1948⚡ Event
Israeli Declaration of Independence
David Ben-Gurion publicly read the Israeli Declaration of Independence at Independence Hall in Tel Aviv.
politicslaw
This Week in History: Week 20
May 13 – May 19
Over 104 historical moments took place during these 7 days of the calendar year. Explore our curated digest of the most world-changing events, iconic births, and notable deaths.
Explore the Full Daily Timelines
Major Events (May 13 – May 19)(20)
1951⚡ Event
Talyllyn Railway preservation
Trains ran on the Talyllyn Railway in Wales for the first time since its preservation, making it the world's first railway operated by volunteers.
technologyexploration
1961⚡ Event
South Korean Military Coup
Led by Park Chung-hee, the Military Revolution Committee carried out a bloodless coup against the government of Yun Posun in Seoul, ending the Second Republic of Korea.
politicswar
1972⚡ Event
Ryukyu Islands returned to Japan
The Ryukyu Islands were returned to Japan by the United States, and the U.S. occupation government was abolished.
politics
1975⚡ Event
Sikkim Annexed by India
Based on the results of a referendum, the Kingdom of Sikkim abolished its monarchy and was annexed to become the 22nd state of India.
politics
1975⚡ Event
Junko Tabei Reaches Everest Summit
Japanese climber Junko Tabei became the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest.
explorationsports
1977⚡ Event
First Chuck E. Cheese Opens
The first Chuck E. Cheese location opened in San Jose, California. It was the first family restaurant to integrate food, animated entertainment, and an indoor arcade.
entertainmenttechnology
1980⚡ Event
Sumpul River massacre
During the Salvadoran Civil War, refugees fleeing across the Sumpul River were attacked by Salvadoran and Honduran forces, resulting in at least 300 deaths.
warpoliticsdisaster
1990⚡ Event
Van Gogh painting sells for record price
Vincent van Gogh's Portrait of Dr. Gachet was sold at auction for US$82.5 million, setting a world record for the most expensive painting at the time.
artseconomics
1992⚡ Event
Introduction of Falun Gong
Li Hongzhi introduced the Falun Gong movement during a public lecture in Changchun, China.
religionphilosophy
2000⚡ Event
Enschede fireworks disaster
An explosion at a fireworks factory in Enschede, Netherlands, caused 23 deaths and approximately €450 million in damages.
disasterlaw
2004⚡ Event
Arsenal finishes season undefeated
Arsenal became the first football team in England's top flight to finish a season undefeated since Preston North End in the 1888–1889 season.
sports
2005⚡ Event
Andijan massacre
Uzbek troops fired on protesters in Andijan, resulting in a massacre with an estimated death toll ranging from 187 to 1,500.
politicslaw
2008⚡ Event
Jaipur bombings
Nine bombs exploded in Jaipur, India, killing 80 people and injuring over 200 others. The attacks were attributed to the Indian Mujahideen.
disasterlaw
2008⚡ Event
UEFA Cup Final violence
Violence erupted between football hooligans and police on the day of the UEFA Cup Final, resulting in 39 arrests and 39 injured officers.
sportslaw
2010⚡ Event
Stephen Timms murder attempt
British politician Stephen Timms survived a murder attempt by an Islamic extremist during a constituency surgery.
politicslaw
2010⚡ Event
Jessica Watson completes circumnavigation
Jessica Watson arrived in Sydney after sailing non-stop and unassisted around the world, three days before her seventeenth birthday.
explorationsports
2014⚡ Event
Nairobi Market Bombings
At least 12 people were killed and 70 others injured when two bombs exploded in a market in Nairobi, Kenya.
disasterwar
2017⚡ Event
Eurovision Song Contest 2017
Portugal won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time with the song "Amar pelos dois" performed by Salvador Sobral.
musicentertainment
2024⚡ Event
Assassination attempt on Robert Fico
Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico was hospitalized following an assassination attempt.
politics
Famous Birthdays This Week(15)
2002🎂 Birth
Chase Hudson
Chase Hudson, an American internet celebrity, singer, and actor, was born.
entertainmentmusic
Notable Deaths This Week(15)
2019🕊️ Death
Grumpy Cat
Grumpy Cat was an American cat known for its permanently "grumpy" facial expression, becoming an internet meme celebrity.
entertainment
2021🕊️ Death
Oliver Gillie
Oliver Gillie, a British journalist and scientist, has died. He was born in 1937.
scienceliterature
2022🕊️ Death
Frank Curry
Frank Curry, an Australian rugby league player and coach, has died. He was born in 1950.
sports
2023🕊️ Death
Doyle Brunson
Doyle Brunson was an American professional poker player.
sportsentertainment
2024🕊️ Death
Don Perlin
Don Perlin was an American comic book artist, writer, and editor.
artsliterature
2024🕊️ Death
Kamla Beniwal
Kamla Beniwal, an Indian politician, has died. She was born in 1927.
politics
2025🕊️ Death
Kit Bond
Kit Bond, an American lawyer and politician, served as the 47th Governor of Missouri.
politics
2025🕊️ Death
José Mujica
José Mujica, a Uruguayan politician, served as the 40th President of Uruguay.
politics
2025🕊️ Death
Robert Walls
Robert Walls, an Australian footballer, coach, and sportscaster, has died. He was born in 1950.
sports
Trending Topics This Week
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