Today in News History

On July 13, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1174, William I of Scotland, a key rebel in the Revolt of 1173-74, is captured at Alnwick by forces loyal to Henry II of England. In 1573, Eighty Years' War: The Siege of Haarlem ends after seven months. In 1770, Alexander Balashov, Russian general and politician, Russian Minister of Police (died 1837) was born. In 1787, The Congress of the Confederation enacts the Northwest Ordinance establishing governing rules for the Northwest Territory. It also establishes procedures for the admission of new states and limits the expansion of slavery. In 1863, American Civil War: The New York City draft riots begin three days of rioting which will later be regarded as the worst in United States history. In 1922, Martin Dies Sr., American journalist and politician (born 1870) passed away. In 1941, World War II: Montenegrins begin the Trinaestojulski ustanak (Thirteenth of July Uprising), a popular revolt against the Axis powers. In 1977, New York City: Amidst a period of financial and social turmoil experiences an electrical blackout lasting nearly 24 hours that leads to widespread fires and looting. In 2015, Martin Litchfield West, English scholar, author, and academic (born 1927) passed away. In 2017, Liu Xiaobo, Chinese literary critic, human rights activist (born 1955) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.