Historical Events on February 13: Significant Moments in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on February 13, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on February 13 - Key Moments Throughout History

1902 Birth of Blair Moody, U.S. Senator from Michigan: Blair Moody, an American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Michigan, was born.
1904 France and Siam border agreement: On February 13, 1904, France and Siam (now Thailand) signed a border agreement that defined their territorial boundaries in Southeast Asia. This agreement was part of France's colonial expansion in the region and aimed to stabilize relations between the two nations. source: britannica.com
1910 Berlin Workers' Protest Against Prussian Electoral System: Workers in Berlin organized a protest against the Prussian electoral system, demanding reforms to address the underrepresentation of urban populations. source: en.wikipedia.org
1911 Founding of HNK Hajduk Split: HNK Hajduk Split, a prominent Croatian football club, was founded on February 13, 1911. The club has a rich history and is known for its passionate fan base and significant contributions to Croatian football. source: hajduk.hr
1914 ASCAP established to protect musical copyrights: On February 13, 1914, the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) was established to protect the rights of songwriters and composers by licensing their music and collecting royalties. source: en.wikipedia.org
1915 German torpedo boat SMS V25 sinks in North Sea: On February 13, 1915, the German torpedo boat SMS V25 was sunk by a British mine in the North Sea, resulting in the loss of all 79 crew members. source: en.wikipedia.org
1916 Russian Offensive in Eastern Anatolia during World War I: On February 13, 1916, Russian forces continued their offensive in Eastern Anatolia, advancing further into Ottoman territory during World War I. source: en.wikipedia.org
1917 Mata Hari's arrest for espionage: On February 13, 1917, Mata Hari, a Dutch dancer and alleged spy, was arrested in Paris on charges of espionage. She was accused of spying for Germany during World War I, leading to the deaths of thousands of French soldiers. Despite her claims of innocence, she was tried and executed by firing squad on October 15, 1917. source: britannica.com
1919 Birth of Tennessee Ernie Ford, American singer and TV personality: Ernest Jennings Ford, known professionally as Tennessee Ernie Ford, was born on February 13, 1919, in Bristol, Tennessee. He gained fame as a singer and television host, achieving success in country, pop, and gospel music genres. Ford is best remembered for his hit recordings of "The Shotgun Boogie" and "Sixteen Tons." source: en.wikipedia.org
1920 Allies seek German war criminals post-World War I: On February 13, 1920, the Allied powers began efforts to identify and prosecute German war criminals following World War I. This initiative was part of the broader efforts to establish accountability for wartime atrocities. source: britannica.com
1921 Armenian February Uprising against Bolshevik rule: On February 13, 1921, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation initiated the February Uprising, an anti-Bolshevik rebellion in Armenia. The uprising led to the temporary overthrow of the Bolshevik government in Yerevan, with the Salvation Committee of the Fatherland assuming control. source: en.wikipedia.org
1925 Sheikh Said Rebellion Erupts in Turkey: On February 13, 1925, the Sheikh Said Rebellion began in Turkey, led by Sheikh Said, aiming to establish an independent Kurdish state and to restore the Ottoman Caliphate.
