The date of March 13th has been a significant day in history for various reasons, from wars to significant political events and scientific discoveries. Even though there is no single event that stands out as a globally recognized and celebrated event or memorable day, most events that happened on this day are significant in their own rights. This article is a collection of some of the most notable events that took place on this day throughout history.
Related media: 10 Events Of March 13th. On This Day
#1. 624 C.E: Muhammad Wins The Battle Of Badr
On March 13, 624, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) led his followers (Muslims) to victory in the Battle of Badr, Saudi Arabia. This was a major event in the spread of the Islamic religion on the Arabian Peninsula. The Muslim victory over a stronger force of secular merchants from Mecca established Muhammad as one of the most powerful leaders on the Arabian Peninsula.
#2. 1519: Cortés Lands In Mexico
On March 13, 1519, Hernán Cortés, a Spanish conquistador, landed in the New World of America, (present-day Mexico), marking the beginning of Spanish colonization in the region. Cortés’ arrival eventually led to the downfall of the Aztec Empire, as he took advantage of the internal divisions and conflicts between the Aztecs and their neighboring tribes, gaining control over their capital city, Tenochtitlan.
#3. 1781: The Articles Of Confederation Ratified
On March 13, 1781, the Articles of Confederation were ratified by the United States Congress. This marked the first attempt by the newly formed United States to establish a framework for a federal government after declaring independence from Great Britain. However, the Articles proved to be insufficient, and they were replaced by the US Constitution in 1789.
#4. 1852: ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ Published
On March 13, 1852, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ was published in the United States. The book became an instant bestseller and had a significant impact on the abolitionist movement, galvanizing public opinion against slavery and helping to bring about the American Civil War.
#5. 1881: Alexander II Assassinated
On March 13, 1881, Alexander II, the Emperor of Russia, was assassinated in St. Petersburg by a group of revolutionaries. Alexander II initiated a series of reforms aimed at modernizing Russia and improving the conditions of the working class, but his reforms were not enough to satisfy the revolutionary groups, who saw him as a symbol of the autocratic regime they sought to overthrow.
#6. 1930: Discovery Of Pluto Announced
On March 13, 1930, the news of the discovery of a new planet, Pluto, was announced by Lowell Observatory,
#7. 1933: Banks Reopen After The US Banking Crisis
On March 13, 1933, American president Franklin D. Roosevelt declared a national banking holiday in the United States, which temporarily closed all banks in the country to stop a wave of bank runs and prevent further economic collapse during the Great Depression.
On March 13, banks began to reopen, and president Roosevelt delivered his first fireside chat, reassuring Americans that their money was safe and explaining the government’s plan to stabilize the banking system.
#8 1943: The Battle Of The Atlantic
On March 13, 1943, during World War II, the Battle of the Atlantic reached its climax as German U-boats attacked a convoy of Allied ships en route to Britain. The battle was a pivotal moment in the war, as it marked a turning point in the Allies’ efforts to protect their supply lines across the Atlantic.
#9. 1964: Kitty Genovese Murder
On March 13, 1964, a young woman named Catherine Susan Genovese was brutally murdered outside her apartment building in New York City while her neighbors watched from their windows but did not intervene. The incident sparked a national debate about the responsibility of individuals to act in the face of violence and the phenomenon of the “bystander effect.”
#10. 1996: Dunblane Massacre
On March 13, 1996, a gunman entered Dunblane Primary School in Scotland and opened fire, killing 16 children and one teacher before taking his own life. The incident led to a significant overhaul of gun laws in the United Kingdom, with the government banning the ownership of handguns in the country.
What’s even more? In conclusion, March 13th has been a day of historical significance, with events that have shaped the course of history in various ways.
Let us know if you know any significant events that happened on March 13th.
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Written by: Dorothy Efua Dadzie, Tue, Mar 07, 2023.