What Happened This Year 1913

Historical Events from This Year 1913 (View all 66)

Military & Warfare

Greece Secures Chios from Ottoman Forces

January 3rd, 1913 112 years ago

Greece achieved a significant victory in the First Balkan War as it completed its occupation of the eastern Aegean island of Chios. The last remnants of the Ottoman forces surrendered, marking the culmination of months of conflict in the region. This victory was part of Greece's broader strategy to expand its territory and influence in the Balkans amid the declining power of the Ottoman Empire. The fall of Chios was particularly important due to its strategic location and historical significance.

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Natural Disasters

Unprecedented Barometric Pressure in the U.S.

January 3rd, 1913 112 years ago

A powerful Atlantic coast storm set a record for the lowest confirmed barometric pressure reading of 955.0 mb (28.20 inHg) in the continental United States for a non-tropical system. This extreme weather event impacted multiple states along the Eastern Seaboard, with significant wind and precipitation, resulting in widespread disruption. Meteorologists noted the storm's intensity and the unusual drop in pressure as it moved northward, raising awareness of severe weather patterns.

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Military & Warfare

Greek Victory at the Battle of Lemnos

January 5th, 1913 112 years ago

Admiral Pavlos Kountouriotis commanded the Greek fleet during a decisive naval engagement against the Turkish fleet in the Aegean Sea. The battle unfolded around Lemnos, forcing the Ottoman ships into a retreat to their base within the Dardanelles. This event marked a significant point in the naval operations of the First Balkan War, contributing to Greece's naval supremacy in the region.

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Education & Academia

Ramanujan's First Letter to G. H. Hardy

January 16th, 1913 112 years ago

Srinivasa Ramanujan wrote his first letter to G. H. Hardy in Cambridge, sharing several of his mathematical findings, which included intricate formulae related to integrals and infinite series. This communication marked the beginning of a significant collaboration that would lead to Ramanujan's growing reputation in the mathematical community.

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Military & Warfare

Greek Naval Victory at Lemnos

January 18th, 1913 112 years ago

A Greek naval flotilla achieved a decisive victory over the Ottoman Navy in the Naval Battle of Lemnos, effectively securing the Northern Aegean Sea islands for Greece. The battle was a pivotal moment during the First Balkan War as it demonstrated Greece's growing naval capabilities and its intent to control strategic maritime territories. The victory not only increased Greek territorial claims but also boosted national morale and showcased the effectiveness of Greek naval tactics against a traditionally stronger Ottoman fleet.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Grand Central Terminal opens in New York City

February 2nd, 1913 112 years ago

Grand Central Terminal, an iconic train station in New York City, officially opened its doors to the public. This grand structure was a vision of the partnership between the New York Central Railroad and the renowned architectural firms of Reed and Stem and Warren and Wetmore. Set in the bustling Midtown Manhattan, it was designed to be a central hub for train transportation, showcasing a Beaux-Arts architectural style and luxurious details. One of the most striking features is the celestial dome mural, which depicts the night sky. As a key transportation hub, it transformed travel in the region and remains a symbol of New York's vibrant infrastructure.

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Born in 1913 (View all 402)

Eleanor Holm

Swimmer and actress at the Olympics
Born
December 6th, 1912 112 years ago
Died
January 31st, 2004 21 years ago — 91 years old

A prominent swimmer and actress, this individual competed in the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where an impressive performance led to winning a gold medal in the 100-meter backstroke. Apart from swimming, she had a successful career in film, most notably appearing in the 1934 movie 'The Taming of the Shrew' alongside notable actors such as Basil Rathbone. The journey included a unique twist, as this swimmer was removed from the Olympic team due to her participation in a Hollywood party, which drew attention to the intersection of athletics and celebrity culture during the early 20th century.

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Anna Lee

Actress known for 'General Hospital'
Born
January 2nd, 1913 112 years ago
Died
May 14th, 2004 20 years ago — 91 years old

An actress of English-American descent, gained recognition for her role as Lila Quartermaine on the soap opera 'General Hospital', where she appeared for over three decades. Beginning her career in British films during the 1930s, transitioned to Hollywood in the 1940s. Took part in various films and television series, establishing a long-standing presence in the industry. Continued performing until her later years, contributing to the legacy of daytime drama.

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Juanita Jackson Mitchell

American lawyer and civil rights activist
Born
January 2nd, 1913 112 years ago
Died
1992 33 years ago — 79 years old

A prominent civil rights lawyer and activist, contributed significantly to the fight for racial equality in the United States. Played a key role in organizing legal strategies for civil rights cases during the 20th century, particularly in Maryland. Served as the first African American woman to practice law in Maryland. Advocated for school desegregation and worked with various organizations to promote voting rights. Her efforts helped to challenge discriminatory practices and advance civil rights legislation.

