a master's examination and be registered in a professional roll, creating significant barriers to employment and economic participation for the Jewish community.
1936 Church and Newspaper Burning in Madrid: During a period of significant political tension in pre-Civil War Spain, leftist rioters set fire to churches and a newspaper plant in Madrid, reflecting the deep ideological divisions and social unrest prevalent in the country at that time.
1937 Steel Workers Organizing Committee Achieves Major Breakthrough: In a landmark moment for labor relations, the Steel Workers Organizing Committee (SWOC), under the leadership of Philip Murray, successfully negotiated a collective bargaining agreement with United States Steel Company. This agreement was groundbreaking, as it established SWOC as the sole bargaining representative for U.S. Steel employees, significantly strengthening the union's position in the steel industry and marking a pivotal moment in American labor history.
1938 Anschluss: Austria Unified with Nazi Germany: The Union of Austria and Germany was officially proclaimed in Vienna, marking a significant territorial expansion of the Third Reich. This event, known as the Anschluss, represented Nazi Germany's annexation of Austria, effectively ending Austrian independence and integrating the country into the German Reich.
1939 Birth of Glauber Rocha: Glauber Rocha, an influential Brazilian film director, was born on March 13, 1939. He would become a key figure in the Cinema Novo movement, known for his innovative and politically charged filmmaking that significantly impacted Latin American cinema.
1940 The Russo-Finnish Winter War ends.
1941 Mass Execution of Dutch Resistance Fighters: In a brutal act of Nazi oppression, 15 members of the Dutch resistance were executed by firing squad in Scheveningen, Netherlands. This event highlights the brutal tactics used by German forces to suppress local resistance movements during World War II.
1942 First Woman Colonel in US Army Nurse Corps: Julia Flikke becomes the first woman Colonel in the United States Army Nurse Corps, marking a significant milestone for women's advancement in military leadership during World War II.
1943 Holocaust: Liquidation of Krakow Ghetto: As part of the Nazi regime's systematic persecution of Jews during World War II, German forces conducted a brutal liquidation of the Krakow Ghetto. Approximately 2,000 Jews were killed on the spot, while around 8,000 were forcibly transferred to concentration camps at Plaszow and Auschwitz-Birkenau, representing a devastating chapter in the Holocaust.
1944 Soviet 28th Army Captures Kherson: The Soviet 28th Army successfully captured the strategic city of Kherson, Ukraine, during the Soviet counteroffensive against German forces in World War II. This victory was crucial in pushing back the Nazi occupation and reclaiming Soviet territory.
1945 US B-29s Conduct Devastating Fire Raid on Osaka: United States B-29 Superfortress bombers launched a massive fire raid on Osaka, Japan, resulting in approximately 4,000 civilian casualties and the destruction of 119 industrial factories, marking a significant escalation in the Pacific Theater of World War II.
1946 Nuremberg Trials: Goering Direct Examination Begins: U.S. Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson delivered the opening statement during the direct examination of lead defendant Hermann Goering at the International Military Tribunal (IMT) in Nuremberg, a pivotal moment in post-World War II international justice.
1947 19th Academy Awards Honors Top Films: The 19th Academy Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in cinema, with Frederic March winning Best Actor and Olivia de Havilland receiving Best Actress, while 'The Best Years of Our Lives' dominated the major categories.
1948 Southern Governors Oppose Truman's Re-election: A significant political moment occurred when governors from Southern states convened in Washington, D.C., and collectively signed a pledge to challenge President Harry S. Truman's re-election campaign. This meeting highlighted the deep regional political divisions and tensions surrounding Truman's presidency, particularly in the context of emerging civil rights discussions.
1949 Jeju Uprising Military Offensive: South Korean Army forces, under the direct orders of President Syngman Rhee, launched a significant spring offensive to suppress and eradicate the ongoing Jeju Island uprising, marking a critical moment of internal conflict in post-liberation Korea.
1950 General Motors Sets Record Annual Earnings: General Motors reported unprecedented net earnings of US$656,434,232 for the year 1949, marking a significant milestone in post-World War II corporate financial performance and reflecting the robust economic recovery of the United States.
1951 Israel's Reparations Claim Against Germany: In a significant post-Holocaust diplomatic move, Israel formally demanded 6.2 billion Deutsche marks in compensation from West Germany. This claim represented an important step in addressing the economic damages suffered by Jewish people during the Nazi regime and seeking financial restitution for the Holocaust.
