Historical Events on April 20: Significant Moments in History

Throughout history, certain dates stand out for the remarkable events that unfolded on them. From turning points in politics to cultural breakthroughs, these days often carry significance that echoes through time. Explore the most important events that occurred on April 20, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on April 20 - Key Moments Throughout History

1900 Joseph Wheeler Resigns from Congress: On April 20, 1900, Joseph Wheeler resigned from his position as Congressman representing Alabama's 8th congressional district. Wheeler, a notable former Confederate cavalry general who later served in the U.S. Congress, was a significant political figure during the post-Reconstruction era.
1901 Surrender of General Manuel Tinio to U.S. Forces: General Manuel Tinio, a prominent Filipino insurgent leader, formally surrendered to U.S. Army Captain Arthur L. Conger on April 20, 1901, marking a significant moment in the Philippine-American War. This surrender represented a critical turning point in the U.S. colonial efforts in the Philippines, as Tinio was one of the last major resistance leaders still actively fighting against American occupation.
1902 Discovery of Radium by Marie and Pierre Curie: In a groundbreaking scientific achievement, Marie and Pierre Curie successfully isolated the radioactive element radium, marking a pivotal moment in the understanding of radioactivity and atomic structure. Their meticulous research and innovative techniques would later revolutionize physics, chemistry, and medical science.
1903 New York Highlanders' First Game: The New York Highlanders (later known as the New York Yankees) played their inaugural Major League Baseball game, losing 3-1 to the Washington Nationals. Pitcher Jack Chesbro started the game, with Al Orth pitching for the opposing team.
1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition Opens in Saint Louis: The Louisiana Purchase Exposition, also known as the St. Louis World's Fair, officially opened, celebrating the centennial of the Louisiana Purchase. This massive international exhibition showcased technological innovations, cultural exhibits, and represented a pivotal moment in American industrial and cultural development.
1905 Launch of the SS Amerika Ocean Liner: On April 20, 1905, the Hamburg America Line celebrated the launch of the SS Amerika, a groundbreaking ocean liner constructed by the renowned Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, Ireland. At the time of its launch, the vessel was considered the largest ocean liner in the world, representing a significant milestone in maritime engineering and transatlantic transportation. The ship symbolized Germany's growing maritime prowess and technological capabilities during the early 20th century.
1906 Uneventful Day in 1906: While no major historical events were recorded on April 20, 1906, this does not diminish the potential significance of daily life during the early 20th century. The year 1906 was a period of significant transformation, with technological advancements, social changes, and global developments occurring rapidly.
1907 Alan Reed: Iconic Voice Actor and Comedian: Alan Reed was a prominent American actor and voice artist, best known for his memorable roles in the Fred Allen Show and as the original voice of Fred Flintstone in the classic animated series 'The Flintstones'. His distinctive vocal talents helped shape the comedy and animation landscape of mid-20th century entertainment.
1908 Sunshine Rail Disaster: A catastrophic rear-end train collision near Melbourne, Australia resulted in a tragic loss of 44 lives and over 400 injuries, highlighting the significant safety challenges in early 20th-century rail transportation.
1909 Mary Pickford's First Film Appearance: Gladys Smith, who would later become the legendary actress Mary Pickford, was filmed for the first time at age 16, appearing in a small role directed by D.W. Griffith in the short film 'Her First Biscuits'. This marked the beginning of her groundbreaking career in early cinema, where she would eventually become known as 'America's Sweetheart' and one of the most influential actresses of the silent film era.
1910 Halley's Comet Closest Solar Approach: Halley's Comet reaches its closest approach to the Sun since 1835, becoming prominently visible to the naked eye and creating widespread public excitement about this rare astronomical phenomenon.
1912 Fenway Park Official Opening: Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, officially opened with a thrilling 11-inning baseball game where the Red Sox defeated the New York Highlanders 7-6. This historic ballpark would become one of the most iconic stadiums in Major League Baseball history.
1913 Launch of Battleship Provence: On April 20, 1913, the French Navy launched the Battleship Provence at the Arsenal de Lorient shipyard. As the lead vessel of her class, the Provence was designed to strengthen France's naval presence in the Mediterranean Sea during a period of increasing maritime tensions in Europe. The battleship represented a significant advancement in French naval engineering, featuring modern armaments and improved hull design compared to previous generations of warships.
