On March 20, history has consistently unfolded in remarkable ways, capturing a series of “Major Historical Events” that have shaped our world. This date brings to light pivotal moments ranging from transformative political revolutions to groundbreaking advancements in science and culture, offering a compelling glimpse into the milestones that have contributed to our collective narrative.
Major Historical Events on March 20- Today in History
1206: Ecumenical Patriarch Appointed
Michael IV Autoreianos became the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople in 1206. His appointment was a significant event for the Eastern Orthodox Church. It marked a new chapter in the spiritual and administrative leadership of Constantinople, reinforcing the city’s importance in Christian orthodoxy.
1600: Linköping Bloodbath Occurs
The Linköping Bloodbath occurred in 1600, in Sweden. Five noblemen were beheaded following the War against Sigismund. This event is a grim reminder of the brutal consequences of political and religious conflicts during the period, highlighting the harsh measures against perceived betrayal.
1602: Dutch East India Founded
In 1602, the Dutch East India Company was established. It became one of the world’s first multinational corporations and was instrumental in Dutch colonial expansion. The company played a key role in the spice trade, setting the stage for global trade networks.
1616: Raleigh Freed from Tower
Sir Walter Raleigh was released from the Tower of London in 1616 after 13 years. His imprisonment ended, marking a significant moment in his adventurous life. Raleigh was a famed explorer and poet, contributing greatly to English literature and the exploration of the New World.
1760: Great Boston Fire
The Great Boston Fire of 1760 destroyed 349 buildings. This disaster significantly impacted Boston, demonstrating the challenges of urban living and the importance of effective fire prevention and response strategies in colonial America.
1815: Napoleon Returns to Paris
Napoleon entered Paris in 1815 after escaping from Elba. He was accompanied by a sizable force, signaling the start of his “Hundred Days” rule. This period was marked by political upheaval and set the stage for the Battle of Waterloo.
1848: Bavarian King Abdicates
King Ludwig I of Bavaria abdicated in 1848 amid the German revolutions. His abdication reflected the widespread desire for change across Europe, as citizens demanded more political freedom and national unity.
1852: Uncle Tom’s Cabin Published
Harriet Beecher Stowe published “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” in 1852. This novel played a crucial role in anti-slavery movements, influencing public opinion and strengthening the cause against slavery in the United States.
1854: Republican Party Organized
The Republican Party of the United States was organized in Ripon, Wisconsin, in 1854. This event marked the foundation of a political party that would become one of the two major parties in the U.S., significantly influencing American politics.
1861: Earthquake Hits Mendoza
An earthquake in 1861 devastated Mendoza, Argentina. The destruction brought to light the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters and the importance of building resilient infrastructure.
1883: Industrial Property Convention
The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property was signed in 1883. It established international rules for intellectual property rights, fostering innovation and cooperation among nations.
1888: First Romani Operetta
The first Romani language operetta premiered in Moscow in 1888. This cultural milestone showcased the richness of Romani culture and contributed to the diversity of the performing arts in Russia.
1890: Bismarck Dismissed
Otto von Bismarck was dismissed by Emperor Wilhelm II in 1890. The end of Bismarck’s chancellorship marked a significant shift in German politics and foreign policy, leading to new challenges for the empire.
1896: Qing Dynasty Post Office
The Qing dynasty post office opened in 1896 with Emperor Guangxu’s approval. This establishment marked the beginning of organized postal services in China, facilitating communication and trade.
1913: Sung Chiao-jen Assassinated
Sung Chiao-jen, a founder of the Chinese Nationalist Party, was assassinated in 1913. His death underscored the turbulent political landscape in China and the struggle for power and reform.
1916: Einstein’s Theory Published
Albert Einstein published his general theory of relativity in 1916. This groundbreaking theory revolutionized our understanding of gravity, space, and time, marking a pivotal moment in the history of physics.
1921: Upper Silesia Plebiscite
The Upper Silesia plebiscite in 1921 determined a section of the border between Germany and Poland. This vote was mandated by the Versailles Treaty, highlighting the complex post-WWI territorial adjustments in Europe.
1922: First US Aircraft Carrier
The USS Langley was commissioned as the first U.S. Navy aircraft carrier in 1922. This event signaled the beginning of modern naval aviation, transforming naval warfare and strategy.
1923: Picasso’s US Debut
Pablo Picasso’s first U.S. showing opened in Chicago in 1923. Hosted by the Arts Club, this event introduced Americans to modern art, making Picasso a key figure in the American art scene.
1926: Chiang’s Communist Purge
Chiang Kai-shek initiated a purge of communists in 1926 within the National Revolutionary Army. This action highlighted the internal conflicts within China’s nationalist forces, impacting the country’s political landscape.
1933: Dachau Camp Ordered
Heinrich Himmler ordered the creation of Dachau concentration camp in 1933. As the first Nazi concentration camp, Dachau’s establishment marked the beginning of a dark chapter in history, highlighting the regime’s brutality.
1942: MacArthur’s Famous Speech
General Douglas MacArthur made his famous “I shall return” speech in 1942 during WWII. His promise reflected the U.S. commitment to the Philippines, symbolizing hope and resistance against Japanese occupation.
