History of 13 April: From Jalianwala Bagh massacre to major events of the world

KKN Gurugram Desk | On April 13, 1919, a peaceful gathering at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Punjab, turned into a horrific massacre. Thousands had assembled to protest the Rowlatt Act and the arrest of nationalist leaders Dr. Satyapal and Saifuddin Kitchlew. Brigadier General Reginald Dyer, perceiving the assembly as a threat, ordered his troops to block the garden’s exits and open fire without warning. The troops fired approximately 1,650 rounds into the unarmed crowd, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 379 to over 1,000 individuals, with more than 1,200 injured. ​

The massacre shocked the nation and intensified the Indian independence movement. It led to widespread condemnation of British rule and galvanized leaders like Mahatma Gandhi to advocate for non-cooperation and civil disobedience. Despite various expressions of regret by British officials over the years, including a statement of “deep regret” in 2019, a formal apology has yet to be issued. ​

Other Notable Events on April 13

1743: Birth of Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and principal author of the Declaration of Independence, was born on April 13, 1743. His contributions to American democracy and governance remain foundational.​

1861: The Fall of Fort Sumter

The American Civil War commenced with the Confederate forces’ attack on Fort Sumter in South Carolina. This marked the beginning of a conflict that would profoundly shape the United States’ future.​

1964: Sidney Poitier’s Historic Oscar Win

Sidney Poitier became the first Black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “Lilies of the Field,” breaking racial barriers in the film industry.​

1970: Apollo 13’s Near-Disaster

NASA’s Apollo 13 mission suffered a critical failure when an oxygen tank exploded. The crew’s safe return to Earth was hailed as a “successful failure” and demonstrated the resilience and ingenuity of space exploration efforts.​

1997: Tiger Woods’ Landmark Victory

At just 21 years old, Tiger Woods won the Masters Tournament, becoming the youngest golfer to do so. His 12-stroke victory margin set a record and signaled the start of a transformative era in golf.

April 13 serves as a reminder of humanity’s capacity for both profound injustice and remarkable achievement. The events of this day underscore the importance of remembering history to inform present and future actions. Whether through commemorating the victims of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre or celebrating milestones in civil rights and exploration, April 13 remains a date of reflection and recognition.