1914 Ludlow Massacre: A Tragic Labor Conflict: On April 20, 1914, a violent confrontation occurred between coal miners and company guards during a bitter labor dispute in Ludlow, Colorado. The Colorado National Guard and Colorado Fuel and Iron Company guards attacked a tent colony of striking coal miners and their families, using machine guns and setting fire to their tents. The brutal assault resulted in the deaths of multiple men, women, and children, highlighting the extreme tensions and human cost of early 20th-century labor struggles.
1915 Armenian Defense of Van During Ottoman Siege: During the Armenian Genocide, Armenian residents of Van mounted a courageous defensive stand against Ottoman military forces. Facing overwhelming odds, the local Armenian population constructed defensive positions and trenches to protect their community from imminent attack. This defensive action was part of a broader struggle for survival during the systematic persecution of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire in 1915.
1916 Sir Roger Casement's Arrival: Sir Roger Casement, an Irish nationalist, landed in Ireland from a German submarine, a covert operation connected to the emerging Irish independence movement during World War I.
1917 Nivelle Offensive Continues on Western Front: The Nivelle Offensive, a major French military operation during World War I, continued its assault along a 25-mile front south of the Hindenburg Line. The French 5th and 6th Armies pressed their attack, attempting to break through German defensive positions.
1918 The Red Baron's Final Aerial Victories: Manfred von Richthofen, the legendary German fighter pilot known as 'The Red Baron', achieved his 79th and 80th aerial victories during World War I, marking his final combat successes before his death the following day. These kills further cemented his reputation as the most successful fighter pilot of World War I.
1919 Amritsar Massacre: Under the command of British Colonel Reginald Dyer, detachments of the 9th Gorkha Rifles and the 59th Scinde Rifles brutally massacred 379 unarmed Sikh civilians at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Punjab Province. This horrific event became a pivotal moment in India's struggle for independence, symbolizing the brutal colonial oppression by the British Empire.
1920 Balfour Declaration Recognized: The Balfour Declaration is officially recognized, establishing Palestine as a British Mandate and significantly reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
1921 Liliom Premieres on Broadway: Ferenc Molnár's groundbreaking play Liliom made its English-language Broadway debut, marking a significant moment in theatrical history. The play, originally written in Hungarian, tells a poignant story of love, tragedy, and redemption, exploring complex human emotions through the relationship between Liliom, a carousel barker, and Julie, a young servant girl. This Broadway production introduced American audiences to Molnár's innovative storytelling and would later inspire the famous musical Carousel by Rodgers and Hammerstein.
1922 Dyer Anti-Lynching Bill Passes House: The House of Representatives passed the Dyer Anti-Lynching Bill on April 20, 1922, which was a significant legislative attempt to make lynching a federal crime and provide legal protections for African Americans against racial violence during the Jim Crow era.
1923 Frank Aiken Becomes IRA Chief of Staff: Frank Aiken was appointed as the new Chief of Staff of the Irish Republican Army, succeeding Liam Lynch, who had been killed in an ambush 10 days earlier. This leadership transition occurred during a tumultuous period in Irish revolutionary history, marking a significant moment in the Irish War of Independence and subsequent civil conflict.
1924 Turkish Constitution Ratification: On April 20, 1924, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey officially ratified a comprehensive new constitution consisting of 105 separate articles. This significant political event marked a crucial moment in Turkey's transition from the Ottoman Empire to a modern, secular republic under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, establishing fundamental principles of governance and national identity.
1925 Scopes Trial Begins: Biology teacher John Scopes was arrested in Dayton, Tennessee, for teaching Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution, sparking a landmark legal and cultural conflict that would become known as the famous 'Monkey Trial', highlighting the tension between scientific education and religious beliefs in 1920s America.
1926 Vitaphone: Revolutionizing Film with Sound: Western Electric and Warner Bros. jointly announced the Vitaphone process, a revolutionary technology that would enable sound to be synchronized with motion pictures, fundamentally transforming the film industry and paving the way for 'talking pictures'.
1927 Tanaka Giichi Becomes Prime Minister of Japan: General Tanaka Giichi of the Rikken Seiyūkai Party assumed the role of Prime Minister of Japan. His leadership would be characterized by expansionist policies and increasing military influence in Japanese politics during the late 1920s, a critical period in Japan's pre-World War II political landscape.
