On This Day in History

October 20

Try searching: king | independence | constitution | protest | royal | science
⏮️ Previous Day Next Day ⏭️
1981
Invention

First Automated Transit System Opens in Tokyo

The world's first fully automated transit system began operation in Tokyo, revolutionizing urban transportation technology.

📍 Tokyo, Japan

Invention Transport
1973
Culture

Sydney Opera House Officially Opens

The Sydney Opera House, an iconic architectural masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site, was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II.

📍 Sydney, Australia

Culture Architecture
1960
Politics

U.S. Embargo Against Cuba Announced

The United States announced a full trade embargo against Cuba, escalating tensions during the Cold War and isolating Cuba economically.

📍 Washington, D.C., USA

Politics Cold War
1960
Science

First Detonation of a Nuclear Bomb in France (Gerboise Bleue)

France conducted its first successful nuclear bomb test, becoming the fourth nation to join the nuclear club and altering global power dynamics.

📍 Reggane, Algeria

Science Nuclear Weapons
1959
Science

First Photographs of Far Side of the Moon by Soviet Luna 3

The Soviet Luna 3 spacecraft transmitted the first images of the Moon's far side, marking a major milestone in space exploration.

📍 Space / USSR

Science Space Exploration
1949
Politics

Establishment of the World Health Organization's Regional Office for Europe

The World Health Organization established its Regional Office for Europe, enhancing international cooperation in public health initiatives across the continent.

📍 Copenhagen, Denmark

Politics Public Health
1947
Politics

World's First General Assembly of the United Nations Convenes

The first regular session of the United Nations General Assembly convened, marking a major step in global diplomatic efforts after World War II.

📍 New York City, USA

Politics United Nations
1944
War

First Kamikaze Attack of World War II

Japanese forces launched the first kamikaze suicide attacks against Allied naval vessels during the Battle of Leyte Gulf in World War II.

📍 Philippine Sea

War WWII
1931
Invention

Opening of the Longest Suspension Bridge in the World (at the time)

The George Washington Bridge opened, connecting New York and New Jersey, and becoming the world's longest suspension bridge at the time.

📍 New York City, USA

Invention Engineering
1903
Politics

First International Radiotelegraph Conference Held

Nations gathered for the first International Radiotelegraph Conference to regulate wireless communication, laying groundwork for global telecommunications standards.

📍 Berlin, Germany

Politics Communication
1891
Science

Birth of James Chadwick, Discoverer of the Neutron

James Chadwick, Nobel Prize-winning physicist known for discovering the neutron, was born, significantly advancing nuclear physics.

📍 Cheshire, England

Science Physics
1884
Culture

First Edition of the Oxford English Dictionary Published

The Oxford English Dictionary, a landmark in linguistic scholarship, released its first edition, standardizing English language references.

📍 Oxford, England

Culture Language
1882
Culture

Birth of Bela Lugosi, Iconic Horror Actor

Bela Lugosi, best known for his portrayal of Dracula and a key figure in early horror cinema, was born in Hungary.

📍 Lugos, Austria-Hungary

Culture Cinema
1854
Culture

Birth of Arthur Rimbaud, Influential French Poet

Arthur Rimbaud, whose innovative poetry influenced modern literature and surrealism, was born in France.

📍 Charleville, France

Culture Literature
1827
War

Battle of Navarino Secures Greek Independence

The Battle of Navarino saw British, French, and Russian fleets defeat Ottoman and Egyptian forces, paving the way for Greek independence.

📍 Navarino, Greece

War Greek Independence
1821
Culture

First Edition of the 'Saturday Evening Post' Published

The 'Saturday Evening Post' was published for the first time, becoming one of America's most influential magazines in culture and literature.

📍 Philadelphia, USA

Culture Publishing
1807
Politics

Treaty of Fontainebleau Signed Allowing French Troops in Spain

The Treaty of Fontainebleau was signed between France and Spain, allowing Napoleon's troops to cross Spain to invade Portugal, triggering the Peninsular War.

📍 Fontainebleau, France

Politics Napoleonic Wars
1803
Politics

U.S. Senate Ratifies Louisiana Purchase

The United States Senate ratified the Louisiana Purchase treaty, doubling the size of the U.S. and accelerating westward expansion.

📍 Washington, D.C., USA

Politics Territorial Expansion
1520
Exploration

Ferdinand Magellan Discovers the Strait of Magellan

Explorer Ferdinand Magellan entered the strait at the southern tip of South America, providing a crucial maritime route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

📍 Strait of Magellan, Chile

Exploration Navigation
1039
Politics

Crowning of Henry III as Holy Roman Emperor

Henry III was crowned Holy Roman Emperor, becoming one of the most powerful rulers of medieval Europe and strengthening imperial authority.

📍 Rome, Italy

Politics Medieval History