In this article, we explore a series of significant events that have occurred on July 13th throughout history.
These events span a broad range of fields including politics, entertainment, sports, and science, illustrating the diverse and impactful nature of this day.
From medieval battles and pivotal treaties to cultural milestones and modern political shifts, July 13th has been a date of considerable historical consequence.
We delve into each event to understand its context and significance, providing a comprehensive overview of how this day has shaped and influenced the world in various ways.
July 13th – On this Day in History
1174 – William I of Scotland is captured by the English at the Battle of Alnwick
On July 13, 1174, during a period of intense Anglo-Scottish conflict, William I of Scotland, also known as William the Lion, was captured by English forces at the Battle of Alnwick. His capture was a significant event in the medieval power struggles between Scotland and England.
William was forced to acknowledge English overlordship as part of his release agreement, which was a severe blow to Scottish sovereignty. This incident led to the Treaty of Falaise, under which William swore allegiance to Henry II of England, significantly weakening Scotland’s independence.
1558 – The French recapture Calais, the last continental possession of England
Calais, the last English possession on the continent, was recaptured by the French on July 13, 1558, after being under English control since 1347. This event marked a critical point in the Hundred Years’ War between England and France.
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The loss of Calais was a significant national humiliation for England, prompting Queen Mary I to reportedly say that upon her death, the word “Calais” would be found written on her heart. The recapture by the French, led by the Duke of Guise, strengthened French positions and was celebrated as a restoration of national territory.
1573 – The Siege of Haarlem ends after seven months, resulting in a Spanish victory and the taking of the city
The Siege of Haarlem, which began in December 1572 during the Eighty Years’ War, ended on July 13, 1573, after the city surrendered to the Spanish forces led by Don Fadrique de Toledo. After seven months of resistance, despite enduring famine and significant losses, the Dutch city fell to the Spanish.
This event was notable for the fierce resistance offered by the city’s defenders and the subsequent harsh Spanish reprisals. The siege demonstrated the brutal nature of the conflict and the determination of the Dutch to resist Spanish rule.
1787 – The Continental Congress enacts the Northwest Ordinance, establishing governing rules for the Northwest Territory
The Northwest Ordinance, enacted by the Continental Congress on July 13, 1787, was a foundational document that shaped the expansion of the United States.
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It established a structured process for territories in the Northwest to become states, emphasizing the importance of orderly development and the prohibition of slavery in the new territories.
The ordinance set the stage for the future expansion of the U.S. and was significant for its progressive provisions, including the promotion of education and the protection of civil liberties in the new territories.
1793 – Jean-Paul Marat, a leader in the French Revolution, is assassinated in his bath by Charlotte Corday
Jean-Paul Marat, a radical journalist and politician during the French Revolution, was assassinated in his bathtub on July 13, 1793, by Charlotte Corday, a figure from the opposing political faction.
Marat was known for his fiery writings in his newspaper, ‘L’Ami du Peuple,’ which called for revolutionary violence and drastic measures against the revolution’s enemies.
Corday, who believed that killing Marat would halt the mounting violence of the Revolution, was executed four days later. Marat’s assassination highlighted the deep divisions and the extreme tumult of the French Revolution.
1830 – The Scottish Church College, one of the oldest colleges in India, is founded by Alexander Duff and Raja Ram Mohan Roy in Calcutta, India
On July 13, 1830, the Scottish Church College was founded in Calcutta, India, by Alexander Duff, a Scottish missionary, in collaboration with Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a prominent Indian social reformer. The college was established as a bridge between Western scientific education and the cultural and philosophical heritage of India.
It was one of the earliest liberal arts and sciences colleges in India, contributing significantly to the education and cultural renaissance in Bengal and beyond. The institution has been influential in shaping modern Indian thought and has produced many distinguished alumni who have played pivotal roles in India’s social, political, and cultural spheres.
1863 – New York City draft riots: Violent riots against the Civil War Military Draft Act break out and last until July 16
The New York City draft riots, one of the largest civil and racial disturbances in American history, began on July 13, 1863. The riots were sparked by the enforcement of the Union Army draft for the Civil War, which the working-class white community, including many Irish immigrants, perceived as unjust and discriminatory.