1928 Birth of Richard Garwin: Richard Garwin was an influential American physicist known for his significant contributions to science and technology. He played a crucial role in developing nuclear weapons technology, made important advances in particle physics, and was a prominent scientific advisor to the U.S. government on technological and strategic issues.
1929 First All-Fascist Parliament in Italy: On April 20, 1929, the first all-Fascist parliament convened in Italy, marking a significant milestone in Benito Mussolini's consolidation of political power. This event symbolized the complete transformation of Italy's democratic institutions into a fascist state, effectively eliminating political opposition and establishing a single-party system under Mussolini's leadership.
1930 Landmark War Film Premiere: The critically acclaimed anti-war film *All Quiet on the Western Front*, based on Erich Maria Remarque's novel, premiered at the prestigious Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles. The film would go on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture and is considered a groundbreaking cinematic portrayal of World War I's human cost.
1931 British House of Commons Sunday Sports Legislation: In a landmark decision, the British House of Commons voted to permit sports activities on Sundays, marking a significant shift in traditional social and religious restrictions on weekend leisure activities.
1932 Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Introduces Air Conditioning: On April 20, 1932, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) made transportation history by introducing air conditioning on its premier train, the National Limited. This groundbreaking service connected St. Louis and New York, offering passengers unprecedented comfort during their journey. The implementation of air conditioning represented a significant technological advancement in passenger rail travel, dramatically improving the travel experience by providing a cool and controlled environment during long-distance trips.
1933 Soviet Union Approves Forced Labor Village Deportation Project: The Soviet government approved a controversial project to establish 'labor villages' in western Siberia and the Kazakh Soviet Socialist Republic, with plans to forcibly deport and relocate approximately one million prisoners. This initiative was part of the Soviet regime's broader strategy of using forced labor and population displacement as tools of political and economic control.
1934 Himmler's Rise in Nazi Police Administration: On April 20, 1934, Heinrich Himmler was appointed inspector of the Prussian secret state police (Gestapo), marking a significant consolidation of Nazi power and control over internal security apparatus.
1935 Hitler Receives Military Gift on Birthday: On his 46th birthday, Adolf Hitler was presented with approximately 60 new war planes, signaling the continued military buildup of Nazi Germany in the mid-1930s.
1936 Jewish Residents Defend Against Arab Attack in Petach Tikvah: In a tense moment during the pre-state period of Palestine, Jewish residents of Petach Tikvah successfully repelled an Arab attack, highlighting the escalating tensions between communities in the region.
1937 Hitler's Birthday Military Parade: On his 48th birthday, Adolf Hitler reviewed a massive military parade of 14,000 troops in Berlin. During the event, architect Albert Speer presented Hitler with architectural renderings of the proposed new Reich Chancellery building, symbolizing the Nazi regime's architectural and military ambitions.
1938 Leni Riefenstahl's 'Olympia' Documentary Film Premiere: Leni Riefenstahl's groundbreaking documentary film 'Olympia', which chronicled the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, premiered in Germany. The film was notable for its innovative cinematography and controversial propaganda elements, capturing the athletic performances of the 1936 Olympics with unprecedented artistic techniques.
1939 Billie Holiday Records 'Strange Fruit': Billie Holiday recorded 'Strange Fruit', a powerful and groundbreaking anti-lynching protest song that exposed the brutal racism of the American South. The song, written by Abel Meeropol, became a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights movement and musical protest history.
1940 First Electron Microscope Demonstrated by RCA: RCA successfully demonstrated the first electron microscope at their facility in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, marking a significant breakthrough in scientific imaging technology. This groundbreaking instrument allowed scientists to view objects at much higher magnifications and with greater detail than traditional light microscopes, revolutionizing fields like biology, materials science, and nanotechnology.
1941 Greek Army Corps Surrenders to Germans: Greek General Georgios Tsolakoglou strategically surrendered the Greek III Army Corps to German forces, deliberately denying the Italians a perceived victory and highlighting the complex dynamics of the Balkan campaign during World War II.
