This day in history: 13 may

Europa

Medieval and Early Modern Europe

• 1344: A Latin Christian fleet defeated a larger Turkish fleet at the Battle of Pallene during the Smyrniote Crusades, marking a significant naval victory for European powers against the Turks.
• 1373: Julian of Norwich, an English mystic, experienced a series of religious visions that she later described in her influential book Revelations of Divine Love.
• 1568: Mary, Queen of Scots, was defeated at the Battle of Langside, a pivotal moment in the civil war between her supporters and those of her son, James VI of Scotland.

Modern Europe

• 1958: The May 1958 crisis began in France when a group of French military officers led a coup in Algiers, demanding the formation of a government of national unity with Charles de Gaulle. This event was crucial in the collapse of the Fourth French Republic and the establishment of the Fifth Republic under de Gaulle.

Contemporary Europe

• 1981: Pope John Paul II survived an assassination attempt in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. He was shot and wounded by Mehmet Ali Agca, a Turkish gunman, but later recovered and famously forgave his attacker.

America

U.S. Declaration of War on Mexico (1846)

• On May 13, 1846, the U.S. Congress approved the declaration of war against Mexico, marking the start of the Mexican-American War. This conflict ultimately led to significant territorial gains for the United States, including present-day California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

The USS Planter Escapes (1862)

• During the Civil War, enslaved pilot Robert Smalls commandeered the Confederate ship USS Planter and delivered it to Union forces, earning his freedom and later becoming a notable political leader.

Surrender of Axis Forces in North Africa (1943)

• Over 250,000 German and Italian troops surrendered in North Africa, marking the end of the Tunis campaign in World War II and reopening Allied shipping lanes in the Mediterranean.

Start of U.S.–North Vietnam Peace Talks (1968)

• Peace talks between the United States and North Vietnam began in Paris, aiming to end the Vietnam War.

Asia

13 May Incident in Malaysia (1969)

• On May 13, 1969, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, experienced severe Sino-Malay sectarian violence following the general election. The unrest began after opposition parties made significant gains, leading to provocative celebrations and parades that escalated tensions between Malay and Chinese communities. The violence resulted in widespread rioting, looting, arson, and hundreds of deaths-official reports cited 196 fatalities, but other estimates suggest the toll could have been much higher, with most victims being ethnic Chinese. The government declared a state of emergency, suspended parliament, and established the National Operations Council to restore order. This event had a profound impact on Malaysian politics and led to major policy and leadership changes.

Tiananmen Square Hunger Strike Begins (China, 1989)

• On May 13, 1989, Chinese students began a hunger strike in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, as part of a larger pro-democracy movement. The peaceful protest sought political reform and greater freedoms, eventually leading to the military crackdown in early June that resulted in thousands of civilian deaths.

Other Historical Notes

• In 1612, the famous sword duel between Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro took place on Ganryū Island, Japan, marking a legendary moment in Japanese martial history.

Africa

Founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU)

• May 13 marks the anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963. The OAU, now known as the African Union (AU), was established to promote unity, solidarity, and cooperation among African states and to support the continent’s independence movements and development efforts.

End of the North Africa Campaign in World War II (1943)

• On May 13, 1943, the North Africa campaign concluded with the surrender of over 250,000 German and Italian troops in Tunisia. This Allied victory was a turning point in World War II, reopening Mediterranean shipping lanes and marking the end of Axis control in North Africa.