1862day.year
Southern slave Robert Smalls steals the steamboat Planter, spirits it through Confederate lines and hands it to the United States Navy, who quickly commission it as the gunboat USS Planter and appoint Smalls as captain, thus making him the first black man to command a United States ship.
In 1862, Robert Smalls commandeered the Confederate steamboat Planter and delivered it to Union forces, becoming the first black captain of a U.S. warship.
On the night of May 12–13, 1862, enslaved pilot Robert Smalls seized the Confederate steamer Planter in Charleston, South Carolina, and navigated it through enemy defenses to the Union blockade. Smalls freed his family and other enslaved crew members, delivering valuable intelligence and the vessel itself to Union authorities. Recognizing his bravery and skill, the U.S. Navy commissioned the ship as the USS Planter and appointed Smalls as its captain. His achievement made him the first African American to command a United States naval vessel. Smalls went on to serve with distinction in the Civil War and later became a politician advocating for civil rights. His daring act became a powerful symbol of resistance and African American agency.
1862
Robert Smalls
Confederate
USS Planter
1888day.year
With the passage of the Lei Áurea ("Golden Law"), the Empire of Brazil abolishes slavery.
Brazil abolished slavery with the Lei Áurea ('Golden Law'), freeing all enslaved people in the empire.
On May 13, 1888, Princess Isabel of Brazil signed the Lei Áurea, officially ending slavery throughout the Brazilian Empire. The law consisted of just two articles but had profound social and economic impact, liberating over 700,000 people. The abolition came after decades of gradual emancipation measures and mounting pressure from abolitionists and the international community. Brazil was the last country in the Western Hemisphere to end legal slavery. The Golden Law transformed the nation’s labor system and ignited discussions about citizenship and integration. The act also contributed to political unrest that led to the fall of the monarchy the following year.
1888
Lei Áurea
Empire of Brazil
slavery
1917day.year
Three children report the first apparition of Our Lady of Fátima in Fátima, Portugal.
Three children in Fátima reported the first apparition of the Virgin Mary, igniting a worldwide devotion.
On May 13, 1917, shepherd children Lúcia dos Santos and her cousins Francisco and Jacinta Marto witnessed what they believed was the first appearance of the Virgin Mary in Fátima, Portugal. The figure identified herself as Our Lady of Fátima and delivered messages calling for prayer, repentance, and conversion. The children’s accounts quickly drew pilgrims and skeptics alike to the Cova da Iria site. Subsequent apparitions and the reported 'Miracle of the Sun' deepened the phenomenon’s impact. The Catholic Church later recognized the events as worthy of belief, making Fátima one of the world’s most significant Marian pilgrimage sites. The shrine, now visited by millions annually, continues to inspire faith and devotion.
1917
Our Lady of Fátima
Fátima, Portugal
1951day.year
The 400th anniversary of the founding of the National University of San Marcos is commemorated by the opening of the first large-capacity stadium in Peru.
In 1951, Peru celebrated the 400th anniversary of the National University of San Marcos by opening the country's first large-capacity stadium.
On May 13, 1951, Peru commemorated 400 years since the founding of the National University of San Marcos, the oldest university in the Americas. As part of the anniversary festivities, the university inaugurated its first large-capacity stadium on campus. The modern venue, seating thousands, hosted academic convocations, sporting competitions, and cultural events. The stadium's opening symbolized Peru's postwar modernization efforts and the university's role in national development. It inspired similar infrastructure projects across the country. Over time, the stadium became a beloved center for student life and public gatherings in Lima.
1951
National University of San Marcos
first large-capacity stadium in Peru
1954day.year
The anti-National Service Riots, by Chinese middle school students in Singapore, take place.
In 1954, Chinese middle school students in Singapore held anti-National Service riots to protest compulsory military conscription under British rule.
On May 13, 1954, Chinese middle school students in Singapore initiated the anti-National Service riots against the colonial government's proposal for mandatory military service. Students from schools including Chung Cheng High School marched through city streets, clashing with police forces. Demonstrators demanded the withdrawal of the National Service ordinance, viewing it as an infringement on local autonomy and youth rights. Police responded with batons and tear gas, leading to multiple injuries and arrests. The unrest highlighted growing anti-colonial sentiment and the emergence of student activism in Singapore's push for self-governance. The government eventually engaged in dialogue with community leaders and modified its service policies.
1954
anti-National Service Riots
Singapore
1958day.year
During a visit to Caracas, Venezuela, the US Vice President Richard Nixon's car is attacked by anti-American demonstrators.