1942 Disastrous Spitfire Deployment to Malta: In a tragic military operation, 47 British Spitfire fighter planes were dispatched to reinforce Malta's defenses. However, the mission ended in near-total failure, with almost all aircraft being destroyed upon landing, severely impacting the island's aerial defense capabilities.
1943 Montgomery's Aggressive Tactics in Tunisia: On April 20, 1943, British General Bernard Montgomery, known for his typically cautious military strategy, surprisingly approved a series of aggressive small-scale attacks against heavily defended Axis positions in Tunisia. This tactical decision was part of the Allied campaign to push German and Italian forces out of North Africa during World War II.
1944 RAF Conducts Massive Bombing Raid: On Adolf Hitler's 55th birthday, the Royal Air Force (RAF) set a new record by dropping 4,500 tons of bombs in a single air raid, demonstrating the increasing aerial bombardment capabilities of the Allied forces during World War II.
1945 Soviet Troops Enter Berlin: Soviet troops launch their final assault and enter Berlin, marking a critical turning point in World War II and signaling the imminent defeat of Nazi Germany.
1946 League of Nations Dissolution: The League of Nations officially dissolved, transferring most of its administrative and diplomatic powers to the newly formed United Nations, marking a significant transition in international governance after World War II.
1947 Frederik IX Ascends to Danish Throne: Frederik IX became King of Denmark, succeeding his father Christian X after his passing. As a constitutional monarch, he would play a significant role in Denmark's post-World War II era, guiding the country through important social and political transformations.
1948 Walter P. Reuther Shooting Incident: Walter P. Reuther, President of the United Auto Workers (UAW), was shot and wounded at his home in Detroit, Michigan. He was rushed to the hospital and received medical treatment, including a blood transfusion.
1949 HMS Amethyst Incident in Yangtze River: The Royal Navy frigate HMS Amethyst embarked on a critical mission to evacuate British Commonwealth refugees during the Chinese Civil War, navigating the treacherous Yangtze River under the advancing Communist forces led by Mao Zedong. After coming under heavy fire and grounding near Rose Island, the ship became stranded. An initial rescue attempt on April 26 failed, and the vessel anchored 10 miles upstream, initiating prolonged negotiations with Communist forces that would extend for several weeks.
1950 Aleksandr Lebed Birth: Aleksandr Lebed, a prominent Russian military general and influential political figure who played a significant role in post-Soviet Russian politics, was born. He would later become a key advisor to President Boris Yeltsin and a notable gubernatorial candidate.
1951 Pioneering Surgical Reconstruction of Human Organ: Romanian surgeon Dan Gavriliu achieved a groundbreaking medical milestone by successfully performing the first surgical reconstruction of a human organ, using a section of the stomach to bypass the esophagus. This innovative procedure represented a significant advancement in surgical techniques and medical understanding of organ reconstruction.
1952 Uneventful Day in 1952: While no specific major historical events were documented for April 20, 1952, this does not necessarily mean nothing of significance occurred. During this period, the world was in the midst of the Cold War, with global tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union shaping international relations. The early 1950s were characterized by significant geopolitical shifts, technological advancements, and social transformations.
1953 CIA Launches Project MKULTRA: The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) officially transforms Project BLUEBIRD into Project MKULTRA, a covert and controversial mind control research program. This secret project would involve unethical human experimentation, exploring methods of psychological manipulation, behavior modification, and potential mind control techniques using drugs like LSD, hypnosis, and other experimental methods.
1954 US Air Force C-119F Flying Boxcar Crash in California: A United States Air Force Kaiser-Frazier C-119F Flying Boxcar crashed into a fog-shrouded ridge at Mission Point while approaching Burbank Airport in California, after a flight from Williams Air Force Base in Mesa, Arizona. Tragically, all seven crew members on board perished in the accident.
1955 Victorian Legislative Assembly No-Confidence Motion: In a dramatic political showdown, Henry Bolte successfully passed a motion of no-confidence against John Cain's Labor government in the Victorian Legislative Assembly. After an intense twelve-hour debate, eleven expelled Labor Party members crossed the floor, effectively toppling Cain's government and marking a significant moment in Australian political history.
1956 Uneventful Day in 1956: While no major historical events were specifically documented for April 20, 1956, this does not necessarily mean nothing of significance occurred. Many historical moments happen without immediate global recognition. The mid-1950s were a period of significant global transformation, including the Cold War, decolonization, and technological advancements.
