Discover what happened on August 13 with HISTORY's summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.

August 13

Discover what happened on August 13 with HISTORY&#8217;s summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.

What Happened on August 13 | HISTORY

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America’s Founding Fathers decided that one elected civilian—the U.S. president—would lead the executive branch of the federal government, a governmental structure that has remained in place for more than 200 years.

U.S. Presidents

Latin America encompasses Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries, including all of South America as well as Mexico, Central America, and islands of the Caribbean. Latin American history saw colonization by the Spaniards and Portuguese, from the 15th through the 18th century, as well as independence movements in the early 19th century.

Latin American & Caribbean History

Sports and recreation are an integral part of human history, from the ancient Olympics to the Kentucky Derby, Jackie Robinson, Negro League Baseball, the Super Bowl and more.

Sports

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History.com Editors

Art history tells the complex story of human civilization through art, literature and design. It ranges from prehistoric art of the Neolithic period through Renaissance masterpieces, Impressionism, Modernism, the Bauhaus and contemporary art.

Art, Literature and Film History

Inventions from the telephone to the Model T and the computer have defined human history, and inventors like Leonardo da Vinci, Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison, Eli Whitney and Alexander Graham Bell have transformed our society.

Inventions & Science

The Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union lasted for decades and resulted in anti-communist suspicions and international incidents that led two superpowers to the brink of nuclear disaster.

Cold War

Ancient America was home to sophisticated civilizations such as the Maya, Inca, Olmec and Aztec societies, and mysterious ruins like Chichen Itza, Teotihuacan, Serpent Mound, Tikal, Machu Picchu and the Nazca Lines.

This Day In History: August 13

Berlin is divided

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This Day in History Video: What Happened on August 13

Reagan signs Economic Recovery Tax Act (ERTA)

Fidel Castro born

“Hound Dog” is recorded for the first time by Big Mama Thornton

Aztec capital falls to Cortés

New York Yankees star Mickey Mantle dies

“Fast Times at Ridgemont High” debuts

First victim of Memphis yellow fever epidemic dies

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