1. 1002 – St. Brice’s Day Massacre
On November 13, 1002, King Æthelred the Unready of England ordered the massacre of Danes living in England, an event later known as the St. Brice’s Day Massacre. The order was likely motivated by fears of Danish invasions and uprisings within his kingdom. This massacre significantly worsened relations between the English and the Danes. It also intensified the Viking raids, eventually leading to the Danish conquest of England by King Sweyn Forkbeard. The event is considered a tragic example of ethnic violence in medieval England.
2. 1775 – United States Marine Corps Founded
The United States Marine Corps was founded on November 13, 1775, during the American Revolutionary War. The Continental Congress established the Marines as a naval infantry force to serve aboard ships and conduct amphibious operations. This date marks the official beginning of an elite military branch known for its rigorous training and distinguished combat record. The Marines have since played critical roles in U.S. military history, including major conflicts such as World War II and the Korean War. The founding of the Marine Corps is celebrated annually as the Marine Corps Birthday.
3. 1841 – James Braid Coins the Term “Hypnotism”
On November 13, 1841, Scottish surgeon James Braid introduced the term “hypnotism” to describe the trance-like state previously known as mesmerism. Braid’s work laid the foundation for modern hypnotic techniques and helped establish hypnosis as a legitimate scientific and medical practice. His studies demonstrated that hypnotic phenomena were psychological rather than mystical. Braid’s contributions also influenced the fields of psychology and psychotherapy. Today, hypnotism is used for therapy, pain management, and entertainment.
4. 1907 – Oklahoma Becomes the 46th U.S. State
Oklahoma was admitted to the Union as the 46th state on November 13, 1907. The state was formed from the merging of Oklahoma Territory and Indian Territory. Oklahoma’s admission marked a significant step in the westward expansion and development of the United States. The state quickly became known for its oil production and agricultural output. Oklahoma’s diverse culture, including Native American heritage, has played an important role in its identity.
5. 1940 – Walt Disney’s “Fantasia” Premieres
Walt Disney’s animated film “Fantasia” premiered on November 13, 1940, in New York City. The film was groundbreaking for its combination of classical music and innovative animation techniques. It featured sequences set to works by composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Stravinsky. Although initially a commercial failure, “Fantasia” later became a classic in animation history. Its artistic ambition set new standards for animated storytelling and musical integration.
6. 1956 – Morocco Gains Independence from France
Morocco officially gained independence from France on November 13, 1956. This event ended over four decades of French colonial rule in the country. Morocco’s independence was part of the larger wave of decolonization after World War II. King Mohammed V played a key role in negotiating the peaceful transition to sovereignty. The country has since developed a unique political system blending monarchy with modern governance.
7. 1971 – Intel Releases the First Microprocessor
On November 13, 1971, Intel released the 4004, the world’s first commercially available microprocessor. This milestone revolutionized the computer industry by integrating the central processing unit onto a single chip. The 4004 was originally designed for calculators but paved the way for personal computers and modern electronics. This innovation marks the beginning of the digital age, influencing countless technologies worldwide. Intel’s microprocessor remains foundational in the evolution of computing.
8. 1990 – Margaret Thatcher Resigns as UK Prime Minister
Margaret Thatcher announced her resignation as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on November 13, 1990. She was the longest-serving British prime minister of the 20th century and the first woman to hold the office. Her tenure was marked by significant economic reforms, including privatization and deregulation. However, her leadership also sparked controversy and division, particularly over the poll tax and the Gulf War. Thatcher’s resignation marked the end of an era in British politics.
9. 2015 – Paris Terror Attacks
On November 13, 2015, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks struck Paris, France, resulting in 130 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The attacks targeted multiple locations, including the Bataclan concert hall, restaurants, and the Stade de France stadium. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) claimed responsibility for the attacks. The events led to a global outpouring of support for France and increased international counterterrorism efforts. The attacks highlighted the ongoing threat of global terrorism.
10. 2018 – NASA’s InSight Lander Arrives at Mars
On November 13, 2018, NASA’s InSight spacecraft successfully landed on Mars to study the planet’s interior. The mission aimed to gather data on Mars’ seismic activity, heat flow, and core composition. This was the first mission dedicated to investigating the Red Planet’s subsurface structure. InSight’s findings have provided valuable insights into the formation and evolution of terrestrial planets. The mission continues to contribute to our understanding of planetary geology.