1957 Yankees' Historic Home Run at Fenway Park: Bill Skowron of the New York Yankees achieved a rare feat by becoming the third player in history to hit a ball out of Fenway Park, a significant moment in baseball's storied history and demonstrating the power hitting of the era.
1958 Morocco Challenges Spanish Colonial Presence: Morocco officially demands the withdrawal of Spanish troops, escalating tensions in the ongoing Ifni War and signaling the country's push for complete independence from colonial control.
1959 Soviet Ilyushin Il-18 Enters Commercial Service: The Ilyushin Il-18, a significant Soviet-designed turboprop airliner, was officially introduced into commercial service by Aeroflot. This aircraft was capable of carrying 95 passengers and represented an important milestone in Soviet aviation technology during the Cold War era.
1960 Manned Space Stations Symposium: The Institute of the Aeronautical Sciences, NASA, and the RAND Corporation jointly sponsored a comprehensive symposium on Manned Space Stations from April 20 to 22, 1960. This groundbreaking event brought together leading aerospace experts to discuss the potential and challenges of establishing human habitats in space, marking a critical moment in early space exploration planning.
1961 Bay of Pigs Invasion Failure: During the Cold War, a CIA-sponsored invasion of Cuba by US-backed Cuban exiles catastrophically failed, marking a significant diplomatic and military embarrassment for the United States and strengthening Fidel Castro's revolutionary government.
1962 Arrest of OAS Leader in Algeria: Ex-general Raoul Salan, a prominent leader of the Organisation Armée Secrète (OAS), was arrested in Algiers during the tumultuous Algerian War of Independence, marking a significant moment in the conflict between French colonial forces and Algerian independence movements.
1963 Soviet Luna 4 Moon Mission Launch: The Soviet Union launched Luna 4 at 8:04 a.m. Universal Time, targeting the Moon using an innovative curving trajectory. This mission was part of the intense Space Race between the United States and Soviet Union during the Cold War era.
1964 First Jar of Nutella Produced: The first jar of Nutella was manufactured in Alba, Italy, marking the beginning of what would become a globally beloved chocolate-hazelnut spread. The product quickly gained popularity across Europe and eventually worldwide.
1965 Taylor Briefs US Leaders on Vietnam Situation: U.S. Ambassador to South Vietnam Maxwell D. Taylor conducted a comprehensive briefing for American military and political leaders in Honolulu, providing critical insights into the ongoing situation in South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
1966 Red Guards Begin Criticizing Chinese President Liu Shaoqi: During the early stages of the Cultural Revolution, student-led Red Guards initiated public criticism of President Liu Shaoqi, marking a significant escalation of political tensions in China. This event signaled the beginning of a tumultuous period of political persecution and social upheaval that would dramatically reshape Chinese society and leadership.
1967 Surveyor 3 Moon Landing: NASA's Surveyor 3 spacecraft successfully lands on the Moon's surface, advancing American lunar exploration efforts during the Space Race.
1968 Enoch Powell's Controversial 'Rivers of Blood' Speech: British politician Enoch Powell delivers his infamous 'Rivers of Blood' speech, a highly controversial address criticizing immigration and warning of potential racial tensions in the United Kingdom. The speech would become a pivotal moment in British political discourse on race and immigration.
1969 The 5th Dimension Tops US Music Charts: 'Aquarius/Let The Sunshine In (The Flesh Failures)' by The 5th Dimension reached number 1 on the US music charts, reflecting the psychedelic and counterculture musical trends of the late 1960s. The song became an iconic representation of the era's social and cultural movements.
1970 Nixon Accelerates Vietnam Troop Withdrawal: President Richard M. Nixon committed to withdrawing an additional 150,000 U.S. troops from South Vietnam within the following year, as part of the 'Vietnamization' strategy aimed at reducing American military involvement in the conflict.
1971 Supreme Court Upholds Busing for School Desegregation: In a landmark decision, the US Supreme Court unanimously upheld the use of busing as a method to achieve racial desegregation in public schools. This ruling in the Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education case was a significant milestone in the civil rights movement, mandating that school districts could use busing to integrate schools and ensure equal educational opportunities across racial lines.