The riots escalated into violent attacks against African Americans and the destruction of property, reflecting deep social divisions and opposition to the draft law, which allowed wealthier men to pay for substitutes to avoid conscription. The disturbances highlighted significant socio-economic and racial tensions in New York City during the Civil War.
1878 – The Treaty of Berlin amends the territorial boundaries of Bulgaria, which was established by the earlier Treaty of San Stefano, thereby concluding the Russo-Turkish War
The Treaty of Berlin, signed on July 13, 1878, revised the provisions of the earlier Treaty of San Stefano, which had been concluded after the Russo-Turkish War. The treaty was necessary because the original terms upset the balance of power in Europe, favoring Russia too heavily.
The Congress of Berlin, led by Otto von Bismarck of Germany, redrew the map of the Balkans. Bulgaria was divided into several parts, limiting Russian influence in the Balkans and establishing greater autonomy within the Ottoman Empire for other national groups. This redrawing of borders sowed the seeds for future conflicts in the Balkan region.
1908 – Women are allowed to compete in the modern Olympic Games for the first time during the 1908 Summer Olympics in London
For the first time in modern Olympic history, women were allowed to participate in the 1908 Summer Olympics held in London. This marked a significant step forward in the inclusion of women in international sports.
The events available to female athletes were limited to figure skating and tennis, reflecting contemporary attitudes towards gender roles in sports. Despite these limitations, the inclusion of women set a precedent that would slowly expand over the subsequent decades, eventually leading to equal participation in nearly all Olympic events.
1923 – The Hollywood Sign is officially dedicated in the hills above Hollywood, Los Angeles. It originally reads “Hollywoodland” but the last four letters are dropped after renovation in 1949
Initially erected as an advertisement for a local real estate development named “Hollywoodland,” the Hollywood Sign was officially dedicated in the hills above Hollywood, Los Angeles, on July 13, 1923.
The iconic sign was intended to last only about a year and a half, but it became an enduring symbol of the entertainment industry and was preserved and restored several times.
The last four letters were removed in 1949 to reflect the broader community of Hollywood rather than the housing development. The sign has since become a major landmark and is recognized worldwide as a symbol of the American film industry.
1930 – The first FIFA World Cup begins in Uruguay
The inaugural FIFA World Cup commenced on July 13, 1930, marking a historic moment in international sports. Hosted by Uruguay in celebration of its centennial of independence, the tournament featured teams from around the world, although European participation was limited due to the long and expensive journey across the Atlantic.
The event was held in the capital city, Montevideo, with Uruguay eventually winning the tournament. This first World Cup not only highlighted the global appeal of soccer but also set the stage for what would become the world’s most watched and celebrated sporting event.
1943 – World War II: The largest tank battle in history, the Battle of Kursk, comes to an end with the Soviet Union claiming victory over Germany
The Battle of Kursk, which concluded on July 13, 1943, remains one of the largest tank battles in military history. It was a crucial Soviet victory against Nazi Germany during World War II. The battle marked the defensive strategy of the Soviets that successfully halted the German offensive.
The failure of the German forces to break through the Soviet lines at Kursk represented a turning point in the Eastern Front, as it ended German hopes of regaining the initiative and significantly weakened their ability to launch further successful attacks against the Soviet Union.
1960 – The Democratic National Convention, at which John F. Kennedy is nominated for president, opens in Los Angeles
The Democratic National Convention of 1960, which opened on July 13 in Los Angeles, was a pivotal event in American politics. It culminated in the nomination of John F. Kennedy as the Democratic candidate for president.
Kennedy’s nomination was significant not only because of his youth and charisma but also because of the innovative use of television to appeal to a broad audience of American voters.
His acceptance speech, in which he introduced the concept of the “New Frontier,” articulated a vision of progress and challenge, setting the tone for his influential and inspirational presidential campaign.
