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 5
Today in History: December 5:
On December 5, 1848, President James K. Polk sparked the Gold Rush of ’49 by confirming that gold had been discovered in California.
In 1933, national Prohibition came to an end as the 21st Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, thus repealing the 18th Amendment.
In 1952, the Great Smog of London descended on the British capital; the unusually thick fog, which contained toxic pollutants
Today in History: December 4
Today in History: December 4:
On Dec. 4, 1991, after being abducted and held for nearly seven years as a hostage by Hezbollah militants in Lebanon,Terry Anderson was released from captivity.
In 1783, Gen. George Washington bade farewell to his Continental Army officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York.
In 1969, Fred Hampton and Mark Clark of the Black Panther Party were shot and killed during a raid by Chicago police.
Today in History: December 3
Excerpts:Today in History: December 3:
In 1947, the Tennessee Williams play “A Streetcar Named Desire” opened on Broadway.
In 2015, Defense Secretary Ash Carter ordered the armed services to open all military jobs to women.
Today in History: December 2
Today in History: December 2:
In 1804, Napoleon crowned himself emperor of France in a coronation ceremony at Notre Dame de Paris cathedral.
In 2018, Israeli police recommended indicting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on bribery charges, adding to a growing collection of legal troubles for the longtime leader.