On November 13, 2015, Paris experienced a night of unprecedented violence as Islamic State militants executed coordinated attacks throughout the city, including at the national stadium, the Bataclan concert hall, and various restaurants and streets. The tragedy left 130 dead and hundreds injured, marking the deadliest attack on French soil since World War II. This horrific event strengthened France’s resolve in combating extremism and served as a somber reminder of the global threat posed by terrorist organizations.
Other Events That Happened On November 13:
On this day in 1775, Continental Army forces under General Richard Montgomery captured Montreal in a remarkable victory during the early stages of the Revolutionary War. This success, achieved months before the Declaration of Independence, demonstrated the growing strength and organization of American forces. The capture of Montreal symbolized a critical early assertion of American resolve and expanded the influence of the Continental Army in the region.
In 1956, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Alabama’s bus segregation laws, affirming a lower court’s decision that deemed them unconstitutional. This landmark ruling followed the historic Montgomery Bus Boycott, a campaign that brought national attention to racial injustice and ultimately contributed to the Civil Rights Movement’s momentum. The decision was a crucial step in the fight against segregation, laying the groundwork for future civil rights victories.
On November 13, 1971, Mariner 9 became the first spacecraft to enter orbit around another planet as it reached Mars. This achievement marked a milestone in space exploration, allowing scientists to study Mars’ surface and atmosphere in unprecedented detail. Mariner 9’s success paved the way for future Mars missions and expanded humanity’s knowledge of the solar system.
In 1982, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., honoring the lives of the 58,000 American soldiers who died in the Vietnam War. Its reflective black granite design, inscribed with the names of the fallen, serves as a powerful testament to sacrifice and healing. The memorial remains an enduring symbol of respect and remembrance for Vietnam veterans and their families.
A devastating volcanic mudslide struck Armero, Colombia, on November 13, 1985, claiming the lives of an estimated 23,000 people as the city was buried under tons of debris. Triggered by the eruption of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, the disaster underscored the vulnerability of communities near active volcanoes and emphasized the importance of disaster preparedness and response.
Finally, in 2001, U.S.-backed Northern Alliance fighters entered Kabul, Afghanistan, as Taliban forces withdrew. This marked a turning point in the fight against terrorism and the beginning of Afghanistan’s transition away from Taliban rule. The capture of Kabul signaled a shift in the U.S.-led effort to dismantle extremist networks and brought renewed hope for stability in the region.
Today in History: December 20
A Look Back At Today, December 20
The Louisiana Purchase was completed.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” premiered at the Globe Theater.
The United States launched Operation Just Cause.
The United States Space Force was established.
Today in History: December 19
Today in History: December 19
In 1777, General George Washington led an army of more than 12,000 soldiers to Valley Forge.
In 1972, Apollo 17 splashed down in the Pacific, concluding the Apollo program.
In 2011, North Korean announced the death of Kim Jong Il and proclaimed Kim Jong Un as the leader.
In 2022, the House Jan. 6 Committee urged the Justice Department to bring criminal charges against the previous president
Today in History: December 18
Today in History: December 18
In 1865, the 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, was proclaimed in effect.
In 1892, Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s ballet “The Nutcracker” publicly premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia; although now considered a classic, it received a generally negative reception from critics.
In 1957, the Shippingport Atomic Power Station in Pennsylvania, the first nuclear facility to generate electricity in the United States, went on line. (It was taken out of service in 1982.)
In 2011, the last convoy of heavily armored U.S. troops left Iraq, crossing into Kuwait in darkness in the final moments of a nearly nine-year war.
Today in History: December 17
Today in History: December 17
In 1903 The Wright brothers’ flight redefined the possibilities of travel and opened the skies to human exploration.
In 1933 The first NFL championship laid the foundation for professional football’s evolution into a national pastime.
In 1989 “The Simpsons” redefined animated television, blending humor with social commentary to leave an indelible mark on entertainment.
In 1992 NAFTA reshaped North American trade, fostering economic ties while sparking debates on globalization.
In 2014 The U.S.-Cuba rapprochement signaled a pivotal moment in the post-Cold War world, rekindling hopes for reconciliation.
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