October 13th, 2008

Today in History

1944:
World War II: Riga, the capital of Latvia, is liberated by the Red Army

1812:
On the Niagara frontier in Ontario, Canada, United States forces under General Stephen Van Rensselaer are repulsed from invading Canada by British and native troops led by Sir Isaac Brock.

1943:
World War II: The new government of Italy sides with the Allies and declares war on Germany.

1775:
The United States Continental Congress orders the establishment of the Continental Navy (later renamed the United States Navy).

54:
Roman Empire emperor Claudius I dies after being poisoned by his wife Agrippina.