1111day.year
Henry V, King of Germany, is crowned Holy Roman Emperor.
Henry V is crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Paschal II, strengthening his position in medieval Europe.
On April 13, 1111, Henry V received the imperial crown from Pope Paschal II in Rome. This ceremony marked a pivotal moment in the Investiture Controversy between secular and ecclesiastical powers. As Holy Roman Emperor, Henry sought to consolidate his control over German territories and influence Italian politics. His coronation deepened the rift between the papacy and the empire. Henry's reign continued until his death in 1125, characterized by ongoing struggles with the church. The event exemplified the complex power dynamics of medieval Christendom.
1111
Henry V
Holy Roman Emperor
1613day.year
Samuel Argall, having captured Pocahontas in Passapatanzy, Virginia, sets off with her to Jamestown with the intention of exchanging her for English prisoners held by her father.
Samuel Argall abducts Pocahontas and sails her to Jamestown to secure the release of English prisoners.
On April 13, 1613, English sea captain Samuel Argall captured Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan, in Passapatanzy, Virginia. Argall hoped to exchange her for English prisoners allegedly held by her father to strengthen Jamestown's negotiating position. Pocahontas was taken to Jamestown, where she was introduced to English customs and converted to Christianity. Her capture heightened tensions but eventually led to more peaceful relations between the settlers and the Powhatan Confederacy. Pocahontas's subsequent marriage to John Rolfe symbolized a fragile alliance. This episode has become a defining moment in early American colonial history.
1613
Samuel Argall
Pocahontas
Passapatanzy, Virginia
her father
1829day.year
The Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829 gives Roman Catholics in the United Kingdom the right to vote and to sit in Parliament.
The Roman Catholic Relief Act grants Catholics in the UK the right to vote and serve in Parliament.
On April 13, 1829, the British Parliament enacted the Roman Catholic Relief Act, a landmark in religious freedom. It lifted most restrictions on Roman Catholics, allowing them to hold public office and take seats in Parliament. The legislation followed years of campaigning by Catholic leaders, including Daniel O'Connell. While some civil disabilities remained, the Act marked a crucial step toward equality. It reshaped British politics by expanding the electorate and reducing sectarian tensions. Catholic emancipation set a precedent for further reforms across Europe.
1829
Roman Catholic Relief Act 1829
Roman Catholics
1849day.year
Lajos Kossuth presents the Hungarian Declaration of Independence in a closed session of the National Assembly.
Lajos Kossuth presents Hungary's Declaration of Independence amid the 1848 revolutions.
On April 13, 1849, Lajos Kossuth delivered the Hungarian Declaration of Independence to the Diet in a private session. The document proclaimed Hungary's secession from the Austrian Habsburg Empire during the Revolutions of 1848. Kossuth aimed to inspire national unity and assert Hungary's right to self-determination. Despite widespread support, Hungarian forces faced military opposition from combined Austrian and Russian armies. The declaration became a symbol of 19th-century nationalist and liberal movements. Although eventually suppressed, it laid the groundwork for Hungary's future autonomy within the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
1849
Lajos Kossuth
Hungarian Declaration of Independence
1909day.year
The 31 March Incident leads to the overthrow of Sultan Abdul Hamid II.
On April 13, 1909, the Action Army suppressed the 31 March Incident and deposed Sultan Abdul Hamid II, ending his 33-year reign.
In 1908, the Young Turk Revolution restored the Ottoman constitution, but conservative forces rebelled in what became known as the 31 March Incident. On April 13, 1909, troops loyal to the Action Army marched on Constantinople to quell the uprising and enforce constitutional rule. Their intervention led to the deposition of Sultan Abdul Hamid II, who had ruled since 1876 and implemented both reforms and repressive policies. He was replaced by his brother, Mehmed V, as the Committee of Union and Progress consolidated power. The event reshaped Ottoman politics, accelerating the transition toward a constitutional monarchy. It also set the stage for the empire’s involvement in World War I and its ultimate dissolution.
1909
31 March Incident
Abdul Hamid II
1941day.year
A pact of neutrality between the USSR and Japan is signed.
On April 13, 1941, the Soviet Union and Imperial Japan signed a neutrality pact, agreeing to refrain from attacking each other during World War II.
Negotiated amid rising global tensions, the Soviet–Japanese Neutrality Pact aimed to secure the USSR’s eastern frontier while Japan pursued expansion in Asia. The agreement allowed the Soviets to focus military resources on the European theater against Nazi Germany. Meanwhile, Japan was able to direct its efforts toward Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The pact remained in force until August 1945, when the Soviet Union denounced it and declared war on Japan. Its existence shaped strategic decisions by both powers and influenced the course of World War II. The treaty exemplified the shifting alliances and pragmatic diplomacy of the era.
1941
pact of neutrality
USSR
1953day.year
CIA director Allen Dulles launches the mind-control program Project MKUltra.
