On This Day in History
November 13
Paris Attacks Kill 130 in Coordinated Terrorist Strikes
A series of coordinated terrorist attacks across Paris, including the Bataclan theatre, killed 130 people and injured hundreds, marking one of France's deadliest peacetime tragedies.
Arrest of Saddam Hussein's Deputy, 'Chemical Ali'
Ali Hassan al-Majid, known as 'Chemical Ali' for his role in chemical attacks against Kurds, was captured by U.S. forces during the Iraq War.
First Known Use of the Word 'Internet'
The term 'Internet' appeared for the first time in a technical paper about TCP/IP protocols, marking the conceptual birth of modern networking.
Vietnam War: Battle of Ia Drang Begins
The Battle of Ia Drang, the first major engagement between U.S. forces and North Vietnamese Army troops, began, signaling a new phase in the Vietnam War.
First Televised Murder in U.S. as Jack Ruby Kills Lee Harvey Oswald
Jack Ruby shot and killed Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin of President John F. Kennedy, in front of live television cameras.
Birth of Whoopi Goldberg, Actress and Comedian
Whoopi Goldberg, acclaimed actress, comedian, and one of the few entertainers to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award, was born in New York.
First Use of Guided Missile by Germans in WWII
Germany deployed the first guided missile in combat, targeting Allied ships in the Mediterranean during World War II.
First American Troops Arrive in North Africa During WWII
U.S. forces landed in North Africa as part of Operation Torch, marking the first major American engagement in the European-North African theater of WWII.
First U.S. Highway Numbering System Approved
The U.S. government approved the standardized highway numbering system, leading to the creation of iconic routes like Route 66.
Death of Gioachino Rossini, Italian Composer
Gioachino Rossini, famed composer of operas such as *The Barber of Seville* and *William Tell*, died in Paris.
U.S. Supreme Court Declares Military Tribunals Unconstitutional in Ex parte Milligan
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in *Ex parte Milligan* that military tribunals cannot try civilians when civil courts are open, strengthening civil liberties.
Discovery of the Element Indium
German chemists Ferdinand Reich and Theodor Richter discovered the chemical element Indium, expanding the periodic table.
Siege of Lucknow Ends During Indian Rebellion
British forces relieved the Siege of Lucknow, a pivotal event during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 against British rule.
Discovery of Uranus' Moons Ariel and Umbriel
William Lassell discovered two of Uranus' moons, Ariel and Umbriel, expanding knowledge of the solar system.
Birth of Robert Louis Stevenson, Author of *Treasure Island*
Scottish novelist Robert Louis Stevenson, famous for *Treasure Island* and *Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde*, was born in Edinburgh.
First Light Detected from the Supernova SN 1572 by Tycho Brahe
Astronomer Tycho Brahe observed a supernova in the constellation Cassiopeia, challenging the belief in an unchanging celestial realm.
Death of King Edward III of England
King Edward III of England, whose reign saw the start of the Hundred Years' War, died after 50 years on the throne.
Xerxes I Becomes King of Persia
Xerxes I ascended to the throne of the Persian Empire, later leading invasions against Greece during the Greco-Persian Wars.
Death of Saint Augustine of Hippo
Saint Augustine, one of the most influential theologians and philosophers in Christian history, died in Hippo Regius.
First Known Record of a Solar Eclipse by Assyrians
Assyrian astronomers recorded one of the earliest known solar eclipses, marking a significant development in ancient astronomy.