1. 1542 – Catherine Howard Executed
On February 13, 1542, Catherine Howard, the fifth wife of King Henry VIII of England, was executed for treason. She was accused of adultery, which was considered a grave offense for a queen. Catherine was very young, likely in her late teens, when she married Henry VIII. Her downfall came swiftly after the king discovered her past and alleged indiscretions. This event highlighted the dangerous nature of court politics during the Tudor era and the precarious position of royal consorts.
2. 1689 – William III and Mary II Crowned
On this day in 1689, William III and Mary II were crowned as joint monarchs of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Their ascension to the throne followed the Glorious Revolution, which saw the overthrow of James II. This event marked a significant shift towards constitutional monarchy in Britain, limiting the powers of the king and queen. William and Mary’s reign established important precedents for parliamentary sovereignty. Their coronation symbolized a new era of political and religious stability.
3. 1865 – Richmond, Virginia Falls
February 13, 1865, saw the fall of Richmond, Virginia, to Union forces during the American Civil War. Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy, and its capture was a critical blow to the Southern cause. The city was evacuated and largely destroyed by fire during the retreat. This event presaged the imminent end of the Civil War, which concluded just two months later. The fall of Richmond symbolized the collapse of Confederate resistance and the restoration of the Union.
4. 1898 – The USS Maine Explodes
On February 13, 1898, the USS Maine arrived in Havana Harbor, Cuba, amid rising tensions between the United States and Spain. Just a few weeks later, on February 15, the battleship exploded under mysterious circumstances. The explosion killed 266 American sailors and became a catalyst for the Spanish-American War. Although the cause of the explosion remains debated, it galvanized U.S. public opinion against Spain. The incident marked a turning point in American foreign policy toward interventionism.
5. 1945 – Bombing of Dresden Begins
The Allied bombing of Dresden, Germany, commenced on February 13, 1945, during World War II. Over several days, extensive aerial bombardment devastated the city, killing an estimated 25,000 people. Dresden was known for its cultural significance and had limited military importance, making the attack controversial. The bombing created a massive firestorm that destroyed much of the historic city center. This event remains a subject of debate regarding the ethics of wartime bombing campaigns.
6. 1960 – France Tests First Atomic Bomb in Sahara
On February 13, 1960, France successfully detonated its first atomic bomb in the Algerian Sahara desert. This test marked France’s entry into the group of nuclear-armed countries during the Cold War. The development of nuclear weapons was crucial for France’s national security and global influence. However, the test also raised environmental and health concerns due to radioactive fallout. France continued its nuclear weapons program, which shaped its defense policy for decades.
7. 1974 – The Winter Olympics Begin in Sarajevo
The 1974 Winter Olympics officially began on February 13 in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia (now Bosnia and Herzegovina). This was the first Winter Games held in a socialist country. The event showcased athletes from around the world competing in sports like skiing, skating, and ice hockey. It was a moment of international unity during the Cold War tensions. Sarajevo’s successful hosting boosted the city’s profile on the global stage.
8. 1991 – The Capture of Kuwait City
On February 13, 1991, during the Gulf War, coalition forces recaptured Kuwait City from Iraqi occupation. This was a major victory in Operation Desert Storm, aimed at liberating Kuwait after Iraq’s invasion in 1990. The liberation was celebrated worldwide and marked the end of a brutal conflict in the region. It restored Kuwait’s sovereignty and demonstrated international cooperation against aggression. The event significantly influenced Middle Eastern geopolitics in the 1990s.
9. 2000 – The Last Peanuts Comic Strip Published
The final original Peanuts comic strip by Charles M. Schulz was published on February 13, 2000, one day after his death. Schulz’s creation had become an iconic part of American culture since its debut in 1950. The strip featured beloved characters like Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and Lucy. Schulz’s work influenced generations with its humor and insight into human nature. The conclusion of Peanuts marked the end of an era in comic strip history.
10. 2012 – The Costa Concordia Disaster
On February 13, 2012, the Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia capsized after striking a rock off the coast of Isola del Giglio. The disaster resulted in 32 deaths and a massive rescue operation. The incident raised questions about maritime safety and emergency preparedness. It also led to legal proceedings against the ship’s captain and crew. The Costa Concordia sinking remains one of the most infamous maritime accidents in recent history.