1927 Portuguese Uprising Against General Carmona's Regime: On February 3, 1927, a military rebellion began in Porto, Portugal, led by General Adalberto Gastão de Sousa Dias, aiming to overthrow the Military Dictatorship established after the 1926 coup. The revolt lasted until February 9, resulting in approximately 80 deaths and 360 injuries in Porto, and over 70 deaths and 400 injuries in Lisbon. The uprising was suppressed, leading to increased repression by the government. source: en.wikipedia.org
1929 US Naval Expansion Act of 1929: On February 13, 1929, the United States Congress passed the Naval Expansion Act, authorizing the construction of new warships to strengthen the U.S. Navy. source: en.wikipedia.org
1931 Nevada Gambling Legislation Introduction: On February 13, 1931, Assemblyman Phil M. Tobin introduced Assembly Bill 98, aiming to legalize gambling in Nevada. This bill marked the beginning of the state's move to regulate gambling, which was later signed into law by Governor Fred B. Balzar on March 19, 1931. source: ebsco.com
1934 George Segal's Birth: George Segal Jr., an American actor and musician, was born on February 13, 1934, in New York City. He gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s for his roles in both dramatic and comedic films, including 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' (1966). source: en.wikipedia.org
1935 Bruno Hauptmann convicted of Lindbergh baby murder: Bruno Hauptmann was convicted of the kidnapping and murder of Charles Lindbergh Jr., the infant son of aviator Charles Lindbergh and Anne Morrow Lindbergh. The trial was highly publicized and marked a significant moment in American legal history, raising issues of media influence and public opinion. source: archives.gov
1937 Manchu Wutai Playhouse fire in Andong, China: On February 13, 1937, a devastating fire occurred at the Manchu Wutai Playhouse in Andong, China, during a Chinese New Year celebration. The blaze, which began at 7:30 PM, resulted in at least 658 fatalities among the 7,500 attendees. The fire was traced to a carelessly placed candle behind a screen, leading to a rapid spread and the collapse of a balcony minutes after ignition. source: en.wikipedia.org
1938 Birth of Oliver Reed: Oliver Reed, a British actor known for his roles in films such as 'Oliver!' and 'The Three Musketeers,' was born on February 13, 1938. He became famous for his intense performances and larger-than-life personality. source: britannica.com
1940 Finland seeks Swedish military support: On February 13, 1940, Finland's diplomatic representative in London, Georg Gripenberg, and Lieutenant-General Enckell appealed to British Foreign Secretary Lord Halifax for military aid. Halifax promised to raise the matter in the War Cabinet. In Sweden, Finnish Foreign Minister Tanner requested Swedish troops, but Sweden declined, citing concerns over potential German intervention. source: historydiaries.blog
1941 British naval air attack on Massawa: On February 13, 1941, during Operation Composition, the British aircraft carrier HMS Formidable launched 14 Fairey Albacore bombers to attack the Italian-controlled port of Massawa in Eritrea. The operation resulted in the sinking of the Italian merchant ship Moncaliere and inflicted slight damage on other ships in the harbor. source: en.wikipedia.org
1942 Battle of Palembang: The Battle of Palembang took place on February 13, 1942, during the Japanese invasion of the Dutch East Indies in World War II. This battle was significant for the control of oil resources in the region, which were vital for the war effort. source: britannica.com
1943 Corsair fighter aircraft enters combat: On February 13, 1943, the F4U Corsair fighter aircraft entered combat for the first time during World War II. This aircraft would become one of the most iconic and effective fighters in the Pacific Theater. source: britannica.com
1944 Establishment of SHAEF Headquarters: The Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force (SHAEF) was established on February 13, 1944, in London, England, under the command of General Dwight D. Eisenhower, to coordinate Allied military operations in Europe during World War II. source: archives.gov
1945 Dresden bombing by British forces during World War II: On February 13, 1945, British Bomber Command initiated a series of air raids on Dresden, Germany, marking the beginning of a three-day bombing campaign that resulted in significant destruction and civilian casualties. source: britannica.com
1946 ENIAC: First general-purpose electronic computer announced: On February 13, 1946, the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC), the first general-purpose electronic computer, was announced. Designed by John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert, ENIAC was capable of performing 5,000 additions per second and weighed 30 tons. source: britannica.com
1947 Paris newspaper strike of 1947: On February 13, 1947, journalists in Paris went on strike to protest against low wages and poor working conditions. This strike was significant in highlighting the struggles of media workers in post-war France and led to discussions about labor rights in the industry. source: britannica.com
1948 London policeman killed in line of duty: On February 13, 1948, a London policeman was tragically killed while on duty, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement officers. This incident sparked discussions about police safety and the challenges of maintaining public order in post-war London. The event served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those in the line of duty. source: theguardian.com
