On This Day in History

November 20

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1993
Politics

Monaco Joins United Nations

The Principality of Monaco was officially admitted as a member state of the United Nations, reinforcing its sovereign status in international affairs.

๐Ÿ“ New York City, USA

Politics United Nations
1985
Invention

Microsoft Windows 1.0 Released

Microsoft released Windows 1.0, its first graphical operating system environment, beginning the evolution of personal computing as a mainstream technology.

๐Ÿ“ Bellevue, Washington, USA

Invention Technology
1975
Politics

Francisco Franco Dies, Ending Dictatorship in Spain

Spanish dictator Francisco Franco died, leading to the gradual transition to democracy and the end of authoritarian rule in Spain.

๐Ÿ“ Madrid, Spain

Politics Dictatorship
1959
Politics

UN Adopts Universal Declaration of the Rights of the Child

The United Nations adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, establishing fundamental rights and protections for children worldwide.

๐Ÿ“ New York City, USA

Politics Human Rights
1955
Culture

Bo Diddley Makes His National TV Debut

Bo Diddley made his national television debut on 'The Ed Sullivan Show,' helping to popularize rock and roll music across the United States and later the world.

๐Ÿ“ New York City, USA

Culture Music
1955
Invention

Velcro Patented in Switzerland

Swiss engineer George de Mestral received the patent for Velcro, a revolutionary fastening system inspired by nature, later used in various industries including aerospace and fashion.

๐Ÿ“ Switzerland

Invention Innovation
1952
Politics

Jomo Kenyatta Jailed for Role in Mau Mau Uprising

Jomo Kenyatta, future first President of Kenya, was sentenced to prison for allegedly leading the Mau Mau uprising against British colonial rule, a critical step toward Kenyan independence.

๐Ÿ“ Kapenguria, Kenya

Politics Independence
1947
Politics

First Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly Legal Committee

The UN General Assembly's Sixth Committee (Legal) convened for the first time, focusing on international law issues and shaping global legal frameworks.

๐Ÿ“ New York City, USA

Politics United Nations
1945
Politics

Nuremberg Trials Begin

The Nuremberg Trials began, bringing leading Nazi officials to justice for war crimes and crimes against humanity, setting a precedent for international law.

๐Ÿ“ Nuremberg, Germany

The wrongs which we seek to condemn and punish have been so calculated, so malignant, and so devastating that civilization cannot tolerate their being ignored.
Politics World War II
1945
Culture

UNESCO Founded

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was officially established, aiming to promote peace and security through international collaboration in education, science, and culture.

๐Ÿ“ London, United Kingdom

Culture United Nations
1933
Culture

First Football World Cup Qualifying Match Played

The first FIFA World Cup qualifying match took place between Sweden and Estonia, setting the format for international competition in global football.

๐Ÿ“ Stockholm, Sweden

Culture Sports
1929
Culture

Dublin's General Post Office Reopens After Easter Rising Damage

The General Post Office in Dublin, heavily damaged during the 1916 Easter Rising, reopened as a symbol of Irish nationalism and resilience.

๐Ÿ“ Dublin, Ireland

Culture Independence
1929
Invention

First Municipal Airport in Canada Opens

St. Hubert Airport opened near Montreal, becoming Canada's first municipal airport and a critical hub for early aviation in North America.

๐Ÿ“ Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Invention Aviation
1924
Science

Edwin Hubble Proposes That Andromeda is a Separate Galaxy

Edwin Hubble presented evidence that the Andromeda Nebula is actually a separate galaxy beyond the Milky Way, forever expanding humanityโ€™s understanding of the universe.

๐Ÿ“ Mount Wilson Observatory, California, USA

Science Astronomy
1920
Politics

First Assembly of the League of Nations Concludes

The first session of the League of Nations Assembly concluded, marking a historic attempt at global governance and collective security after World War I.

๐Ÿ“ Geneva, Switzerland

Politics International Relations
1918
Politics

Wilhelm II of Germany Abdicates

Kaiser Wilhelm II formally abdicated the throne of Germany, leading to the end of the German Empire and the establishment of the Weimar Republic after World War I.

๐Ÿ“ Amerongen, Netherlands

Politics World War I
1910
Politics

Mexico Revolution Day Celebrated

The Mexican Revolution officially began, aiming to overthrow long-time dictator Porfirio Dรญaz, leading to major social and political transformations in Mexico.

๐Ÿ“ Mexico

Politics Revolution
1910
Politics

Revolutionary Francisco I. Madero Arrested in Mexico

Mexican revolutionary Francisco I. Madero was arrested, an event that galvanized resistance and helped trigger the Mexican Revolution against the Porfirio Dรญaz regime.

๐Ÿ“ Coahuila, Mexico

Politics Revolution
1878
Politics

California Admits Women to Practice Law

Clara Shortridge Foltz became the first woman admitted to practice law in California, paving the way for greater gender equality in the legal profession.

๐Ÿ“ San Francisco, California, USA

Politics Women's Rights
1833
Politics

Signing of the Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations Between the US and Thailand

The United States and Thailand (then Siam) signed the Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations, marking the first formal diplomatic agreement between the US and an Asian country.

๐Ÿ“ Bangkok, Thailand

Politics Diplomacy