On This Day in History

January 20

Try searching: king | independence | constitution | protest | royal | science
โฎ๏ธ Previous Day Next Day โญ๏ธ
2021
Politics

Joe Biden Inaugurated as 46th U.S. President

Joe Biden was sworn in as President during a historic inauguration marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened political tension following the Capitol riot. Kamala Harris also made history as the first female Vice President.

๐Ÿ“ Washington, D.C., United States

Democracy has prevailed.
Politics COVID-19 United States
2018
Science

China Launches Yaogan-30 Satellite Series for Surveillance

China launched the Yaogan-30 satellites, part of a high-resolution surveillance and reconnaissance program. The move highlighted China's growing capabilities in space-based intelligence systems.

๐Ÿ“ Xichang Satellite Launch Center, China

Science China Satellites
2017
Politics

Donald Trump Inaugurated as 45th President of the United States

Donald J. Trump took office as the 45th U.S. President, becoming the first without prior political or military service. His presidency introduced a disruptive style to American and global politics.

๐Ÿ“ Washington, D.C., United States

From this day forward, it's going to be only America first.
Politics U.S. History 21st Century
2009
Politics

Barack Obama Sworn in as First African American U.S. President

Barack Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States, becoming the first African American to hold the office in U.S. history. His inauguration drew record global attention and turnout.

๐Ÿ“ Washington, D.C., United States

Change has come to America.
Politics Civil Rights United States
2001
Politics

George W. Bush Inaugurated as 43rd U.S. President

George W. Bush was inaugurated as President of the United States following one of the closest and most controversial elections in American history, marked by a Supreme Court decision.

๐Ÿ“ Washington, D.C., United States

Politics U.S. History Elections
1995
Culture

Death of Soviet Leader Leonid Brezhnev's Widow Viktoria

Viktoria Brezhneva, widow of Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev, died in Moscow. She had lived through critical decades of Cold War leadership and maintained a quiet influence behind the scenes.

๐Ÿ“ Moscow, Russia

Culture Soviet Union Cold War
1993
Politics

Bill Clinton Inaugurated as 42nd U.S. President

Bill Clinton was inaugurated, ushering in a new generation of American leadership focused on economic reform, globalization, and centrist policies during a post-Cold War world.

๐Ÿ“ Washington, D.C., United States

There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America.
Politics U.S. History Globalization
1993
Culture

Death of American Film Legend Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn, acclaimed actress and humanitarian, died at age 63. Known for films like *Breakfast at Tiffanyโ€™s* and her work with UNICEF, she remains a global icon of elegance and compassion.

๐Ÿ“ Tolochenaz, Switzerland

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.
Culture Film Humanitarian
1990
Politics

Inauguration of Chilean President Patricio Aylwin After Pinochet Era

Patricio Aylwin was inaugurated as President of Chile, marking the countryโ€™s return to democracy after the 17-year military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. His presidency began a critical transitional period for human rights and governance.

๐Ÿ“ Santiago, Chile

Politics Chile Democracy
1984
Science

NASA Launches TDRS-B Satellite (Fails to Reach Orbit)

NASA launched the TDRS-B communication satellite aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger. Due to a rocket malfunction, the satellite failed to reach orbit, leading to major design reviews for upper-stage boosters.

๐Ÿ“ Kennedy Space Center, Florida, United States

Science NASA Space
1981
Politics

Iran Hostage Crisis Ends After 444 Days

Fifty-two American diplomats and citizens were released after 444 days of captivity in Iran. Their release coincided with Ronald Reaganโ€™s inauguration and marked a critical moment in U.S.โ€“Iran relations.

๐Ÿ“ Tehran, Iran

Politics Middle East Diplomacy
1981
Politics

Ronald Reagan Inaugurated as 40th President of the United States

Ronald Reagan was sworn in as U.S. President on the same day the Iran hostages were released. His presidency would see significant changes in economic policy, the Cold War, and global diplomacy.

๐Ÿ“ Washington, D.C., United States

Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.
Politics U.S. History Cold War
1961
Politics

John F. Kennedy Inaugurated as U.S. President

John F. Kennedy was sworn in as the 35th President of the United States. His speech, including the line 'Ask not what your country can do for youโ€”ask what you can do for your country,' became one of the most iconic in U.S. history.

๐Ÿ“ Washington, D.C., United States

Ask not what your country can do for youโ€”ask what you can do for your country.
Politics Cold War United States
1956
Politics

Sudan Declares Independence from Anglo-Egyptian Rule

Sudan formally declared independence from British-Egyptian rule, becoming one of the first African nations to break from colonial control in the post-World War II decolonization era.

๐Ÿ“ Khartoum, Sudan

Politics Decolonization Africa
1953
Politics

Dwight D. Eisenhower Inaugurated as U.S. President

General Dwight D. Eisenhower was inaugurated as the 34th U.S. President. His military background and leadership during WWII made him a prominent Cold War leader during a time of nuclear tension and infrastructure growth.

๐Ÿ“ Washington, D.C., United States

Politics WWII Cold War
1945
Politics

Franklin D. Roosevelt Inaugurated to Fourth Term

Franklin D. Roosevelt was sworn in for an unprecedented fourth term as President of the United States. This event led to the eventual passage of the 22nd Amendment, limiting presidents to two terms.

๐Ÿ“ Washington, D.C., United States

Politics U.S. History Presidency
1943
War

British Forces Capture Tripoli During WWII

British Eighth Army troops captured Tripoli, the capital of Libya, during the North African campaign of World War II, marking a turning point in the Allied effort against Axis forces in Africa.

๐Ÿ“ Tripoli, Libya

War WWII Africa
1936
Politics

Edward VIII Becomes King of the United Kingdom

Upon the death of King George V, Edward VIII ascended to the British throne. His short reign would culminate in a constitutional crisis and abdication later that year to marry Wallis Simpson.

๐Ÿ“ London, United Kingdom

Politics Monarchy United Kingdom
1936
Politics

Death of King George V of the United Kingdom

King George V passed away after a 26-year reign that encompassed World War I and the rise of modern British constitutional monarchy. His death triggered a royal succession and era-defining changes.

๐Ÿ“ Sandringham House, Norfolk, United Kingdom

Politics Monarchy WWI
1707
Politics

The First Parliament of Great Britain Convenes

Following the Acts of Union, the first Parliament of Great Britain met in Westminster, merging the English and Scottish parliaments and marking a major milestone in the political history of the United Kingdom.

๐Ÿ“ London, England

Politics United Kingdom Parliament