December 13

Monday 13, 2004:

Scott Peterson is sentenced to death for murder of his wife, Laci Peterson, and unborn son, Connor.

Saturday 13, 2003:

The most-attended basketball game in history, between Michigan State University and the University of Kentucky at Ford Field.

Friday 13, 2002:

The European Union announces the addition of ten new members, effective May 1, 2004.

Thursday 13, 2001:

Parliament of India attacked by armed militants. Attempt foiled.

Wednesday 13, 2000:

The Texas 7 escape from a Texas prison and go on a crime spree.

Friday 13, 1996:

Kofi Annan elected as Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Sunday 13, 1981:

General Wojciech Jaruzelski declares martial law in Poland

Wednesday 13, 1978:

The first Susan B. Anthony dollar enters circulation

Tuesday 13, 1977:

A United States government DC-3 crashes after takeoff at Evansville, Indiana, killing 29, including the University of Evansville basketball team

Friday 13, 1974:

Malta becomes a republic

Wednesday 13, 1972:

A chartered Spanish airliner crashes on takeoff from the Canary Islands, killing 155

Sunday 13, 1959:

Archbishop Makarios becomes the first President of Cyprus

Tuesday 13, 1949:

The Knesset votes to move the capital of Israel to Jerusalem

Wednesday 13, 1939:

The Battle of the River Plate, the first major naval battle of World War II, begins.

Tuesday 13, 1938:

100 deportees from Sachsenhausen build the Neuengamme concentration camp near Hamburg

Monday 13, 1937:

Battle of Nanjing concludes with the Japanese victory and the fall of the city which became the site of the Nanjing Massacre

Saturday 13, 1862:

American Civil War: At the Battle of Fredericksburg, Confederate General Robert E. Lee defeats the Union Major General Ambrose E. Burnside.

Sunday 13, 1643:

English Civil War: The Battle of Alton takes place in Hampshire.

Saturday 13, 1642:

Abel Janszoon Tasman reaches New Zealand.

Tuesday 13, 1577:

Sir Francis Drake sets out from Plymouth, England, on his round-the-world voyage

Thursday 13, 1545:

Council of Trent begins

More on December, 13

• People Born on December, 13
• They left us on December, 13