Home
april
what happened on 13th april

13th April In History

BY CATEGORY

If we are told to think about the importance of 13th day of April, most of us would pass it off as just any other day of our lives. However, our history books and reliable online sources would beg to differ in this regard. If we take a moment from our busy lives and turn the pages of these journals which are related to 13th March, we are bound to be left dumbstruck. Many historic events took place on this day, a couple of them being the crowning of the Roman Emperor Henry V took place and the assassination of the samurai Sasaki Kojirō. When you read through this article, you will realize that there are a lot of significant happenings that took place on 13th April that we have no idea about. The events that occurred during the Second World War and other prominent battles too reveal facts that will leave you intrigued. Music and trivia are also areas where historic events have occurred on 13th April. Read on about this date and pick the events you would like to visit.

HISTORICAL EVENTS ON 13th April

1111

Politics

Henry V Is Crowned Holy Roman Emperor

Henry V was the last German Monarch to hold the reins of the Salian dynasty. It was on the 13th of April in 1111, that Henry V was crowned as the Holy Roman Emperor by the Pope.

1598

Politics

Henry IV Of France Issues The ‘Edict Of Nantes’

The Huguenots were granted the freedom to follow the religion of their choice On April 13, 1598. This famous decision, which promoted tolerance and social harmony, was promulgated by King Henry IV of France.

1612

Politics

Sasaki Kojirō Assassinated By Miyamoto Musashi

Sasaki Kojirō was one of the most popular swordsmen in Japan who was known for his exceptional skill and expertise. On 13th April 1612, Miyamoto Musashi, another swordsman got into a battle with Sasaki which resulted in the latter’s death. Both these fighters are best remembered till date for this deadly duel.

1613

Politics

Samuel Argall Kidnaps Native American Princess Pocahontas

Sir Samuel Argall was British Naval Captain, well known for his handling of the Powhatan Confederacy. He abducted the Algonquian Princess Pocahontas on this day in 1613 and used her as a bargaining chip, to ensure the return of British Property and the Englishmen held captive by the tribes.

1829

Politics

‘Roman Catholic Relief Act’ Passed

The Catholics achieved their final goal of liberation on this day in 1829, when the ‘Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829’ was formally proclaimed. This law facilitated the reservation of seats for the church officials in the British parliament.

1873

Politics

The Colfax Massacre Took Place

The 13th of April, 1873, an Easter Sunday, was a horrific one for the residents of Colfax, Louisiana due to the ghastly massacre that occurred here. This political power battle between the Republicans and the Democrats resulted in the death of about 153 people.

1909

Politics

The Ottoman Countercoup Took Place

A massive attempt to rip apart the ‘Second Constitutional Era’ of the Ottoman Empire took place on the 13th of April, 1909. The aim of this upheaval was to replace the existing system of government with autocracy under the rein of the 34th ruler of the Ottoman Empire, Abdul Hamid II.

1918

Politics

Germans Capture Finland

It was on this day in 1918, that the German Army seized Helsinki, a place in Finland, from the clutches of the Red army, which supported Russia. This was done to show the German government’s solidarity with the Finnish parliamentary government.

1919

Politics

Provisional Government Of The Republic Of Korea Formed

It was on this day in 1919 that a provisional government of the Republic of Korea was formed. However, this government was in exile and received limited acceptance, since Korea was being ruled by the Japanese at the time.

1919

Politics

Eugene V. Debs Imprisoned

Eugene V. Debs was not just the President of the ‘American Railway Union’ but also one of the founders of ‘Industrial Workers of the World’, an international labor organization. Regarded as one of the most popular American politicians, Debs was jailed on 13th April 1919 for protesting against the participation of United States in World War I.

1919

Politics

The Jallianwala Bagh Massacre

Remembered as one the most horrific man slaughter incidents in India, the ‘Jallianwala Bagh’ massacre took place on this day in 1919. Colonel Reginald Dyer’s commanded his troops to open fire at all the Indians who had assembled at Jallianwala Bagh, Punjab. This senseless butchery led to the death of about 379 to 1,500.

1941

Politics

Soviet–Japanese Neutrality Pact Signed

The Soviet- Japanese Neutrality Pact was enacted on this day in 1941. This agreement was signed to ensure that Russia and Japan did not attack each other during World War I.

1943

Politics

Mass Graves Of The Katyn Massacre Discovered

In May 1940, the Soviet Secret Police had killed several officers of Polish descent at the Katyn Forest. On this day in 1943, the Germans discovered their graves, causing a diplomatic war between the Polish and Russian governments.

1945

Politics

Hitler Bluffs From Bunker As Russians Advance And Atrocities Continue

On 13th April 1945, Hitler announced from his underground hideout that a strong Artillery force was entrenched for Berlin’s defense, hoping that the Russians would believe his lie and not attack. Even though Germany was staring defeat in the face, the Nazis herded thousands of Jews into a barn and burnt them alive.

1945

Politics

The Gardelegen Massacre Took Place

The ghastly Gardelegen massacre, executed by the Schutzstaffel and the Luftwaffe military troops, took place near Gardelegen, North Germany, on the 13th April of 1945. About 1016 laborers of the Mittelbau-Dora camp lost their lives during this heartless butchery. Most of them were either burned or shot to death.