1948: First Classical Music Telecasts
The first telecasts of classical music in the U.S. aired in 1948. With the Musicians Union ban lifted, performances by Ormandy and Toscanini on CBS and NBC brought classical music to a wider audience.
1951: Fujiyoshida City Founded
Fujiyoshida was founded in 1951, in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. This city’s establishment reflected post-war reconstruction and development efforts, contributing to Japan’s cultural and economic growth.
1952: US-Japan Security Treaty
The U.S. Senate ratified the Security Treaty with Japan in 1952. This agreement signified the post-WWII alliance between the two nations, shaping the strategic landscape of the Pacific region.
1956: Tunisia Gains Independence
Tunisia gained independence from France in 1956. This momentous event marked the end of colonial rule and the beginning of Tunisia’s journey as a sovereign nation, influencing decolonization movements across Africa.
1964: ESRO Established
The European Space Research Organisation (ESRO) was established in 1964. As a precursor to the European Space Agency, ESRO’s creation represented a significant step towards European cooperation in space exploration.
1969: Airlines Crash in Aswan
A United Arab airlines Ilyushin Il-18 crashed in 1969, killing 100. This tragedy highlighted the challenges and risks associated with air travel, prompting improvements in aviation safety.
1972: First IRA Car Bombing
The first car bombing by the Provisional IRA in 1972 in Belfast killed seven. This attack marked a grim milestone in The Troubles, illustrating the escalating violence in Northern Ireland.
1985: First Female Iditarod Winner
Libby Riddles became the first woman to win the Iditarod in 1985. Her victory in this grueling sled dog race broke gender barriers and showcased human endurance and determination.
1985: Hansen’s Global Wheelchair Journey
Rick Hansen began his global wheelchair journey in 1985. As a paraplegic athlete and humanitarian, his mission focused on spinal cord injury research, inspiring millions with his dedication to overcoming obstacles.
1987: AZT Approved
The FDA approved the anti-AIDS drug AZT in 1987. This approval was a critical step in the fight against HIV/AIDS, offering hope and saving countless lives.
1988: Battle of Afabet Victory
The Eritrean People’s Liberation Front won the Battle of Afabet in 1988. This victory in the Eritrean War of Independence was a turning point, moving Eritrea closer to achieving sovereignty.
1990: Imelda Marcos on Trial
Imelda Marcos went on trial in 1990. The widow of Ferdinand Marcos faced charges of bribery, embezzlement, and racketeering, highlighting the corruption within the Philippines’ former ruling regime.
1993: Warrington Bombing
A Provisional IRA bomb killed two children in Warrington in 1993. This tragic event led to mass protests, drawing attention to the human cost of The Troubles in Britain and Ireland.
1995: Tokyo Subway Attack
Aum Shinrikyo’s sarin gas attack on the Tokyo subway in 1995 killed 13 and wounded over 6,200. This act of domestic terrorism shocked the world, revealing the dangers posed by extremist cults.
1999: First Legoland in US
Legoland California opened in 1999. As the first Legoland outside Europe, it marked the expansion of the Legoland theme park franchise, promoting creativity and learning through play.
2000: Jamil Al-Amin Captured
Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin was captured in 2000 after murdering a sheriff’s deputy. Formerly known as H. Rap Brown, his arrest ended a manhunt and highlighted his radical transformation from a civil rights activist to a wanted criminal.
2003: Iraq War Begins
The invasion of Iraq began in 2003, led by the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Poland. This controversial military action aimed to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction, significantly impacting global politics and the Middle East.
2006: Chadian Soldiers Killed
Over 150 Chadian soldiers were killed by rebels in 2006. This attack by the UFDC aimed to overthrow President Idriss Déby, underscoring the instability and conflict in Chad.
2010: Eyjafjallajökull Eruptions Begin
Eyjafjallajökull’s eruptions began in 2010. This volcanic activity in Iceland disrupted air travel across Europe for months, highlighting the global impact of natural disasters.
2012: Iraq Terror Attacks
A wave of terror attacks in 2012 killed at least 52 in Iraq. These coordinated bombings across ten cities underscored the ongoing violence and instability in the country.
2014: Kabul Hotel Attack
The Kabul Serena Hotel was attacked by Taliban members in 2014, killing nine. This assault on a civilian target in Afghanistan’s capital demonstrated the persistent threat of terrorism in the region.
2015: Rare Astronomical Alignment
A solar eclipse, equinox, and supermoon all coincided in 2015. This rare astronomical alignment captivated observers worldwide, illustrating the beauty and complexity of celestial events.
2015: Siege of Kobanî Broken
The Siege of Kobanî was broken in 2015. The YPG and FSA’s victory was a turning point in the Syrian civil war, highlighting the determination of Kurdish forces against Islamist militants.
2019: Tokayev Becomes Acting President
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev became acting president of Kazakhstan in 2019. Following Nursultan Nazarbayev’s resignation, Tokayev’s appointment marked a significant political transition in Kazakhstan, continuing the country’s development and stability.
Also Read: Major Historical Events on March 18- Today in History