1949 António Óscar Carmona's Uncontested Presidential Re-election: On February 13, 1949, Portuguese President António Óscar Carmona was re-elected unopposed for a fourth term after his sole opponent, General José Norton de Matos, withdrew from the race due to government persecution. source: en.wikipedia.org
1952 Rocky Marciano triumphs in boxing match: On February 13, 1952, Rocky Marciano achieved a significant victory in his boxing career, further solidifying his reputation as a heavyweight champion. His relentless fighting style and determination were key to his success. source: britannica.com
1953 Christine Jorgensen returns from groundbreaking gender reassignment surgery: Christine Jorgensen, the first American to undergo gender reassignment surgery, returned to the United States on February 13, 1953, after her operation in Denmark. Her arrival garnered significant media attention, marking a pivotal moment in transgender history. source: britannica.com
1954 Frank Selvy scores 100 points in basketball game: On February 13, 1954, Frank Selvy achieved a historic milestone by scoring 100 points in a single basketball game, a record that remains notable in sports history. This performance took place during a college basketball game, showcasing Selvy's exceptional talent. source: britannica.com
1955 Israeli Dead Sea Scrolls acquisition: On February 13, 1955, Israel acquired a significant collection of the Dead Sea Scrolls, ancient Jewish texts discovered in the Qumran Caves. This acquisition was pivotal for biblical scholarship and the understanding of Jewish history. source: britannica.com
1957 Southern Christian Leadership Conference organizes: The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) was established on February 13, 1957, to coordinate civil rights activities across the southern United States. This organization played a crucial role in the American civil rights movement. source: history.com
1958 Death of Cristabel Pankhurst: Cristabel Pankhurst, a prominent British suffragette and activist, passed away on February 13, 1958. She was a key figure in the women's suffrage movement, advocating for women's rights and social reforms throughout her life. source: britannica.com
1959 TAT-2 transatlantic telephone cable launched: The TAT-2, the first transatlantic telephone cable, was officially launched on February 13, 1959. This cable significantly improved communication between North America and Europe, allowing for more efficient telephone service. source: britannica.com
1960 France becomes fourth nuclear power: On February 13, 1960, France conducted its first successful nuclear test in the Sahara Desert, officially becoming the fourth nation to possess nuclear weapons. This event marked a significant development in the Cold War dynamics. source: britannica.com
1961 Frank Sinatra launches Reprise Records: On February 13, 1961, Frank Sinatra founded Reprise Records to gain greater artistic control over his music. The label's first release was Sinatra's own single, "The Second Time Around," recorded in December 1960. source: udiscovermusic.com
1963 Taiwan coastal earthquake: A significant earthquake struck the coastal region of Taiwan on February 13, 1963. The quake caused considerable damage and loss of life, highlighting the region's vulnerability to seismic activity. source: earthquake.usgs.gov
1964 Death of Gerald Gardner: Gerald Gardner, a prominent figure in the field of Wicca and modern witchcraft, passed away on February 13, 1964. He was known for his role in popularizing Wicca and for his writings on the subject. His death marked a significant moment in the history of modern paganism. source: britannica.com
1966 Ralph Nader alleges surveillance by auto industry: On February 13, 1966, consumer advocate Ralph Nader publicly accused the auto industry of conducting surveillance on him. This claim highlighted the tensions between consumer rights advocates and corporate interests during the 1960s. source: nytimes.com
1967 Discovery of Leonardo da Vinci's Madrid Codices: On February 13, 1967, the Madrid Codices, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, were discovered. This finding provided significant insights into da Vinci's work and thoughts, enhancing the understanding of Renaissance art. source: britannica.com
1968 US military deployment to Vietnam escalates: On February 13, 1968, the United States increased its military presence in Vietnam, marking a significant escalation in the Vietnam War. This deployment was part of a broader strategy to combat the North Vietnamese forces and the Viet Cong, amid growing anti-war sentiment in the U.S. source: archives.gov
1969 Duke University student protest: On February 13, 1969, students at Duke University organized a protest addressing various social issues, reflecting the broader student activism of the era. This event was part of a larger movement advocating for civil rights and social change in the United States. source: duke.edu
1970 Black Sabbath debut album release: On February 13, 1970, Black Sabbath released their self-titled debut album, which is often credited with pioneering the heavy metal genre. The album featured iconic tracks that would influence countless artists in the years to come. source: britannica.com
1971 South Vietnamese forces advance into Laos during Operation Lam Son 719: On February 13, 1971, South Vietnamese troops, supported by U.S. airpower, advanced into southeastern Laos as part of Operation Lam Son 719. The operation aimed to disrupt North Vietnamese supply lines along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Despite initial progress, the offensive faced stiff resistance from North Vietnamese forces, leading to a protracted and costly engagement. source: historynet.com
1972 XI Winter Olympic Games Close in Sapporo: The XI Winter Olympic Games concluded in Sapporo, Japan, on February 13, 1972. This was the first time the Winter Olympics were held in Asia.