1953 Dag Hammarskjöld Nominated as UN Secretary-General: On March 13, 1953, the United Nations Security Council nominated Dag Hammarskjöld as the United Nations Secretary-General. Hammarskjöld would go on to become one of the most influential UN leaders in history, serving from 1953 to 1961 and playing a critical role in international diplomacy during the Cold War era.
1954 Battle of Điện Biên Phủ Begins: The Battle of Điện Biên Phủ commenced with a strategic artillery barrage by Viet Minh forces led by General Võ Nguyên Giáp. This pivotal battle would ultimately result in a decisive Viet Minh victory, leading to the end of the First Indochina War and compelling French colonial forces to withdraw from Vietnam.
1955 Royal Succession in Nepal: Bir Bikram Mahendra Shah succeeds his father Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah as the King of Nepal, marking a significant moment in the country's monarchical history.
1956 Southern Manifesto Signed Against Racial Integration: 101 members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives signed the Southern Manifesto, publicly protesting the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling that mandated racial integration in public schools, representing a significant moment of resistance in the Civil Rights era.
1957 Failed Assassination Attempt on President Batista: On March 13, 1957, Cuban student revolutionaries launched a bold but unsuccessful attack on the Presidential Palace in Havana, targeting President Fulgencio Batista. Led by Menelao Mora and members of the Partido Auténtico and the Directorio Revolucionario 13 de Marzo student opposition group, the assault began around 3:30 pm. The violent confrontation resulted in significant casualties: 26 militants, 6 presidential guards, and policemen were killed, with 2 militants arrested and 2 detained. This dramatic event highlighted the growing resistance against Batista's regime.
1958 Government Troops Land in Sumatra: On March 13, 1958, Indonesian government troops landed in Sumatra, marking a significant military movement during a period of regional political tension. This deployment likely relates to the ongoing Indonesian National Revolution or internal conflicts of the late 1950s.
1959 UN Votes to End Trusteeship of French Cameroons: The United Nations General Assembly unanimously voted (56-0, with 23 abstentions) to terminate the UN Trusteeship over the French Cameroons, setting a timeline for independence by January 1, 1960. The resolution also planned a plebiscite to determine the political future of the northern and southern regions of the British Cameroons, marking a significant moment in the decolonization process of Africa.
1960 Northwest Airlines Flight 710 Disaster: A tragic aviation accident occurred when Northwest Airlines Flight 710, a Lockheed L-188 Electra turboprop, crashed near Cannelton, Indiana. The plane's wings separated at 18,000 feet during its Chicago to Miami route, resulting in the death of all 63 passengers and leaving a 12-foot-deep crater.
1961 JFK Launches Alliance for Progress: President John F. Kennedy proposes a comprehensive 10-year, multibillion-dollar aid program aimed at promoting economic and social development in Latin America, marking a significant diplomatic initiative during the Cold War era.
1962 Operation Northwoods Proposal Rejected: Lyman Lemnitzer, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, proposed a controversial plan called Operation Northwoods to Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara. The proposal suggested performing false flag terrorist attacks at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, likely to create a pretext for military intervention. President John F. Kennedy rejected the proposal and subsequently removed Lemnitzer from his position, demonstrating his opposition to such covert and unethical tactics.
1963 Russian Reconnaissance Flights over Alaska: During the Cold War tensions, two Soviet reconnaissance aircraft conduct surveillance flights over Alaskan airspace, highlighting the ongoing geopolitical and military tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union.
1964 Murder of Kitty Genovese and the Bystander Effect: On March 13, 1964, Kitty Genovese, a 28-year-old bar manager in New York City, was brutally murdered outside her apartment in Kew Gardens, Queens. Her tragic death became a landmark case that exposed a disturbing social psychological phenomenon known as the bystander effect. According to initial reports, multiple witnesses observed her attack but did not intervene or call the police, which shocked the public and prompted extensive psychological research into group behavior during emergencies.
1965 Jeff Beck replaces Eric Clapton of the Yardbirds
1966 Kathy Whitworth wins LPGA Lagunita Golf Invitational.
1967 JFK's Final Resting Place at Arlington National Cemetery: The body of U.S. President John F. Kennedy is permanently interred at Arlington National Cemetery, marking a solemn moment in American history following his assassination in November 1963.
1968 Mauritius Gains Independence: The Indian Ocean island nation of Mauritius achieved independence from British colonial rule, marking a significant milestone in its political history. This event represented the continued decolonization process in the mid-20th century and the emergence of new sovereign states.
