What Big Things Happened in 2013?
2013 was a year that saw numerous significant events across various fields, including politics, technology, sports, and more. Here are some of the biggest things that happened in 2013:
Politics and Global Events
- Syrian Civil War: The Syrian Civil War began in 2011, but in 2013, it escalated into a full-blown conflict. The Free Syrian Army (FSA) launched a major attack on the Syrian government, leading to a humanitarian crisis. The conflict resulted in the deaths of over 100,000 people and the displacement of millions.
- Arab Spring: The Arab Spring was a wave of protests and uprisings that swept across the Middle East and North Africa in 2011. In 2013, several countries, including Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia, experienced significant protests and changes in government.
- Congress of the People (COP 19): The Congress of the People, held in Warsaw, Poland, in December 2013, was a major gathering of trade unions and workers’ organizations. The meeting aimed to address the growing income inequality and promote labor rights.
Technology and Science
- NASA’s Arrowsensing Research: NASA’s Arrowsensing Research project, launched in 2012, was a key effort to develop a new method for tracking objects in space. In 2013, the project made significant progress, including the development of a new sensor system that can detect objects in space with unprecedented accuracy.
- Google Acquires Waze: In September 2013, Google acquired the navigation app Waze, which was founded by Oran Benkasi and Ehud Shabtai. The acquisition marked Google’s entry into the global navigation app market.
- Twitch.tv Launched: Twitch.tv, a live streaming platform, was launched in 2011 but gained popularity in 2013. In 2013, Twitch gained over 2 million active users, making it one of the fastest-growing live streaming platforms.
Sports
- Super Bowl XLVII: The Super Bowl, held in February 2013, was won by the Baltimore Ravens, who defeated the San Francisco 49ers 34-31.
- London Marathon: The London Marathon, held in April 2013, was won by Patrick Makau Lonyangat of Kenya.
- Boston Marathon: The Boston Marathon, held in April 2013, was won by Shalane Flanagan of the United States.
Business and Finance
- ExxonMobil Proposes Dividend Cuts: In March 2013, ExxonMobil announced plans to cut its dividend payments to $0.64 per share, citing declining profits and a decrease in production.
- Facebook Acquires Instagram: In April 2012, Facebook acquired Instagram, a photo-sharing app, for $1 billion. In 2013, Instagram was acquired by Facebook for $1 billion, adding a new feature to Facebook’s existing suite of products.
- Saudi Arabia Introduces Anti-Corruption Law: In April 2013, Saudi Arabia introduced an anti-corruption law, which included harsh penalties for corruption-related crimes. The law was seen as a major blow to corruption in the country.
Health and Environment
- Operation Aurora: In April 2013, the United States launched Operation Aurora, a cyber attack on the Associated Press and other organizations. The operation aimed to disrupt Iran’s nuclear program.
- BP Blasts Off Fukushima Oil Spill: In April 2013, BP’s Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, releasing millions of gallons of oil into the ocean. The incident was a major environmental disaster and led to widespread criticism of the company.
- Indian Flu Pandemic: In January 2013, a new strain of the H1N1 virus emerged in India, leading to a flu pandemic that affected millions of people worldwide.
Notable Deaths
- US Poet Tom Taylor: Tom Taylor, a 67-year-old US poet, died in 2013 after a prolonged illness.
- German Actor Rolf Lenge: Rolf Lenge, a German actor, died in 2013 after a long battle with cancer.
- US Senator Ted Stevens: Ted Stevens, a US Senator from Alaska, died in 2012 but was still listed as a member of Congress in 2013, until his death in April 2012.
Other Notable Events
- V-J Day: On August 14, 2013, the United States and its allies celebrated the end of World War II with a V-J Day, marking the final victory of the Allies in World War II.
- World War II V-J Day: In 2013, the United States celebrated its entry into World War II, 70 years after the end of the war.
In conclusion, 2013 was a year marked by significant events across various fields. From the Syrian Civil War to the launches of new technology and sports, 2013 was a year of major milestones and achievements.