1948

Politics

The Hadassah Medical Convoy Massacre Took Place

The Hadassah convoy massacre was carried out by the Arab forces, on this day in 1948 and this incident claimed the lives of about 79 people. The bout was executed when a vehicle carrying all medical and military essentials to the Hadassah Medical Center, was attacked, killing the doctors, nurses and patients present in the convoy.

1987

Politics

Transfer Of Sovereignty Over Macau

It was on 13th April 1987, that the Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration was signed. As per this agreement, Macau, which was the bone of contention, was granted autonomy and allowed to continue with its legal system, the Macau Basic Law.

2010

Politics

The Nuclear Security Summit Ends

The 2010 ‘Nuclear Security Summit’ was a meeting which concluded on the 13th of April. This 2-day seminar dealt with various issues such as nuclear terrorism as well as other important topics.

1204

Wars

Attack On Constantinople

During the Fourth Crusade, which started on 12th of April 1204, the Crusaders attacked the city of Constantinople from the sea side. On the 13th of April the same year, the city fell apart after an intense battle.

1777

Wars

Battle Of Bound Brook Started

On 13th April 1777, the British attacked the American garrison at Bound Brook, New Jersey. Although the British could not take over the post completely, but captured many soldiers and forced the commander, Major General Benjamin Lincoln to beat a hasty retreat.

1861

Wars

Fort Sumter Surrenders To Confederate Forces

Fort Sumter, located in the coastal town of Charleston, South Carolina, was attacked by the Confederate’s on 12the April 1861. The fort was not well stocked with ammunition and it was on this day of the same year, that the Union surrendered and the Fort fell to the Confederates.

1865

Wars

Raleigh, North Carolina Captured By Union Forces

During the American Civil war, in the year 1865 the Union Forces seized the most important confederate ports. It was on 13th April of the same year that they took over Raleigh, North Carolina.

1939

Wars

USS ‘Astoria’ Conducts A Pre-War Survey

It was on 13th April 1939, that the US Battleship ‘Astoria’ crept into Japan to photograph the Japanese warships. This survey was an effort to gauge the naval strength of the Japanese before World War II.

1945

Wars

Soviet And Bulgarian Forces Capture Vienna

During the Vienna Offensive by the Russians, the Austrian city was surrounded in order to force their enemies to surrender. It was on this day in 1945, that Vienna was captured, after 11 days of fighting.

1972

Wars

Battle Of An Lộc

The ‘Battle of An Loc’, an important event of the Vietnam War, started on this day in 1972 and lasted around 66 days. This battle took the lives of about a 10,000 soldiers and resulted in a thumping victory for South Vietnam.

1360

Disasters & Natural Calamities

Hail Storm Kills English Troops

On the 13th April of 1360 a whopping 1000 members of the French army lost their lives in Chartres, France. It was the unrelenting hail storm that struck this place which resulted in the casualties.

1918

Disasters & Natural Calamities

Electrical Fire Kills 38 Mental Patients At Oklahoma State Hospital

This day of 1918 was an unfortunate one for the ‘Oklahoma State Hospital’, located in the U.S, where 38 men lost their lives due to a fire breakout. While most of the victims were the mental patients of the hospital, some of the members of staff too were burnt to death.

1931

Disasters & Natural Calamities

The 22nd Street Tunnel Disaster In Chicago

On 13th April 1931, a massive fire outburst occurred on the 22nd street of Chicago. This disaster claimed the lives of about 11 people and more than 54 were left injured.

1992

Disasters & Natural Calamities

The Chicago Flood Occurred

When the wall of the utility tunnel under the Chicago River broke, a heavy flow of water flooded the Chicago Loop on 13th April, 1992. It was estimated that about 250 million US gallons of water was wasted on this day.

2006

Disasters & Natural Calamities

Tornado Outbreak Sequence In Iowa City

On this terrifying day of 2006 when a series of tornadoes struck Iowa City, USA and a lasted for a period of about 4 days. This disaster resulted in the death of 1 person and left 34 wounded.

2009

Disasters & Natural Calamities

Mark Fidrych Killed In A Car Accident

Mark Fidrych, fondly remembered as ‘The Bird’, who was one of the best pitchers associated with the ‘Major League Baseball’, was killed in a car accident on this day in 2009. A friend of his spotted him at about 2:30 pm on the same day under a ten-wheeler truck near Northborough, USA.

2014

Disasters & Natural Calamities

Acayucan Bus Crash

On the unfortunate night of 13th April 2014 a bus travelling from Villahermosa to Mexico City crashed into a damaged tractor-trailer. This ill-fated incident claimed the lives of the 36 passengers onboard.

2014

Disasters & Natural Calamities

Overland Park Jewish Community Center Shooting

A 73-year-old gunman shot 3 people to death at the ‘Overland Park Jewish Community Center’, Kansas on 13th April, 2014. According to a few sources, this man’s name is believed to be Frazier Glenn Miller, Jr. His illogical supremacist opinion was believed to be the reason behind this inhumane activity.