1973 US dollar devaluation announced: On February 13, 1973, the United States announced a devaluation of the dollar, marking a significant shift in monetary policy. This decision was part of a broader move to address trade imbalances and stabilize the economy during a period of inflation and economic uncertainty. source: nytimes.com
1974 Soviet Union expels writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn: On February 13, 1974, the Soviet Union stripped writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn of his citizenship and deported him to West Germany. This action followed the publication of his book 'The Gulag Archipelago,' which exposed the Soviet labor camp system. Solzhenitsyn's expulsion was a significant event in the Soviet Union's crackdown on dissidents. source: news.bbc.co.uk
1975 Cyprus Political Development: On February 13, 1975, significant political developments occurred in Cyprus, particularly regarding the ongoing tensions between Greek and Turkish Cypriots. This period was marked by efforts to address the political division on the island, which had been exacerbated by previous conflicts. source: bbc.com
1976 Nigerian military coup attempt: On February 13, 1976, Lieutenant Colonel Bukar Suka Dimka led a failed coup against Nigeria's government, resulting in the assassination of General Murtala Muhammed and his aide-de-camp, Lieutenant Akintunde Akinsehinwa. source: en.wikipedia.org
1977 Eric Heiden wins World Speed Skating Championship: On February 13, 1977, American speed skater Eric Heiden secured the gold medal at the World Allround Speed Skating Championships held in Heerenveen, Netherlands. This victory marked Heiden's first world championship title, establishing him as a leading figure in the sport. source: en.wikipedia.org
1978 Hilton Hotel Bombing in Sydney: On February 13, 1978, a bomb exploded outside the Hilton Hotel in Sydney, Australia, during the first Commonwealth Heads of Government Regional Meeting. The blast killed two garbage collectors and a police officer, and injured eleven others. source: en.wikipedia.org
1979 Hood Canal Bridge collapses during severe windstorm: On February 13, 1979, the western half of the Hood Canal Bridge in Washington State collapsed during a severe windstorm. The storm produced sustained winds of up to 85 mph and gusts estimated at 120 mph, causing the bridge's pontoons to flood and sink. Fortunately, the bridge was closed to traffic at the time, and no casualties were reported. The bridge was rebuilt and reopened on October 3, 1982. source: sos.wa.gov
1980 Opening of the XIII Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid: The XIII Olympic Winter Games commenced on February 13, 1980, in Lake Placid, New York. The opening ceremony was held at the Lake Placid Equestrian Stadium, marking the second time the town hosted the Winter Olympics. The Games featured 38 events across six sports, with 1,072 athletes from 37 nations participating. source: britannica.com
1981 Rupert Murdoch acquires The Times and Sunday Times: On February 13, 1981, Rupert Murdoch completed the acquisition of The Times and The Sunday Times from the Thomson Corporation. This purchase marked a significant expansion of Murdoch's media empire in the UK, allowing him to influence British journalism and public opinion through these prestigious publications. source: bbc.com
1982 Río Negro massacre in Guatemala on February 13, 1982: On February 13, 1982, in the village of Xococ, Guatemala, 74 residents from the nearby Río Negro community were executed by the Xococ Civil Defense Patrol. This massacre was part of a series of violent actions against the Maya Achi people, including the infamous Río Negro massacre on March 13, 1982, where 177 women and children were killed. These events were linked to the construction of the Chixoy hydroelectric dam, which led to the forced relocation of indigenous communities and subsequent violence. source: en.wikipedia.org
1983 Cinema Statuto fire in Turin, Italy, kills 64 people: On February 13, 1983, a fire erupted at the Cinema Statuto in Turin, Italy, during a screening of the film "La Chèvre." The blaze resulted in the deaths of 64 individuals, primarily due to smoke inhalation. The fire's origin was traced to an old, highly flammable curtain near the stage. The tragedy led to significant reforms in Italian public building laws, making fireproof materials and firefighting equipment mandatory for all public spaces. source: upi.com
1984 Soviet leadership transition following Brezhnev's death: On February 13, 1984, Yuri Andropov, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, died after a brief illness. His leadership marked a significant transition in Soviet politics, following the long tenure of Leonid Brezhnev. Andropov's death led to the rise of Konstantin Chernenko, who succeeded him, continuing the trend of short-lived leadership during this period. source: britannica.com