1969 Soviet-Chinese Border Conflict at Ussuri River: A significant border skirmish occurred between Soviet and Chinese forces at a border outpost on the Ussuri River, resulting in 31 Soviet casualties and unknown Chinese losses, highlighting the rising tensions between communist powers.
1970 Digital Equipment Corp Introduces PDP-11 Minicomputer: On March 13, 1970, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) launched the PDP-11 minicomputer, a groundbreaking computing system that would significantly influence the development of microcomputer technology. The PDP-11 was known for its innovative architecture and became one of the most successful computer models in history, widely used in scientific, industrial, and academic settings.
1971 The Allman Brothers Band Record Live at Fillmore East: On March 13, 1971, the legendary rock group The Allman Brothers Band recorded a historic concert at the Fillmore East in New York City, which would later be released as their iconic live album 'At Fillmore East'. This recording is considered one of the greatest live rock albums of all time, capturing the band's exceptional improvisational skills and Southern rock prowess.
1973 Syria Adopts New Constitution: Syria officially adopted a new constitution, marking a significant moment in the country's political development and governance structure.
1974 Charles de Gaulle Airport Opens: Charles de Gaulle Airport, a major international airport serving Paris, France, was officially inaugurated, becoming a critical transportation hub for the region and a significant infrastructure development.
1975 Vietnam War: Central Highlands Evacuation: South Vietnam President Nguyen Van Thieu orders the evacuation of the Central Highlands, triggering a massive and tragic exodus known as the 'Convoy of Tears'. This event marked a critical turning point in the Vietnam War, with troops and civilians fleeing in desperation as North Vietnamese forces advanced.
1976 Mozambique Recognizes Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic: On March 13, 1976, Mozambique officially recognized the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), a significant diplomatic move in support of Western Sahara's independence movement. This recognition was part of the broader decolonization efforts in Africa during the 1970s, demonstrating Mozambique's solidarity with other African nations seeking self-determination.
1977 Dennis Lillee's Remarkable Cricket Performance: In a historic moment during the Centenary Test match, Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee delivered an extraordinary bowling performance, taking 6 wickets for just 26 runs and dismissing England for a mere 95 runs.
1978 Giulio Andreotti Forms New Italian Government: Giulio Andreotti was sworn in as Prime Minister of Italy, establishing a new government with 20 cabinet members, officially inaugurated by President Giovanni Leone.
1979 European Monetary System Established: The European Monetary System (EMS) was established on this day, introducing the European Currency Unit (ECU) as a new monetary framework. This significant economic development aimed to reduce exchange rate variability and achieve monetary stability among European countries.
1980 John Wayne Gacy Sentenced to Death: Serial killer John Wayne Gacy is sentenced to death in Illinois for the murder of 12 people, marking a significant moment in criminal justice history and bringing closure to the families of his victims.
1981 Assassination Attempt on Pope John Paul II: On March 13, 1981, Turkish terrorist Mehmet Ali Agca attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul II in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City. The Pope was critically wounded but survived the shooting, which was later revealed to have potential connections to international political conspiracies.
1982 Elaine Zayak's Historic Figure Skating Performance: Elaine Zayak from the United States made history at the World Ladies' Figure Skating Championship by landing an unprecedented 6 triple jumps, revolutionizing women's figure skating and setting a new standard for athletic performance.
1983 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament: 30th Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Men's Basketball Tournament final, where NC State defeated Virginia with a score of 81-78.
1984 Reagan's United Jewish Appeal Conference Speech: President Ronald Reagan delivered a powerful speech at the United Jewish Appeal Conference, highlighting the resilience of the Jewish community, promoting democratic values, and standing against discrimination.
1985 Funeral of Soviet Leader Konstantin Chernenko: Funeral services were held in Moscow for Konstantin Chernenko, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union who had recently passed away. His death marked a significant moment in Soviet political leadership during the mid-1980s.
1986 Microsoft Goes Public: Microsoft Corporation launches its initial public offering (IPO), with shares trading at $25.75. The stock market values the company at $661 million, with Bill Gates' personal holdings worth $390 million, marking a significant moment in tech industry history.
1987 John Gotti Acquittal: Notorious mobster John Gotti was acquitted of racketeering charges, further solidifying his reputation as the 'Teflon Don' who seemed to evade legal consequences.
