Europa
- Philip III Crowned King of Spain and Portugal (1598)
On September 13, 1598, Philip III was crowned King of Spain and Portugal (as Philip II of Portugal). His reign marked a period of decline for Spain due to his indifference as a ruler and extravagant spending, which worsened the country’s economic problems. - Dedication of the Temple of Jupiter in Rome (509 BC)
The Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus on Rome’s Capitoline Hill was dedicated on this day, marking a significant religious and architectural milestone in ancient Rome. - First Fixed-Wing Aircraft Flight in Europe (1906)
On September 13, 1906, the Santos-Dumont 14-bis made a short hop in France, recognized as the first flight of a fixed-wing aircraft in Europe. - Treaty of Worms Signed (1743)
Great Britain, Austria, and the Kingdom of Sardinia signed the Treaty of Worms, forming a military alliance during the War of the Austrian Succession. - Battle of the Plains of Abraham (1759)
The Battle of the Plains of Abraham took place near Quebec City as part of the Seven Years’ War. British forces defeated the French, a pivotal moment that shifted control of Canada from France to Britain, involving major European powers. - King Louis XVI Accepts the French Constitution (1791)
King Louis XVI of France accepted a new constitution, a key event in the French Revolution that limited royal authority and paved the way for the constitutional monarchy. - Greek Army Revolt Against King Otto (1843)
The Greek Army rebelled against the autocratic rule of King Otto, demanding the granting of a constitution, which marked a significant step towards constitutional governance in Greece.
America
- Battle of Baltimore and “The Star-Spangled Banner” (1814)
On September 13, 1814, during the War of 1812, British forces launched a naval bombardment against Fort McHenry in Baltimore’s harbor. Francis Scott Key, detained on a British ship, witnessed the attack and was inspired to write the poem “Defence of Fort McHenry,” which later became the lyrics of the United States national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The British failed to capture Baltimore, marking a turning point in the war. - Battle of Chapultepec, Mexican–American War (1847)
U.S. forces stormed the hill of Chapultepec in Mexico City. Six teenage military cadets, known as Los Niños Héroes, died defending the military academy, becoming national heroes in Mexico. - Phineas Gage Accident (1848)
Railroad foreman Phineas Gage survived a traumatic brain injury when an iron rod was driven through his skull, providing early insights into brain function and personality change. - First U.S. Presidential Election Set (1788)
The Congress of the Confederation set the date for the first U.S. presidential election, and New York City was named the temporary national capital. - First Recorded Automobile Fatality in the U.S. (1899)
Henry H. Bliss became the first recorded automobile fatality in the United States when he was struck by a taxi in New York City. - Attica Prison Riot Ends (1971)
The Attica Prison riot in New York ended when the National Guard stormed the facility. The operation resulted in 43 deaths and prompted national discussions on prison reform. - Oslo Accords Signed (1993)
The Oslo Accords, a major peace agreement between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, were signed in Washington, D.C., with U.S. mediation. The accords established the Palestinian Authority and set a framework for future negotiations. - IBM Unveils First Commercial Computer with Disk Storage (1956)
IBM introduced the 305 RAMAC, the first commercial computer to use magnetic disk storage, marking a milestone in computing history. - 1759: The Battle of Quebec (Plains of Abraham) saw British forces defeat the French, leading to British control of Canada.
- 1789: The U.S. government took out its first loan.
- 1906: U.S. Marines landed in Santiago, Cuba, to restore order after an armed revolt.
- 1970: The first New York City Marathon was held.
- 1993: “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” premiered on NBC.
Asia
- 1500 – Arrival of Pedro Alvarez Cabral in India
Portuguese explorer Pedro Alvarez Cabral visited Calicut, India, and opened the first European trading post in the country, marking a significant moment in the history of European-Asian interactions. - 1948 – Operation Polo Begins: Indian Army Moves into Hyderabad
On September 13, 1948, India’s Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ordered the Indian Army to move into Hyderabad, initiating “Operation Polo” to integrate the princely state into the Indian Union. - 1979 – China Conducts a Nuclear Test
China conducted a nuclear test on this day, reflecting the country’s ongoing efforts to develop its nuclear capabilities during the Cold War era. - 2008 – Delhi Bomb Blasts
A series of bomb blasts struck Delhi, India, resulting in 30 deaths and 130 injuries. The attacks were part of a wave of terrorist incidents in major Indian cities during that period. - 2013 – Taliban Attack on U.S. Consulate in Herat, Afghanistan
Taliban insurgents attacked the U.S. consulate in Herat, Afghanistan. Two Afghan National Police officers were killed and about 20 civilians were injured in the assault.
Africa
- Battle of Ad Decimum (533)
On September 13, 533, Byzantine general Belisarius defeated Gelimer and the Vandals at the Battle of Ad Decimum near Carthage, North Africa. This decisive victory marked the beginning of the end for the Vandal Kingdom and the restoration of North Africa to the Byzantine Empire. - Battle of Tangier (1437)
On this day, a Portuguese expeditionary force initiated a failed attempt to seize the Moroccan citadel of Tangier. The defeat had significant consequences for Portuguese ambitions in North Africa. - Cape Town Peace March (1989)
On September 13, 1989, the Cape Town Peace March took place in South Africa. This was a pivotal anti-apartheid demonstration, with tens of thousands marching for peace and an end to racial segregation. It is remembered as a turning point that increased pressure on the apartheid regime. - South Africa’s First General Election (1910)
The first general election in the Union of South Africa occurred on this date, resulting in General Louis Botha becoming the first prime minister. This election laid the foundations for the country’s political landscape in the 20th century. - Improvements in Incandescent Electric Lamps by Lewis Latimer (1881)
African-American inventor Lewis Latimer received a patent for improvements in incandescent electric lamps on September 13, 1881. While Latimer was based in the United States, his contributions are celebrated as part of the African diaspora’s impact on global technology and innovation. - Violence and Security Incidents in Nigeria (2014)
On September 13, 2014, Boko Haram abducted fifty people in Madagali, Adamawa, and Fulani herdsmen killed twenty Jukun Christians in Wukari, Taraba. These incidents highlight ongoing security challenges in parts of Africa. - Venda Declared Independent by South Africa (1979)
On this day, the South African government granted nominal independence to the “homeland” of Venda. However, this independence was not recognized internationally and was part of the apartheid system’s policy of creating bantustans. - Recent Security Issues in Niger (2021)
On September 13, 2021, reports documented attacks in Niger, particularly in the Tillabéri Region, where children were increasingly victims of abduction and violence amid ongoing insurgency in the Maghreb and Sahel regions.
This day in history: 13 september