On This Day in History

September 20

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1973
Culture

Billie Jean King Defeats Bobby Riggs in 'Battle of the Sexes'

Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in a historic tennis match, symbolizing progress in gender equality in sports.

๐Ÿ“ Houston, Texas, United States

Culture Sports Gender Equality
1958
Science

Southern Hemisphere's First Nuclear Reactor Goes Critical

Australia's HIFAR reactor became operational, marking the advancement of nuclear research in the Southern Hemisphere.

๐Ÿ“ Lucas Heights, Australia

Science Nuclear Australia
1955
Culture

First Cannes Palme d'Or Awarded

The Cannes Film Festival awarded its first Palme d'Or, establishing a symbol of cinematic excellence.

๐Ÿ“ Cannes, France

Culture Film France
1946
Culture

First Cannes Film Festival Held

The inaugural Cannes Film Festival began, establishing one of the world's most prestigious film events.

๐Ÿ“ Cannes, France

Culture Film France
1914
Politics

First International Criminal Police Congress Held

The first congress that led to the formation of Interpol convened, promoting global police cooperation.

๐Ÿ“ Monaco

Politics Law Enforcement Global
1903
Culture

First Patent for the Ice Cream Cone Granted

Italo Marchiony received the first U.S. patent for the ice cream cone, revolutionizing dessert culture worldwide.

๐Ÿ“ New York City, United States

Culture Food United States
1901
Politics

Theodore Roosevelt Becomes Youngest U.S. President

At age 42, Theodore Roosevelt became the youngest person to assume the U.S. presidency after the assassination of William McKinley.

๐Ÿ“ Washington D.C., United States

Politics United States Presidency
1901
Invention

First Commercial Trolleybus System Opens

The world's first commercial trolleybus system began operation in Germany, transforming urban transport.

๐Ÿ“ Bielatal, Germany

Invention Transport Germany
1889
Invention

First Patent for Punch Card Machine Filed

Herman Hollerith filed a patent for the punch card tabulating machine, a precursor to modern computing.

๐Ÿ“ Washington D.C., United States

Invention Computing United States
1885
Invention

First Electric Tram Opens in Britain

Blackpool inaugurated the first electric tramway in Britain, marking a major advancement in public transportation.

๐Ÿ“ Blackpool, United Kingdom

Invention Transport United Kingdom
1881
Politics

James Garfield Dies, Chester A. Arthur Becomes U.S. President

After being shot, U.S. President James A. Garfield died, and Vice President Chester A. Arthur assumed the presidency.

๐Ÿ“ Elberon, New Jersey, United States

Politics United States Presidency
1880
Invention

First Electric Elevator Installed

Werner von Siemens installed the first electric elevator, transforming architecture and urban development.

๐Ÿ“ Mannheim, Germany

Invention Technology Germany
1862
Culture

First Public Zoo Opens in Australia

Melbourne Zoo, the first public zoo in Australia, opened, promoting wildlife conservation and education.

๐Ÿ“ Melbourne, Australia

Culture Conservation Australia
1857
Invention

First Commercial Oil Well in Europe Drilled

The first commercial oil well in Europe began operation in Romania, marking the start of the European petroleum industry.

๐Ÿ“ Ploieศ™ti, Romania

Invention Energy Romania
1854
War

Battle of the Alma: First Battle of the Crimean War

Allied forces defeated Russia at the Battle of the Alma, marking the first major battle of the Crimean War.

๐Ÿ“ Alma River, Crimea

War Crimean War Russia
1816
Science

First Use of a Stethoscope by Renรฉ Laennec

Renรฉ Laennec invented and used the stethoscope for the first time, revolutionizing medical diagnostics.

๐Ÿ“ Paris, France

Science Medicine France
1792
Politics

France Abolishes the Monarchy and Proclaims the First Republic

The French National Convention abolished the monarchy, declaring France a republic during the French Revolution.

๐Ÿ“ Paris, France

Politics French Revolution France
1781
Invention

First Commercial Bank Established in the United States

The Bank of North America, the first commercial bank in the U.S., was chartered, laying the foundation for modern banking.

๐Ÿ“ Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Invention Finance United States
1744
Science

First Use of Chlorine Gas in Industrial Production

Chlorine gas was first used in industrial applications, marking a significant development in chemical manufacturing.

๐Ÿ“ Sweden

Science Chemistry Industry
1255
Politics

Lisbon Ranks as Capital of Portugal

Lisbon was officially designated as the capital of Portugal, becoming a key center for global exploration.

๐Ÿ“ Lisbon, Portugal

Politics Exploration Portugal