This Day In History, August 13th.
Five Historical Events That Happened on August 13th
The Spanish adventurer Hernán Cortés takes the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan in 1521, therefore ending the Aztec Empire and establishing Spanish sovereignty in Mexico.
The Treaty of Paris, signed in 1898, concludes the Spanish-American War by granting the United States dominion over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
1961: Construction of the Berlin Wall begins in East Germany, dividing East and West Berlin and becoming a Cold War icon.
2004: The 2004 Summer Olympics begin in Athens, Greece, returning to the city that hosted the first modern Olympics in 1896.
2014: Robin Williams, an American actor and comedian, commits suicide at his home in California, upsetting admirers across the world and generating discussions about mental health and suicide prevention.
1521: The Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés captures the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán, marking the end of the Aztec Empire and the beginning of Spanish rule in Mexico.
Hernán Cortés led a force of Spanish warriors to the conquest of the Aztec Empire, one of the most formidable civilizations in pre-Columbian America. On August 13, 1521, the Spanish were able to seize the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan after a lengthy and terrible fight. This event signaled the end of the Aztec Empire and the start of Spanish dominance in Mexico, which lasted for more than three centuries. The invasion had a significant influence on Mexico's indigenous peoples, culminating in the loss of their territory, culture, and population.
1898: The Spanish-American War ends with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, which grants the United States control over Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.
The Spanish-American War was a struggle in 1898 between the United States and Spain. The conflict began in April of that year and concluded on August 13, 1898, with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. The deal required Spain to give up its claim to Cuba and to hand up authority of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines to the United States. This marked the start of US colonial authority over these areas, and it had a significant influence on the history and development of the US, as well as its relationship with other nations in the region.
1961: The construction of the Berlin Wall begins in East Germany, separating East Berlin from West Berlin and becoming a symbol of the Cold War.
On August 13, 1961, the East German government began building of the Berlin Wall, which would come to symbolize the Cold War divide between East and West. The wall was constructed to keep East German civilians from fleeing to the West, and it was extensively reinforced with guards, barbed wire, and other impediments. The wall's construction increased tensions between the Soviet Union and the Western powers, and it served as a potent symbol of the ideological and political difference that existed between the two sides. The wall stood for over three decades before finally collapsing in 1989, signaling the end of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany.
2004: The 2004 Summer Olympics officially open in Athens, Greece, returning to the city where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896.
On August 13, 2004, the 2004 Summer Olympics began in Athens, Greece. The Olympic Games returned to the city where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896. The 2004 Summer Olympics were remarkable for their emphasis on Greek history and culture, with a variety of historical and mythical references included in the opening ceremony. The Games also featured a number of remarkable sports feats, notably swimmer Michael Phelps' performance, which earned him a total of six gold medals, and the triumph of the Greek national football team, who won the gold medal in men's football. The Summer Olympics in 2004 were universally recognized as a successful and memorable event.
2014: American actor and comedian Robin Williams dies by suicide at his home in California, shocking fans around the world and sparking conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
Robin Williams, an American actor and comedian, was discovered dead at his home in Paradise Cay, California, on August 13, 2014. Suicide by hanging was declared to be the cause of death. Williams was a well-known personality in the entertainment world, recognized for his quick humor, contagious enthusiasm, and diverse acting ability. His untimely demise shocked the globe and ignited a debate about mental health and suicide prevention. Williams had battled depression and substance misuse his whole life, and his death raised attention to the need for increased awareness and help for people dealing with mental health concerns.