1973 – Alexander Butterfield reveals the existence of the Nixon White House tapes to the public during the Watergate hearings
On July 13, 1973, during the Senate Watergate hearings, Alexander Butterfield, a former White House aide, revealed the existence of a secret tape-recording system in the Oval Office. This disclosure was explosive as it provided a means to prove whether President Richard Nixon had been involved in the Watergate scandal.
The tapes were believed to contain crucial conversations that could confirm the allegations of political spying and sabotage conducted on behalf of Nixon’s reelection. This revelation eventually led to Nixon’s resignation in 1974, marking the first and only resignation of a U.S. President.
1977 – New York City experiences a 25-hour blackout that leads to widespread looting and disorder
On July 13, 1977, New York City was plunged into darkness due to a massive power outage that lasted 25 hours. The blackout was caused by lightning strikes that affected critical electrical substations. The city, already facing economic difficulties and high crime rates, descended into chaos as widespread looting, arson, and vandalism occurred.
The event exacerbated the city’s financial crisis and left a lasting impression on public policy regarding emergency preparedness and energy management. The 1977 blackout remains one of the most notorious events in the history of urban blackouts.
1985 – The Live Aid benefit concert takes place, simultaneously held in London and Philadelphia, to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia
Live Aid was a dual-venue benefit concert held on July 13, 1985, organized by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure to raise funds for relief of the ongoing Ethiopian famine.
Featuring performances at Wembley Stadium in London and John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the event was one of the largest-scale satellite link-ups and television broadcasts of all time, reaching an estimated global audience of 1.9 billion people across 150 countries.
The concert included performances by some of the biggest names in music, including Queen, U2, Led Zeppelin, and Madonna. Live Aid raised significant funds and awareness for famine relief and set a precedent for future charity events in the music industry.
1995 – A heatwave in Chicago, Illinois, peaks, culminating in a period where temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to over 700 heat-related deaths in the city
The 1995 Chicago heat wave was a severe heat event that led to more than 700 heat-related deaths in the city from July 12 to July 16, with temperatures peaking at 106°F (41°C). The high humidity and urban heat island effect exacerbated conditions.
This disaster highlighted the vulnerability of urban populations to extreme weather events, particularly the elderly and economically disadvantaged who lacked air conditioning and were often socially isolated.
The event prompted increased awareness and improvements in emergency responses to heatwaves, influencing how cities prepare for and respond to extreme heat.
2003 – The French Ministry of Culture recognizes French fries as originating in France, although Belgium also claims the invention
On July 13, 2003, the French Ministry of Culture made a light-hearted claim that French fries, a globally popular fried potato dish, originated in France. This claim sparked a playful debate with Belgium, which also asserts the invention of French fries.
While the exact origins of French fries are unclear, the dispute underscores how cultural symbols, such as popular foods, can become points of national pride and identity. The claim was part of broader discussions about cultural heritage and the global influence of culinary traditions.
2011 – Mumbai, India is rocked by three coordinated bombings during the evening rush hour, killing 26 people and injuring 130
On July 13, 2011, Mumbai, India, was struck by three coordinated bomb explosions during the evening rush hour. The blasts occurred at Zaveri Bazaar, Opera House, and Dadar West, areas bustling with daily activity, resulting in 26 deaths and over 130 injuries.
This terrorist attack, carried out in the heart of India’s financial capital, highlighted the ongoing challenges of urban terrorism and the impact of such events on communal harmony and national security. It led to increased security measures and greater emphasis on intelligence and counter-terrorism efforts in India.
2016 – Theresa May becomes the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, succeeding David Cameron
Theresa May became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on July 13, 2016, succeeding David Cameron. Her ascent to leadership was precipitated by Cameron’s resignation following the Brexit referendum, where the UK voted to leave the European Union.
As Prime Minister, May’s tenure was largely dominated by the complexities of negotiating Brexit, an issue that defined her premiership and had profound implications for the UK’s political landscape. Her leadership was marked by significant challenges, including managing a divided party and multiple negotiations with the EU.