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Malietoa Tanumafili II

Samoan ruler and head of state
Born
January 4th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
May 11th, 2007 17 years ago — 94 years old

Ruling from 1962 until 2007, this individual served as the first head of state of Samoa following its independence from New Zealand. During this period, played a significant role in promoting Samoa's sovereignty and cultural heritage. This ruler was a member of the Malietoa dynasty, which had a long-standing tradition of leadership in Samoan society. Instrumental in developing the legislative framework of the country and fostering international relations, especially within the Pacific region. His reign witnessed notable changes in Samoan society and governance as the nation transitioned from colonial rule to self-governance.

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Edward Gierek

Polish politician and lawyer
Born
January 6th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
July 29th, 2001 23 years ago — 88 years old

Assumed leadership of the Polish United Workers' Party in 1970, serving as First Secretary until 1980. Focused on modernizing the Polish economy, prioritizing industrial development, and improving living standards for citizens. Implemented large-scale investment programs and fostered closer economic ties with Western nations. Faced major social unrest in the late 1970s due to economic challenges and rising public discontent, which ultimately led to his resignation in 1980.

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Loretta Young

Actress and Academy Award winner
Born
January 6th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
August 12th, 2000 24 years ago — 87 years old

This actress gained fame in Hollywood during the Golden Age of Cinema. Starting her career in the silent film era, she transitioned to talkies and became a prominent star. Featured in numerous films such as The Last Ride and The Farmer's Daughter, she showcased significant talent and versatility. Young received an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in The Farmer's Daughter, among other acclaimed performances. Beyond acting, she had a notable television career, with a successful series titled The Loretta Young Show, which won multiple Emmy Awards and established her as a television pioneer.

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People Who Died in 1913 (View all 73)

Léon Teisserenc de Bort

French meteorologist and aeronaut
Born
November 5th, 1855 169 years ago
Died
January 2nd, 1913 112 years ago — 57 years old

Contributions to meteorology included pioneering studies on the upper atmosphere. Conducted balloon experiments, reaching altitudes of over 10 kilometers. Established the concept of the tropopause, significantly advancing understanding of atmospheric layers. Published key research that influenced future work in meteorology and atmospheric science.

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José Guadalupe Posada

Mexican engraver, illustrator, and caricaturist
Born
February 2nd, 1851 174 years ago
Died
January 20th, 1913 112 years ago — 61 years old

An influential engraver and illustrator, contributed significantly to Mexican popular culture through visual art. Worked extensively in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, creating illustrations for books, newspapers, and broadsides. Developed a distinctive style characterized by calaveras, or skeletons, which conveyed social and political commentary. The art reflected the complexities of Mexican society and culture during a time of upheaval, particularly surrounding the Mexican Revolution. His works remain iconic representations of Mexican identity and tradition.

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Gustaf de Laval

Swedish engineer and inventor of cream separator
Born
May 9th, 1845 179 years ago
Died
February 2nd, 1913 112 years ago — 67 years old

A prominent Swedish engineer and inventor, the individual significantly contributed to the dairy industry through the invention of the cream separator, which revolutionized cream extraction. In addition to this invention, a well-regarded steam turbine design greatly enhanced steam engine efficiency, finding applications in various industries. Engaging in various entrepreneurial ventures, the individual established a successful engineering company that engaged in the production of machinery and equipment. Throughout the career, numerous innovations were introduced, impacting agricultural and industrial practices in Sweden and beyond.

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Konstantinos Tsiklitiras

Greek long jumper, Olympic medalist
Born
October 30th, 1888 136 years ago
Died
February 10th, 1913 112 years ago — 24 years old

A celebrated long jumper, achieved recognition at the early 20th century Olympic Games. Competed in the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, where secured a silver medal in the long jump event. Demonstrated exceptional skill, becoming one of the leading athletes of his time. Demonstrated significant athletic talent in both the long jump and the high jump events, achieving notable national records.

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Ferdinand de Saussure

Linguist and author of Course in General Linguistics
Born
November 26th, 1857 167 years ago
Died
February 22nd, 1913 112 years ago — 55 years old

A Swiss linguist, contributed significantly to the understanding of language structure and meaning. Published the influential work 'Course in General Linguistics' posthumously in 1916, shaping modern linguistics and semiotics. Introduced the concept of the linguistic sign comprising the signifier and the signified, laying groundwork for structuralism. His theories emphasized the importance of language as a system of signs and have influenced various fields such as anthropology, psychology, and literary theory.

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Francisco I. Madero

Mexican President and revolutionary leader
Born
October 30th, 1873 151 years ago
Died
February 22nd, 1913 112 years ago — 39 years old

Served as the 33rd President of Mexico from 1911 until his assassination in 1913. Madero was a pivotal figure in the Mexican Revolution, advocating for democracy and land reform. Authored 'La Sucesión Presidencial en 1910', outlining the need for political change in Mexico. His presidency marked the beginning of a tumultuous era, as various factions vied for power following his assassination.

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