previous year2009
2010201120122013201420152016201720182019
2020next year

Major Events of May 2013: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from May 2013 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

history

Major Events of May 2013: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 May 2013 Boston Marathon bombing investigation: On May 1, 2013, the investigation into the Boston Marathon bombing continued, with authorities seeking leads and gathering evidence. The attack, which occurred on April 15, 2013, had resulted in significant casualties and injuries, prompting a nationwide manhunt for the suspects. The investigation was a major focus for law enforcement agencies. source: nytimes.com
  • 02 May 2013 Deadly attacks in Fallujah, Iraq: On May 2, 2013, Fallujah experienced a series of deadly attacks, resulting in multiple casualties. The violence was part of ongoing sectarian tensions and highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Iraq. Local authorities struggled to maintain order amid the escalating conflict. source: reuters.com
  • 03 May 2013 Savar building collapse in Bangladesh: On May 3, 2013, the Savar building collapse in Bangladesh was a tragic event that resulted in significant loss of life. The building, which housed garment factories, collapsed due to structural failures, leading to widespread condemnation of safety standards in the industry. Rescue operations continued for days as the search for survivors persisted. source: bbc.com
  • 04 May 2013 Israeli airstrike targets Syria amid ongoing civil war violence: Israel conducted an airstrike on a Syrian military facility, marking a significant escalation in the Syrian civil war. The attack targeted a weapons shipment intended for Hezbollah, according to Israeli officials. source: reuters.com
  • 05 May 2013 Savar building collapse in Bangladesh results in over 1,100 deaths: The Rana Plaza building in Savar, Bangladesh, collapsed, leading to the deaths of over 1,100 people. The incident was one of the deadliest industrial disasters in history, highlighting severe safety violations in the garment industry. source: bbc.com
  • 06 May 2013 Cleveland kidnapping survivors found after years in captivity: Three women who had been missing for years were found alive in Cleveland, Ohio. Ariel Castro, the man responsible for their abduction, was arrested and later sentenced to life in prison. source: cbsnews.com
  • 07 May 2013 Delaware legalizes same-sex marriage: On May 7, 2013, Delaware Governor Jack Markell signed a bill into law legalizing same-sex marriage in the state. The law took effect on July 1, 2013, making Delaware the 11th state in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage. source: nytimes.com
  • 08 May 2013 Savar building collapse in Bangladesh: On May 8, 2013, the eight-story Rana Plaza building in Savar, Bangladesh, collapsed, resulting in the deaths of over 1,100 people, mostly garment workers. The incident is considered one of the deadliest industrial disasters in history. source: bbc.com
  • 09 May 2013 Second Battle of Bama: On May 9, 2013, Boko Haram militants launched a second attack on Bama, Nigeria, following the initial assault on May 7. The Nigerian military responded, resulting in casualties on both sides and further destabilizing the region. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 10 May 2013 Guatemalan Court Convicts Efrain Rios Montt of Genocide: On May 10, 2013, a Guatemalan court convicted former dictator Efrain Rios Montt of genocide and crimes against humanity for his role in the deaths of over 1,700 Maya Ixil people during the civil war. This landmark ruling was a significant moment in Guatemala's efforts to address past human rights abuses. source: bbc.com
  • 11 May 2013 Pakistan General Election: On May 11, 2013, Pakistan held its general elections, marking a significant transition of power as the first democratic government completed its term. The elections were closely watched and resulted in the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) winning a majority. source: bbc.com
  • 12 May 2013 Savar Building Collapse Tragedy: The aftermath of the Savar building collapse continued to be felt on May 12, 2013, as rescue operations concluded and the focus shifted to accountability and safety reforms in Bangladesh's garment industry. The tragedy prompted global discussions on labor rights and building safety standards. source: bbc.com
  • 13 May 2013 Chris Hadfield Returns from International Space Station: On May 13, 2013, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield returned to Earth after a five-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). His mission was notable for its educational outreach and social media engagement, bringing space exploration closer to the public. source: bbc.com