In 1958, during a visit to Caracas, Venezuela, US Vice President Richard Nixon's car was attacked by anti-American demonstrators.
On May 13, 1958, US Vice President Richard Nixon embarked on a Latin American tour aimed at improving hemispheric relations. In Caracas, a hostile crowd protesting US policies threw stones and bottles at his armored motorcade as it traveled through urban neighborhoods. Nixon escaped unharmed, though members of his entourage suffered minor injuries. The attack, later dubbed the 'Caracas Riots,' prompted President Eisenhower to cut short the goodwill mission. The incident underscored Cold War tensions and Latin American distrust of American influence. It led to a reassessment of US diplomatic strategies in the region and remains a significant episode in Nixon's political career.
1958
Caracas
Richard Nixon
is attacked by anti-American demonstrators
1960day.year
Hundreds of University of California, Berkeley students congregate for the first day of protest against a visit by the House Committee on Un-American Activities.
In May 1960, hundreds of UC Berkeley students held their first protest against a planned visit by the House Committee on Un-American Activities, sparking a landmark moment in campus activism.
On May 13, 1960, a large gathering of University of California, Berkeley students confronted the House Committee on Un-American Activities.
The protest marked the beginning of intense student-led activism on issues of free speech and academic freedom.
Demonstrators carried banners, chanted slogans, and refused to disperse, facing criticism from authorities.
The event drew national attention, highlighting tensions between government oversight and civil liberties.
University administrators and law enforcement struggled to manage the spirited demonstrations.
This early clash foreshadowed the broader Free Speech Movement that would define Berkeley campus life.
The protest became a symbol of youth dissent during the Cold War era.
1960
University of California, Berkeley
House Committee on Un-American Activities
1989day.year
Large groups of students occupy Tiananmen Square and begin a hunger strike.
In May 1989, students occupied Tiananmen Square and held a hunger strike demanding political reform in China.
In spring 1989, thousands of Chinese students gathered in Beijing's iconic Tiananmen Square.\nOn May 13, they occupied the square to demand greater political freedom and an end to corruption.\nThe demonstrators began a hunger strike, capturing international attention and sympathy.\nTheir peaceful protest set the stage for a larger pro-democracy movement across China.\nThe hunger strike persisted for weeks, symbolizing the students' unwavering commitment to change.
1989
occupy
Tiananmen Square
1992day.year
Li Hongzhi gives the first public lecture on Falun Gong in Changchun, People's Republic of China.
Falun Gong's founder Li Hongzhi held the movement's first public lecture in Changchun, China, marking the beginning of a global spiritual practice.
On May 13, 1992, Li Hongzhi delivered the inaugural public lecture on Falun Gong in Changchun, China.\nCombining traditional qigong exercises with moral teachings, Falun Gong quickly gained popularity across China.\nThe lecture introduced core principles of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance.\nBy the late 1990s, millions practiced Falun Gong, making it one of China's largest spiritual movements.\nThe practice later faced government suppression but continued to spread internationally.
1992
Li Hongzhi
Falun Gong
Changchun
1998day.year
Race riots break out in Jakarta, Indonesia, where shops owned by Indonesians of Chinese descent are looted and women raped.
Racial violence erupted in Jakarta in 1998 as ethnic Chinese Indonesians were targeted by looters and attacked amidst political unrest.
On May 13, 1998, race riots broke out in Jakarta amid Indonesia's political and economic turmoil.\nShops owned by ethnic Chinese Indonesians were looted and burned, and some residents suffered assault or rape.\nThe violence reflected deep-seated resentment toward the minority community during the Asian financial crisis.\nSecurity forces were criticized for failing to protect vulnerable populations.\nThese riots marked one of the darkest chapters in Indonesia's modern history and spurred calls for reform.
1998
Race riots
Jakarta
Indonesians of Chinese descent
2006day.year
São Paulo violence: Rebellions occur in several prisons in Brazil.
Prison rebellions broke out in multiple São Paulo facilities, leading to violent clashes and drawing attention to Brazil's overcrowded penitentiary system.
On May 13, 2006, coordinated prison rebellions erupted in several São Paulo correctional facilities.\nInmates seized control of cell blocks and took hostages to protest inhumane conditions.\nSecurity forces deployed tear gas and armored vehicles to retake the prisons, resulting in injuries on both sides.\nThe unrest prompted national debate on prison overcrowding and inmate rights.\nAuthorities pledged to address systemic issues and improve oversight of Brazil's criminal justice system.
2006
São Paulo violence