1985 Seven Solidarity activists arrested in Poland: On February 13, 1985, Polish secret police arrested seven leading Solidarity activists during a clandestine meeting led by founder Lech Wałęsa. The arrested individuals included Władysław Frasyniuk, Bogdan Lis, and Adam Michnik. The meeting aimed to plan a 15-minute general strike to protest food price hikes, police violence, and attacks on the Catholic Church. The strike was later canceled when the government reconsidered its price increase plans. source: upi.com
1986 Single European Act signed to enhance European integration: The Single European Act was signed on February 13, 1986, in Luxembourg and The Hague. It aimed to create a single internal market within the European Community by 1992, facilitating the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital. This act marked a significant step towards deeper European integration and laid the groundwork for the Maastricht Treaty. source: europarl.europa.eu
1987 Jack Morris awarded record $1.85 million in arbitration: On February 13, 1987, Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Morris was awarded a one-year contract worth $1.85 million through salary arbitration, setting a new record for the highest arbitration award at that time. source: washingtonpost.com
1988 Opening ceremony of the XV Olympic Winter Games in Calgary: The XV Olympic Winter Games commenced on February 13, 1988, with an opening ceremony at McMahon Stadium in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The event was officially opened by Governor General Jeanne Sauvé on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II, marking the first time a Winter Olympics had a closing ceremony held outdoors. source: britannica.com
1990 Agreement reached on two-stage plan for German reunification: On February 13, 1990, foreign ministers from East and West Germany, along with the four Allied powers (United States, United Kingdom, France, and the Soviet Union), met in Ottawa to discuss the reunification of Germany. They agreed to initiate negotiations on the external security aspects of unification, leading to the 'Two Plus Four' talks, which ultimately paved the way for Germany's reunification on October 3, 1990. source: thenation.com
1993 Merlene Ottey sets 200m indoor world record: On February 13, 1993, Jamaican sprinter Merlene Ottey set a world record in the women's indoor 200 meters, clocking 21.87 seconds at the St Yorre International Meeting in Liévin, France. This remains the fastest indoor 200m time by a female athlete. source: guinnessworldrecords.com
1994 44th NBA All-Star Game: The 44th NBA All-Star Game was held on February 13, 1994, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The game featured the league's top players competing in an exhibition match, showcasing the talent and entertainment value of the NBA. source: britannica.com
1995 U Nu, Burmese political leader, dies: U Nu, the former Prime Minister of Burma (now Myanmar), passed away on February 13, 1995. A significant figure in Burmese politics, he served as Prime Minister during the 1940s and 1950s and was a key leader in the country's struggle for independence from British colonial rule. source: en.wikipedia.org
1996 Nepalese People's War begins: The Nepalese People's War, led by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), officially began on February 13, 1996. This conflict aimed to overthrow the monarchy and establish a people's republic, leading to a decade-long civil war that resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. source: bbc.com
1997 Dow Jones Crosses 7,000 Milestone: On February 13, 1997, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 7,022.44, surpassing the 7,000-point mark for the first time. This milestone was achieved amid a strong rally in technology stocks and marked the 11th new high for the Dow in 1997. source: money.cnn.com
1999 Moon phase on February 13, 1999: On February 13, 1999, the Moon was in its Waning Crescent phase, with approximately 4.79% illumination. The Moon rose at 4:56 AM and set at 2:51 PM. source: phasesmoon.com
2000 Final Peanuts comic strip published: The last original 'Peanuts' comic strip, created by Charles M. Schulz, was published on February 13, 2000, following his death on February 12. The strip featured a farewell message from the characters. source: biography.com
2001 2001 El Salvador earthquake: A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck El Salvador, causing significant damage and loss of life. source: en.wikipedia.org
2002 Queen Elizabeth II honors Rudolph Giuliani: On February 13, 2002, Queen Elizabeth II awarded former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani an honorary knighthood for his leadership and response to the September 11 attacks, recognizing his efforts in the aftermath of the tragedy. source: bbc.com
2003 US Special Forces pre-invasion deployment in Iraq: On February 13, 2003, reports indicated that U.S. Special Forces were being deployed in Iraq in preparation for the impending invasion. This deployment was part of the U.S. military's strategic positioning ahead of the conflict. source: cnn.com
2004 UN Plan for Cyprus Reunification: Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders accepted UN Secretary General Kofi Annan's plan to end Cyprus's division, agreeing to establish a reunification timeline with potential EU membership contingent on successful negotiations.
