What happened on November 13 in world history? Here are 4 events worth remembering: See them above in our 57-second video, and below for more details!
Get On This Day In History delivered straight to your inbox ✉️ each day! Sign up here.
Paris attacks
The terror attacks in Paris shocked the world, as multiple locations across the city were targeted, resulting in the deaths of 130 people. Coordinated by ISIS militants, this tragic event left an indelible mark on France and intensified global anti-terrorism efforts.
- The attackers struck six locations, including the Bataclan concert hall, restaurants, and the Stade de France, creating a night of fear and chaos that drew global attention and sympathy.
- France declared a state of emergency, allowing for heightened security measures. This event also accelerated European discussions on intelligence sharing to counter terrorist threats.
Soviet Union completes development of the AK-47
The completion of the AK-47 by the Soviet Union introduced one of the most influential and widely used firearms in modern history. Developed by Mikhail Kalashnikov, the rifle became a symbol of both Soviet power and global resistance movements.
- Known for its simplicity and ruggedness, the AK-47 was designed to withstand harsh conditions and be easy to maintain, making it a favored weapon among various military forces.
- The rifle became a standard issue in Soviet-aligned states and was widely adopted by insurgent and guerrilla groups worldwide, eventually becoming an iconic symbol of revolution and conflict.
- Decades after its development, the AK-47 remains one of the most produced and recognized firearms, with over 100 million units made and a significant impact on global armed conflicts.
Nevado del Ruiz Eruption
The eruption of Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia led to one of the deadliest volcanic disasters, with massive mudflows burying entire towns and killing an estimated 23,000 people. The tragedy highlighted vulnerabilities in emergency preparedness and response for natural disasters.
- The eruption melted part of the volcano's ice cap, creating massive mudflows (lahars) that swept down the mountainside, engulfing towns like Armero and trapping residents.
- Though scientists had warned of possible volcanic activity, limited infrastructure and response delays meant many residents were unprepared, contributing to the high death toll.
- The disaster spurred changes in global emergency response and monitoring systems, leading to advancements in volcanic eruption prediction and disaster mitigation techniques worldwide.
Whoopi Goldberg is Born
The birth of Whoopi Goldberg (born Caryn Elaine Johnson) introduced the world to a future Hollywood icon known for her unique comedic style, social advocacy, and dynamic presence on screen and stage.
- Goldberg gained fame with her one-woman show and breakout role in The Color Purple, becoming one of the few performers to achieve the coveted EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony).
- Beyond her entertainment career, Goldberg is known for her outspoken advocacy on social and political issues, including racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and women’s health.
- From her role in Sister Act to hosting The View, Goldberg’s career spans film, television, and theater, making her a beloved and enduring figure in American entertainment.