In April 1953, CIA Director Allen Dulles launched Project MKUltra, a top-secret mind-control program. It became infamous for its clandestine experiments on unwitting subjects.
Project MKUltra was authorized by CIA Director Allen Dulles to explore methods of influencing and controlling human behavior. The program investigated the effects of LSD, hypnosis, sensory deprivation, and other techniques on unknowing participants. Many subjects, including prisoners and mental patients, experienced severe psychological trauma and lasting harm. Funding was routed through front companies and academic institutions to maintain secrecy. Revelations during the 1970s congressional hearings exposed the program’s breadth and ethical violations. MKUltra prompted reforms in human research ethics and oversight procedures within U.S. intelligence agencies.
1953
CIA
Allen Dulles
mind-control
Project MKUltra
1972day.year
The Universal Postal Union decides to recognize the People's Republic of China as the only legitimate Chinese representative, effectively expelling the Republic of China administering Taiwan.
In April 1972, the Universal Postal Union recognized the People’s Republic of China as China’s sole legitimate representative. This decision expelled Taiwan’s postal administration from the international body.
During the UPU’s congress in Tokyo, member states voted to transfer China’s seat from Taipei to Beijing. The resolution reflected a broader trend of diplomatic recognition shifting toward the People’s Republic of China following Nixon’s visit. As a result, Taiwan lost its membership and voting rights in the global postal community. Mail service agreements had to be renegotiated under new protocols acknowledging Beijing’s authority. The decision marked a significant diplomatic victory for the PRC and further isolated Taiwan internationally. Taiwan continued postal operations bilaterally but without a seat at the UPU table.
1972
Universal Postal Union
People's Republic of China
Republic of China
Taiwan
1976day.year
The United States Treasury Department reintroduces the two-dollar bill as a Federal Reserve Note on Thomas Jefferson's 233rd birthday as part of the United States Bicentennial celebration.
On April 13, 1976, the U.S. Treasury reissued the two-dollar bill as a Federal Reserve Note to mark Thomas Jefferson's 233rd birthday and celebrate the United States Bicentennial.
On April 13, 1976, as part of the upcoming Bicentennial celebrations, the U.S. Treasury Department reintroduced the two-dollar bill as a Federal Reserve Note.
This reissue coincided with the 233rd anniversary of Thomas Jefferson's birth – the third President of the United States and principal author of the Declaration of Independence.
Originally authorized in 1862, the two-dollar note had fallen out of circulation by the mid-20th century.
The 1976 series featured a refined design with the Monticello vignette on the reverse and a portrait of Jefferson on the obverse.
While intended to spark interest in small-denomination currency and patriotic sentiment, public uptake remained modest.
Collectors and history enthusiasts embraced the note, turning it into a sought-after piece of Americana.
Today, the 1976 two-dollar bill stands as a distinctive symbol of the nation's 200th anniversary.
1976
United States Treasury Department
two-dollar bill
Federal Reserve Note
Thomas Jefferson
United States Bicentennial
2013day.year
Salam Fayyad resigns as Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority following an ongoing dispute with the President Mahmoud Abbas.
On April 13, 2013, Salam Fayyad resigned as Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority amid political disputes with President Mahmoud Abbas.
Salam Fayyad announced his resignation as Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority on April 13, 2013, following prolonged disputes with President Mahmoud Abbas.
An independent economist by background, Fayyad was credited with implementing financial reforms and stabilizing the Palestinian economy since 2007.
Tensions grew over budgetary autonomy, security coordination with Israel, and calls for greater executive oversight.
Fayyad's departure sparked debate about the future of governance and the viability of Palestinian state-building efforts.
President Abbas quickly appointed Rami Hamdallah as interim prime minister to ensure administrative continuity.
The resignation highlighted internal political rifts and underscored challenges in advancing peace negotiations.
Fayyad's legacy remains influential in discussions about institutional development and economic resilience in Palestinian territories.
2013
Salam Fayyad
Prime Minister of the Palestinian National Authority
Mahmoud Abbas
2023day.year
The house of Jack Teixeira is raided in an investigation into leaked Pentagon documents; he is arrested on the same day.
On April 13, 2023, federal agents raided the home of Massachusetts National Guard member Jack Teixeira in connection with leaked Pentagon documents.
On April 13, 2023, federal agents executed a search warrant at the home of Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira in Massachusetts.
The operation was part of an investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of classified Pentagon documents online.
Authorities seized computers, storage devices, and other evidence linked to the leak of sensitive national security information.
Teixeira was arrested on charges of unlawfully retaining and distributing defense materials.
The case highlighted vulnerabilities in the handling of classified data within the military ranks.
Defense officials launched an internal review to strengthen clearance procedures and cybersecurity protocols.
The incident underscored the government's efforts to identify and prosecute insider threats to national defense.
2023
Jack Teixeira
leaked Pentagon documents