  • 14 May 2013 UK Conservative Party proposes EU referendum bill: The UK's Conservative Party unveiled a draft bill aiming to make Prime Minister David Cameron's promise of a referendum on Britain's European Union membership legally binding. The bill proposed holding an in-out vote by the end of 2017, though its passage was uncertain due to the lack of a parliamentary majority. source: cnbc.com
  • 15 May 2013 Eurozone economic stagnation: The Eurozone experienced economic stagnation, with growth rates remaining flat and unemployment rates remaining high. This period of stagnation raised concerns about the region's economic recovery and future prospects. source: reuters.com
  • 16 May 2013 Breakthrough in stem cell research: Researchers achieved a significant milestone in stem cell research by successfully creating stem cells from human skin cells. This advancement has the potential to revolutionize regenerative medicine and therapeutic applications. source: sciencedaily.com
  • 17 May 2013 Jorge Rafael Videla's death: Jorge Rafael Videla, former Argentine military dictator, died on May 17, 2013, at the age of 87 while serving a life sentence for crimes against humanity. He was found dead in his prison cell in Marcos Paz, Buenos Aires, after slipping in the shower five days prior, which led to multiple fractures and internal hemorrhaging. source: hrw.org
  • 18 May 2013 Denmark Wins Eurovision Song Contest: Emmelie de Forest from Denmark won the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest with her song 'Only Teardrops', representing a significant cultural moment in European entertainment and music.
  • 19 May 2013 Star Trek Into Darkness Box Office Success: Star Trek Into Darkness achieved a strong opening weekend, earning an estimated US$70.6 million in the United States, demonstrating the franchise's continued popularity.
  • 20 May 2013 Devastating Moore, Oklahoma Tornado: On May 20, 2013, an EF5 tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma, causing 24 fatalities and injuring 212 people. The tornado, with estimated peak winds of 200–210 mph, destroyed approximately 1,150 homes and caused damages estimated at $2 billion. source: nist.gov
  • 21 May 2013 UK Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passes: On May 21, 2013, the UK Parliament passed the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill, legalizing same-sex marriage in England and Wales. source: bbc.com
  • 22 May 2013 Craig Thomson Faces Additional Charges: Australian politician Craig Thomson was charged with 19 additional criminal counts, including 15 counts of fraud and 4 counts of theft, further escalating his legal troubles.
  • 23 May 2013 Interstate 5 Bridge Collapse in Washington: A critical infrastructure failure occurred when a freeway bridge carrying Interstate 5 collapsed over the Skagit River in Mount Vernon, Washington, causing significant transportation disruption. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
  • 24 May 2013 Suicide Bombing in Peshawar, Pakistan: On May 24, 2013, a suicide bombing targeted Haji Hayatullah, leader of the Afghan Tanzeem Ahle Hadith, in Peshawar's Faqeerabad neighborhood. The attack resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including Hayatullah's gunman and driver, while Hayatullah himself escaped unharmed. source: tribune.com.pk
  • 25 May 2013 Bayern Munich Wins UEFA Champions League: Bayern Munich defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the 2012-13 UEFA Champions League Final, securing a historic victory in European club football.
  • 27 May 2013 Sectarian violence erupts in Baghdad: On May 27, 2013, Baghdad experienced significant sectarian violence, resulting in numerous casualties. The violence was part of a broader trend of escalating sectarian tensions in Iraq, particularly between Sunni and Shia communities. source: reuters.com
  • 28 May 2013 EU lifts arms embargo on Syrian rebels: On May 28, 2013, the European Union formally lifted its arms embargo on Syrian rebels, allowing member states to provide military support. This decision was aimed at bolstering the opposition against the Assad regime amid ongoing conflict. source: bbc.com
  • 29 May 2013 War crimes sentencing at international tribunal: On May 29, 2013, an international tribunal sentenced individuals for war crimes committed during the Yugoslav Wars. This marked a significant moment in international law and accountability for war crimes. source: bbc.com
  • 30 May 2013 Obama appoints new FBI director: On May 30, 2013, President Obama appointed James Comey as the new director of the FBI. This appointment came at a time of heightened scrutiny of the agency's practices and policies. source: bbc.com
  • 31 May 2013 EF5 tornado devastates El Reno, Oklahoma, setting new records: On May 31, 2013, an EF5 tornado struck El Reno, Oklahoma, becoming the widest tornado ever recorded at 2.6 miles (4.2 km) in diameter. The tornado caused significant damage and was part of a series of severe weather events in the region. source: en.wikipedia.org