Ester Copeland

Written by Ester Copeland

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

november-13rd-all-facts-events-that-happened-today-in-history
Source: Facts.net

Every day, history is being made. From monumental events that shape the world to smaller, but still significant occurrences, each day adds another chapter to the story of our collective past. November 13th is no exception. On this day, throughout history, numerous facts and events have unfolded, leaving a lasting impact on various aspects of society.

From groundbreaking discoveries and scientific advancements to political developments and cultural milestones, November 13th has witnessed a wide range of significant moments. It is a day that reminds us of the rich tapestry of our history and the interconnectedness of our shared experiences.

In this article, we will delve into the notable facts and events that have taken place on November 13th throughout history. Join us as we explore the past and uncover the intriguing stories that lie behind this date.

Key Takeaways:

  • November 13th marks the birth of influential figures like Saint Augustine and Robert Louis Stevenson, as well as the establishment of the United States Marine Corps and the first successful test of a hydrogen bomb.
  • On November 13th, significant events include the landing of the Philae probe on comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko, the opening of the Holland Tunnel, and the release of the film “The Color Purple.”
Table of Contents

HISTORICAL EVENTS

  • 1775: American Revolutionary War: The United States Marine Corps is established.
  • 1851: The Taiping Rebellion, one of the deadliest conflicts in history, begins in China.
  • 1942: The Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II: U.S. forces defeat the Japanese in the final land offensive of the Guadalcanal Campaign.
  • 1971: The American spacecraft Mariner 9 becomes the first spacecraft to orbit another planet, Mars.
  • 2004: The Palestine Liberation Organization’s leader, Yasser Arafat, dies in Paris at the age of 75.

SCIENTIFIC BREAKTHROUGHS

  • 1952: The first thermonuclear bomb, code-named “Ivy Mike,” is detonated on the Marshall Islands, marking the first successful test of a hydrogen bomb.
  • 1974: Discovery of the “Lucy” fossil by paleoanthropologist Donald Johanson in Ethiopia, providing crucial insights into human evolution.
  • 1997: NASA’s Mars Pathfinder lands on the surface of Mars, deploying the first successful Mars rover, Sojourner.
  • 2014: The European Space Agency’s Rosetta mission successfully lands the Philae probe on the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko.
  • 2019: Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology reveal the creation of the first-ever image of a black hole, captured by the Event Horizon Telescope.

POLITICAL MILESTONES

  • 1927: The Holland Tunnel, connecting New York City to New Jersey, opens to traffic as the first underwater tunnel for vehicular traffic.
  • 1969: Vietnam War: Anti-war protests reach their peak as 500,000 demonstrators march on Washington, D.C., demanding an end to the war.
  • 1982: The Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., is opened to the public, honoring those who served and died during the Vietnam War.
  • 2001: Afghanistan War: The Taliban forces abandon Kabul as opposition forces, supported by the United States, advance into the city.
  • 2015: Terrorist attacks in Paris: Coordinated attacks by ISIS militants across the city kill 130 people and injure hundreds more.

CULTURAL EVENTS

  • 1855: Scottish explorer David Livingstone becomes the first European to see the Victoria Falls in modern-day Zambia and Zimbabwe.
  • 1927: The iconic American jazz and blues singer, Louis Armstrong, records his first solo recording, “Chimes Blues.
  • 1985: The film “The Color Purple,” directed by Steven Spielberg and based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, is released in theaters.
  • 1997: The first episode of the popular British television series “Teletubbies” is aired, captivating young audiences worldwide.
  • 2016: The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City unveils its newly renovated and expanded galleries, showcasing a vast collection of modern and contemporary art.

BIRTHS

  • 354: Saint Augustine, Roman theologian and philosopher, known for his influential works such as “Confessions” and “City of God” (d. 430).
  • 1850: Robert Louis Stevenson, Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, renowned for his works “Treasure Island” and “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (d. 1894).
  • 1947: Joe Mantegna, American actor known for his roles in “The Godfather Part III” and the television series “Criminal Minds.”
  • 1955: Whoopi Goldberg, American actress, comedian, and television host, notable for her roles in films such as “Ghost” and “Sister Act.”
  • 1985: Jimmy Kimmel, American television host and comedian, famous for hosting “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on ABC.

NOTABLE DEATHS

  • 1002: Ælfheah of Canterbury, Archbishop of Canterbury, martyred by Danish Viking raiders.
  • 1718: Blackbeard (Edward Teach), English pirate, is killed during a battle with the British Royal Navy.
  • 1956: Tommy Dorsey, American jazz trombonist, composer, and bandleader, known for popular songs like “I’m Gettin’ Sentimental Over You” (b. 1905).
  • 1974: Vittorio De Sica, Italian film director and actor, renowned for his neorealist masterpieces such as “Bicycle Thieves” (b. 1901).
  • 2013: Peter O’Toole, Irish actor, known for his iconic role in the film “Lawrence of Arabia” (b. 1932).

Conclusion

The events that occurred on November 13th throughout history encompass a wide range of profound and significant moments. From the establishment of the United States Marine Corps in 1775 to the creation of the first-ever image of a black hole in 2019, November 13th has witnessed groundbreaking scientific discoveries, political milestones, and cultural events that continue to impact our lives today. The sacrifices made during wars, the triumphs of human exploration, and the achievements of notable individuals have all left their mark on this day in history. As we reflect on these events, we gain a deeper understanding of the progress we have made as a society and the challenges we have overcome. November 13th serves as a reminder of the power of human ingenuity, perseverance, and the lasting significance of historical events.

FAQs

Q: What is the significance of November 13th in history?
A: November 13th is significant in history as it marks various major events, scientific breakthroughs, political milestones, and notable births and deaths that have shaped the world we live in.

Q: Are there any famous individuals born on November 13th?
A: Yes, notable figures like Saint Augustine, Robert Louis Stevenson, Whoopi Goldberg, and Jimmy Kimmel were born on November 13th.

Q: What are some of the cultural events associated with November 13th?
A: Cultural events on November 13th include Scottish explorer David Livingstone’s discovery of Victoria Falls, the release of the film “The Color Purple,” and the airing of the first episode of the television series “Teletubbies.”

Q: Have any significant scientific breakthroughs occurred on November 13th?
A: Yes, significant scientific breakthroughs on November 13th include the first successful test of a hydrogen bomb, the discovery of the “Lucy” fossil, and the landing of the Philae probe on comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko.

Q: Are there any notable political events associated with November 13th?
A: Yes, political events on November 13th include the opening of the Holland Tunnel, anti-war protests during the Vietnam War, and the abandonment of Kabul by Taliban forces during the Afghanistan War.

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