1988 Halabja Genocide: Iraqi government forces conduct a devastating chemical weapons attack on the Kurdish town of Halabja, killing thousands of civilians in one of the most horrific instances of chemical warfare in modern history.
1989 Tim Berners-Lee Proposes World Wide Web: Tim Berners-Lee, a British computer scientist working at CERN, produced a groundbreaking proposal document that would become the blueprint for the World Wide Web, fundamentally transforming global communication and information sharing.
1990 Soviet Union Establishes Presidential System: The Supreme Soviet approved constitutional changes creating a U.S.-style presidential system. Mikhail Gorbachev was subsequently elected as the first President of the Soviet Union on March 15, 1990, signaling a major political transformation during the late Cold War period.
1991 Emir of Kuwait Returns Home: After seven months of exile during the Iraqi occupation, the Emir of Kuwait, Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, returns to his liberated country following the Gulf War.
1992 Devastating Erzincan Earthquake in Turkey: On March 13, 1992, a powerful magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck eastern Turkey, specifically the Erzincan region. The catastrophic event resulted in at least 498 confirmed fatalities, over 2,000 injuries, and extensive structural damage, with approximately 2,200 houses severely impacted. The earthquake's significant intensity caused widespread destruction and humanitarian crisis in the region.
1993 The Great Blizzard of 1993: A massive winter storm struck the eastern United States, causing unprecedented snowfall and severe weather conditions spanning from Cuba to Quebec. The blizzard resulted in 184 confirmed fatalities and caused extensive damage across multiple states, making it one of the most significant meteorological events of the decade.
1994 Church of England Ordains First Female Priests: In a historic moment, the Church of England ordained its first 33 female priests, marking a significant milestone in religious gender equality.
1995 Deadly Protest Incident in Istanbul: Istanbul police fatally shot 16 Alawite demonstrators during a protest, highlighting the complex ethnic and political tensions in Turkey during the mid-1990s.
1996 Dunblane School Massacre: On March 13, 1996, Thomas Hamilton, an unemployed former shopkeeper, perpetrated one of the most horrific school shootings in British history. He entered Dunblane Primary School in Scotland and opened fire, killing 16 young students and one teacher before taking his own life. The tragic event shocked the nation and led to significant changes in gun control legislation in the United Kingdom.
1997 Phoenix Lights UFO Phenomenon: One of the most widely witnessed UFO sightings in modern history occurred over Phoenix, Arizona. Hundreds of residents reported seeing a massive, V-shaped object and clusters of unusual lights, sparking intense public fascination and debate about extraterrestrial encounters.
1998 Groundbreaking Astronomical Discovery: Universe's Accelerating Expansion: The High-Z Supernova Search Team published pioneering scientific evidence demonstrating that the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate, a revolutionary finding that challenged previous understanding of cosmic dynamics and laid groundwork for future cosmological research.
1999 Uneventful Day in 1999: March 13, 1999, appears to be a relatively unremarkable day with no significant documented historical events. While the year 1999 was notable for various technological, cultural, and geopolitical developments, this specific date did not witness any major recorded incidents or milestones.
2001 OPEC Agrees to Oil Production Cut: Members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) collectively decided to reduce oil output by 4 percent in a strategic move to stabilize and potentially increase global oil prices. This coordinated production cut was aimed at addressing the ongoing market challenges of falling petroleum prices, demonstrating OPEC's continued influence on the international energy market.
2002 Senate Rejects Fuel Efficiency Provision in Energy Bill: On March 13, 2002, the United States Senate voted to remove a provision from the proposed energy bill that would have increased Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards. This decision represented a setback for efforts to improve vehicle fuel efficiency and reduce automotive emissions, highlighting the ongoing political challenges in implementing stricter environmental regulations in the transportation sector.
2003 FDA Approves Innovative AIDS Drug Enfuvirtide: The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Enfuvirtide (trade name Fuzeon), a pioneering AIDS treatment that functions as an entry inhibitor. This new drug represents a significant advancement in HIV/AIDS therapeutic strategies, offering patients an additional mechanism to combat the virus by preventing its entry into human cells.
2004 Madrid Train Bombings: On March 13, 2004, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks targeted the commuter train system in Madrid, Spain, resulting in 200 fatalities. Investigators continued to search for the perpetrators, and five foreign nationals were arrested in connection with the terror attacks in Morocco.
2005 Pope John Paul II Discharged from Hospital: Pope John Paul II was discharged from Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic, returning to Vatican City approximately two and a half weeks after undergoing a tracheotomy. His recovery was closely monitored by global media and followers.
