What historical events took place on may 13th?

On May 13th, several significant historical events occurred. In 1846, the United States declared war on Mexico, marking the beginning of the Mexican-American War. Additionally, in 1888, Brazil abolished slavery with the signing of the Golden Law, making it the last country in the Americas to do so. More recently, in 1981, Pope John Paul II was shot and seriously wounded in an assassination attempt in St. Peter's Square, Vatican City.