2005 60th anniversary of Dresden bombing commemoration: On February 13, 2005, memorial services were held to mark the 60th anniversary of the bombing of Dresden during World War II. The event included ceremonies attended by survivors and officials, reflecting on the destruction and loss of life caused by the bombings. source: bbc.com
2006 Saddam Hussein Attends Trial Session: The trial of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and his co-defendants resumed, with Hussein present in court. The session was marked by security concerns due to a suicide bombing that occurred nearby. source: dailycollegian.com
2007 North Korea nuclear disarmament agreement signed: On February 13, 2007, North Korea, the United States, and other nations signed an agreement aimed at denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. This agreement was part of the Six-Party Talks, which sought to address North Korea's nuclear weapons program through diplomatic means. source: state.gov
2008 US Senate votes to ban waterboarding: On February 13, 2008, the U.S. Senate voted to ban the use of waterboarding and other forms of torture in interrogation practices. This decision was part of a broader debate on the treatment of detainees and the methods used in the War on Terror. source: senate.gov
2009 US economic stimulus package approved: On February 13, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, a $787 billion economic stimulus package. source: ssa.gov
2010 Major NATO offensive in Afghanistan: On February 13, 2010, NATO forces launched a major offensive in Afghanistan aimed at disrupting Taliban operations and securing key areas. The operation involved ground and air assaults and was part of the broader strategy to stabilize the region. source: nytimes.com
2011 Egypt's military suspends constitution after Mubarak's resignation: On February 13, 2011, Egypt's military announced the suspension of the constitution following the resignation of President Mubarak. This move was part of the military's plan to oversee a transition to civilian rule amid ongoing political changes in the country. source: bbc.com
2012 Syrian civil war escalation reported: On February 13, 2012, reports indicated a significant escalation in the Syrian civil war, with increased violence and casualties. The conflict, which began in 2011, was drawing international attention and concern over humanitarian issues. source: reuters.com
2013 Syrian Civil War: Battle for Aleppo Airport: On February 13, 2013, intense fighting occurred between Syrian government forces and opposition fighters at Aleppo International Airport. The battle resulted in significant damage to the airport infrastructure and further escalated the conflict in the region. source: bbc.com
2014 Virginia judge strikes down gay marriage ban: On February 13, 2014, a federal judge in Virginia ruled that the state's ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. The decision was a significant victory for LGBTQ rights activists and set the stage for same-sex marriages to begin in Virginia. source: nytimes.com
2015 Myanmar Army Suffers Heavy Losses in Kokang Rebel Conflict: On February 13, 2015, reports emerged that the Myanmar Army had suffered significant casualties in clashes with Kokang rebels in the Kokang region. The conflict intensified, leading to concerns about regional stability. source: bbc.com
2016 Turkey attacks Kurdish positions in Syria: On February 13, 2016, Turkey launched attacks on Kurdish positions in northern Syria, escalating tensions in the region. This military action was part of Turkey's ongoing efforts to combat Kurdish militant groups it considers terrorists. source: aljazeera.com
2017 Michael Flynn resigns as U.S. National Security Advisor: On February 13, 2017, Michael Flynn resigned from his position as National Security Advisor to President Donald Trump. His resignation followed reports that he had misled Vice President Mike Pence and other officials about his communications with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. source: cnbc.com
2018 Israeli police recommend Netanyahu indictment: On February 13, 2018, Israeli police recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. The recommendation was based on two corruption cases: one involving alleged acceptance of gifts from wealthy businessmen, and another concerning a proposed deal for favorable media coverage in exchange for legislative favors. source: dw.com
2019 Manafort Plea Agreement Violation: U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson ruled that Paul Manafort, former Trump campaign chairman, violated his plea agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller. Manafort was found to have intentionally lied about three of five issues to federal investigators and the grand jury.
2020 Revolutionary Planetary Formation Research: Scientists published a groundbreaking study in 'Science' journal, challenging existing theories about planetary formation. By studying Arrokoth in the Kuiper Belt, researchers demonstrated that planets may form through gentle clumping rather than violent collisions, revolutionizing our understanding of cosmic evolution.
2021 Trump's Second Impeachment Trial Concludes: The United States Senate conducted the second impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, ultimately voting to acquit him. The final vote was 57-43, falling short of the two-thirds majority required for conviction, effectively ending the legal proceedings against the former president.
2022 Los Angeles Rams Win Super Bowl LVI: The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl LVI, with wide receiver Cooper Kupp named as the Most Valuable Player (MVP). This victory marked a significant moment for the Rams franchise and Kupp's career.
2023 Devastating Turkey-Syria Earthquake: A catastrophic 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southeastern Turkey and northern Syria, causing widespread destruction and claiming over 37,000 lives. The disaster was one of the deadliest earthquakes in the region's modern history, affecting millions and creating a massive humanitarian crisis.

What Is special about February 13?

February 13 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about February 13.