2006 Record Carbon Dioxide Concentration Recorded: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration documented a significant increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, highlighting ongoing concerns about climate change and global environmental trends.
2007 U.S. Attorney Firing Controversy: Attorney General Alberto Gonzales acknowledges mistakes in federal prosecutor dismissals. His top aide, Kyle Sampson, resigns after failing to inform senior officials about discussions regarding potential firings.
2008 Dmitry Medvedev Elected as Russia's President: Dmitry Medvedev was elected as Russia's third President, serving from 2008 to 2012 before becoming Prime Minister, marking a significant moment in Russian political leadership.
2009 UN Human Rights Commissioner Accuses Sri Lanka of War Crimes: Navanethem Pillay, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, publicly accused both Sri Lanka's Armed Forces and the Tamil Tigers of committing war crimes during the ongoing conflict.
2010 Catholic Church Sex Abuse Scandal Revelations: Cardinal Sean Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland, publicly admitted his role in making two teenage victims of Father Brendan Smyth's abuse sign a confidentiality oath, further exposing the Catholic Church's systemic cover-up of sexual abuse.
2011 2011 Sendai Earthquake and Tsunami: A massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Tohoku, Japan, triggering a devastating tsunami that caused widespread destruction and nuclear crisis. The earthquake and subsequent tsunami resulted in significant loss of life, infrastructure damage, and potential long-term environmental consequences.
2012 Syrian Uprising Escalation: The Syrian civil war intensified as the Syrian army launched heavy attacks on rebels in northern Syria, particularly in Idlib and Homs. Rebels retaliated by ambushing and killing at least 10 government soldiers.
2013 Election of Pope Francis: Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church, becoming Pope Francis. This historic election marked significant moments: he is the first Latin American pope, the first Jesuit pope, and succeeded Pope Benedict XVI.
2014 Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 Mystery: According to a U.S. newspaper report, Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 continued to fly for hours after disappearing from radar on Saturday, deepening the mystery of its disappearance.
2015 Salty Ocean Discovered on Ganymede: NASA scientists using the Hubble Space Telescope discover a salty ocean beneath Ganymede, Jupiter's largest moon, providing new insights into potential extraterrestrial environments.
2016 Ankara Bombing: A devastating suicide bombing occurred in central Ankara, Turkey, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 37 lives and causing significant injuries to many more. The attack highlighted ongoing tensions and security challenges in the region.
2017 Syrian Civil War Casualties: The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the total number of people killed or missing in Syria's ongoing conflict has reached 465,000.
2018 Trump Administration Cabinet Shake-up: President Donald Trump dismissed Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and nominated CIA Director Mike Pompeo as his replacement, with Gina Haspel selected to succeed Pompeo at the CIA.
2019 Boeing 737 MAX Global Grounding: Canada and the United States grounded all Boeing 737 MAX 8/9 aircraft, leading to a worldwide ban on the aircraft type due to safety concerns. This unprecedented global grounding affected all operators.
2020 United States COVID-19 National Emergency Declaration: President Donald Trump officially declared the COVID-19 pandemic a national emergency, which freed up $50 billion in federal resources to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus. During a Rose Garden press conference, Trump warned that Americans would need to make significant lifestyle changes and that the upcoming eight weeks would be critical in managing the pandemic. He also noted potential personal exposure after contact with a Brazilian official who tested positive for coronavirus.
2021 Global COVID-19 Vaccination and Variant Developments: Multiple countries made significant strides in their COVID-19 response: Mongolia reported a record 169 new cases, the Philippines detected its first Lineage P.1 variant case, while Ethiopia and Tunisia launched vaccination campaigns using Oxford-AstraZeneca and Sputnik V vaccines respectively.
2022 Russian Airstrike Near Polish Border Kills 35: Russian warplanes struck a Ukrainian military base near the Polish border, killing 35 people and injuring over 100. Approximately 30 missiles were fired, with air defense systems intercepting 22 before impact. The base was reportedly used for weapons transfer and foreign fighter training.
2023 Xi Jinping Secures Unprecedented Third Term as China's President: On March 10, 2023, China's political elites officially supported President Xi Jinping in securing an unprecedented third term as leader. This marks a significant milestone, as Xi has now become the country's longest-serving president since the establishment of the Communist Party of China in 1949, further consolidating his power and political influence.

What Is special about March 13?

March 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 March 13.