What happened on May 13th?

Churchill's defiant address boosted his national morale amidst the crisis

Author

Matthew Jones
May 13, 2025

1940 Churchill Delivers His First Speech As Prime Minister

On May 13th, 1940, Winston Churchill delivered his first speech in the House of Commons as prime minister, urging Britain to prepare for the challenges of World War II. His speech came at a critical moment, just days after he took office, as Nazi forces advanced across Europe. Churchill’s resolute words, which emphasized resilience and the need to fight on despite the grim situation, rallied the British public and Parliament.

Winston Churchill in Canada in December 1941.

🗞️Today’s Headlines

Everything important that’s ever happened on May 13:

1981 — Pope John Paul II survived an assassination attempt in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, when Turkish gunman Mehmet Ali Ağca shot him.

1960 — A Swiss mountaineering expedition led by Max Eiselin became the first to successfully reach the summit of Dhaulagiri, the seventh-highest peak in the Himalayas.

1917 — Three children in Fátima, Portugal, reported seeing visions of the Virgin Mary, an event that would become a key part of Catholic tradition.

1846 — The United States declared war on Mexico after tensions over the annexation of Texas, and thus began the Mexican-American War.

1637 — Cardinal Richelieu of France was credited with inventing the table knife, revolutionizing dining etiquette.

🎂 Today’s Birthdays

On May 13, we’re singing to:

Maria Theresa (1717) — Holy Roman Empress known for her leadership during the War of Austrian Succession and her reforms in the Habsburg monarchy.

Jim Jones (1931) — Cult leader and founder of the Peoples Temple responsible for the tragic mass suicide in Jonestown in 1978.

Stevie Wonder (1950) — American singer, composer, and musician celebrated for his pioneering work in soul, R&B, and pop, with hits like "Superstition" and "Isn't She Lovely."

Dennis Rodman (1961) — American basketball player famed for his rebounding skills, eccentric personality, and key role in the Chicago Bulls’ NBA championships in the 1990s.

Stephen Colbert (1964) — American comedian best known for his satirical news show The Colbert Report and as the host of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Robert Pattinson (1986) — British actor famous for his role as Edward Cullen in the Twilight saga and for his diverse roles in films like The Lighthouse and Good Time.

 🪦Who Died Today?

On May 13, we’re saying goodbye to:

Fridtjof Nansen (1930) — Norwegian explorer, scientist, and humanitarian recognized for his Arctic expeditions and his efforts to help refugees after World War I.

Gary Cooper (1961) — American actor known for his iconic roles in films such as High Noon and Sergeant York and for winning two Academy Awards for Best Actor.

Chet Baker (1988) — American jazz musician and vocalist celebrated for his trumpet playing and his smooth, melancholic voice as well as for his influence on the West Coast jazz scene.

Doris Day (2019) — American singer and actress remembered for her roles in classic films like Pillow Talk and Calamity Jane and for her successful music career.

Alice Munro (2024) — Canadian author and recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature acclaimed for her short stories that explore the complexities of everyday life.

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