1979

Sports

The World's Longest Doubles Table Tennis Match Ends

The world’s longest Table Tennis match concluded after 101 hours, 1 minute and 11 seconds, on this day in 1979. This tournament that made it to the ‘Guinness Book of World Records’ was played between Lance and Phil in one team and another team comprising of Mark Warren and Bill Weir.

1997

Sports

Tiger Woods Won His First Major Championship

During the ‘1997 Masters Tournament’, Tiger woods won the ‘Masters Tournament’ by 12 strokes and earned a whopping amount of $486,000 on this day. This spectacular performance also made him the youngest and the first non-white player to grab this title.

1742

Literature & Entertainment

Handel’s ‘Messiah’ Premieres In Dublin

‘Messiah’ was a renowned musical composition (also known as an ‘Oratario’) created by Georg Friedrich Handel. It was performed for the first time in Dublin on April 13, 1742.

1958

Literature & Entertainment

Van Cliburn Won The International Tchaikovsky Competition

This renowned U.S pianist won the ‘International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition’ on this day in 1958, which instantly made him an international icon His impeccable performance earned him a standing ovation which lasted for a good 8 minutes.

1964

Literature & Entertainment

Sidney Poitier Becomes The First African American To Win Academy Award For Best Actor

The 1963 flick ‘Lilies of the Field’ turned out to be exceptionally lucky for Sidney Poitier, since it helped him become the first African-American to be graced with an Oscar. It was his stellar performance as a laborer in the movie that helped him bag the statuette for the best actor, on this day in 1964.

1967

Literature & Entertainment

‘The Rolling Stones’ Performed Their First Concert In Poland

This popular Rock band was formed in London in 1962, and very soon it swept the world off its feet with its outstanding music. It was on the 13th of April in 1967 that this famous group performed for the first time in Warsaw, Poland.

1980

Literature & Entertainment

The Broadway Musical ‘Grease’ Stopped

‘Grease’, a popular musical, written by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey premiered in Chicago in 1971. After around 3,388 successful shows, this musical was performed for the last time on the 13th of April, 1980. It is remembered as the 15th longest running musical in the history of Broadway.

1985

Literature & Entertainment

The Song ‘We Are The World’ Becomes A Chartbuster In The U.S

‘We Are the World’ is an immensely popular song written by musical legends Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie and was released to raise funds for a social cause. More than 800,000 copies of this song were bought by music lovers worldwide, within a matter of a few days from its release. On this day in 1985, it became the #1 song in U.S and held that rank for a good 2 weeks.

1870

Trivia

The Largest Art Museum In The United States Established

The ‘Metropolitan Museum of Art’ was established in New York City, USA on 13th April, 1870. It is not only the largest art gallery in America but also one of the most popular ones, which is flocked by many visitors every year.

1943

Trivia

‘Jefferson Memorial’ Dedicated To Thomas Jefferson

The ‘Jefferson Memorial’ which is a presidential cenotaph, came into existence on this day in 1943. This landmark was President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s tribute to Thomas Jefferson. The former said, ‘Today in the midst of a great war for freedom, we dedicate a shrine to freedom.’

1953

Trivia

Allen Dulles Launches ‘Project Mkultra’

Under the command of U.S diplomat Allen Dulles, the ‘Project MKULtra’, began on the 13th of April, 1953. It was a project that was basically intended to induce drugs into the prisoners of Soviet Bloc, so that they could be controlled.

1960

Trivia

‘Transit 1B’ Launched By The United States

The ‘Transit 1B’ was the satellite that was launched on 13th April, 1960 with the aid of a Thor-Ablestar rocket. It was also used by the Navy four years later in 1964.

1970

Trivia

An Oxygen Tank Aboard ‘Apollo 13’ Explodes

The ‘Apollo 13’ spacecraft was launched by ‘NASA’ on April 11th 1970, but unfortunately, 2 days later, on 13th April, one of the oxygen cylinders exploded. The crew handled this life-threatening situation and safely returned to Earth on 17th April.

1974

Trivia

‘Westar 1’ Launched By ‘Western Union’ And ‘NASA’

‘Westar 1’ was the first satellite that was launched by the collaboration of the space agency ‘NASA’ and ‘Western Union’ on 13th April, 1974. This satellite worked exceptionally for a good 36 years and phased out in 1983.

1975

Trivia

The Bus Massacre In Beirut

Remembered as the ‘Ain el-Remmaneh incident’, this unfortunate tragedy took place due to the tension between the followers of Christian and Palestinian religions in Beirut, Lebanon. This frightening incident took the lives of about 17 people and injured 30.

1976

Trivia

The United States Treasury Department Reintroduces The Two-Dollar Bill

As a measure to save costs, on this day in 1976, the government circulated the $2 bill amongst the public. A total of 590,720,000 notes were printed in 1976, and all the $2 notes printed on the first day had “APR 13 1976" inscribed on them.

1998

Trivia

The World’s First Cloned Sheep Gives Birth

Dolly, who was the first mammal to be cloned, gave birth to her lamb on 13th April 1998 in a natural process. The birth of her cute little new born, named Bonnie, was an important event for scientists dealing with the cloning process.