1972 Apollo 16 Lunar Landing: The Apollo 16 lunar module, commanded by John Young and piloted by Charles Duke, successfully landed on the moon's Descartes Highlands. This mission was part of NASA's Apollo program and utilized the Boeing Lunar Rover #2 for lunar surface exploration.
1973 Canadian ANIK A2 Commercial Satellite Launch: The Canadian ANIK A2 satellite successfully became the first commercial communications satellite placed into orbit, marking a significant milestone in telecommunications and space technology. This launch represented a pivotal moment for Canada's telecommunications infrastructure and global satellite communication capabilities.
1974 Paul McCartney Releases 'Band on the Run' Album: Paul McCartney and Wings released their critically acclaimed album 'Band on the Run', which would become one of the most successful albums of McCartney's post-Beatles career. The album featured hit singles like the title track and 'Jet', and was recorded under challenging circumstances in Lagos, Nigeria.
1975 29th Tony Awards Honors Broadway Excellence: The 29th Annual Tony Awards celebrated outstanding achievements in theater, with 'Equus' and 'The Wiz' emerging as notable winners. These productions highlighted the diverse and innovative theatrical landscape of the mid-1970s, recognizing exceptional performances and creative achievements on Broadway.
1976 Williams v. Saxbe: First Sexual Harassment Damages Award: In a landmark legal decision, the Williams v. Saxbe case became the first instance in the United States where damages were awarded for sexual harassment, marking a significant milestone in workplace discrimination law and civil rights.
1977 Woody Allen's 'Annie Hall' Premieres: Woody Allen's critically acclaimed film 'Annie Hall,' starring Allen himself and Diane Keaton, was released. The movie would go on to become a landmark romantic comedy and win multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
1978 Korean Air Lines Flight Shot Down by Soviet Union: On April 20, 1978, a Korean Airlines passenger aircraft was intercepted and shot down by Soviet Air Defense forces after straying into restricted Soviet airspace. This incident occurred during the heightened tensions of the Cold War, highlighting the dangerous geopolitical climate between the Soviet Union and Western-aligned nations. The event underscored the severe consequences of navigational errors in a period of extreme international mistrust.
1979 Ixtoc I Oil Well Disaster Begins: The Ixtoc I exploratory oil well in the Bay of Campeche, Mexico, was opened on April 20, 1979. This well would later experience a catastrophic blowout in June, resulting in one of the most significant environmental disasters in petroleum exploration history, causing massive ecological damage and becoming a landmark event in environmental studies.
1980 Mariel Boatlift Begins: The historic Mariel boatlift commenced, marking a significant moment in Cuban-American migration. Thousands of Cubans began arriving in the United States, fleeing the Castro regime.
1981 Boston Marathon Men's Race: The 85th Boston Marathon was won by Toshihiko Seko of Japan, who completed the race in a remarkable time of 2:09:26.
1982 Deep Sea Volcanic Ecosystem Discovery: Biologists make a remarkable discovery of thriving life forms near volcanic vents approximately 8,600 feet beneath the ocean surface off the California coast, providing unprecedented insights into extreme ecosystem survival and adaptation.
1983 Reagan Social Security Bailout: President Ronald Reagan signed a comprehensive $165 billion bailout package to stabilize the Social Security system, addressing significant financial challenges facing the national retirement program.
1984 Heathrow Airport Bombing: A terrorist bomb exploded in the baggage area of Terminal 2 at Heathrow Airport, London. The incident resulted in 22 people being injured, though fortunately there were no fatalities. This event highlighted ongoing security challenges at international airports during the 1980s.
1985 ATF Raid on Religious Compound: The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) conducts a significant raid on The Covenant, The Sword, and the Arm of the Lord compound located in northern Arkansas, targeting a controversial religious group suspected of potential illegal activities.
1986 Michael Jordan's Legendary NBA Playoff Performance: Michael Jordan set an extraordinary NBA playoff record by scoring 63 points in a single game, a remarkable athletic achievement that would become part of basketball folklore and help establish Jordan as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
1987 US Deports Nazi War Crimes Suspect: The United States deports Karl Linnas to the Soviet Union to face charges of Nazi war crimes committed during World War II.
1988 World's Longest Skyjacking Ends: The remaining passengers of Kuwait Airways Flight 422 are released by their captors, ending the world's longest skyjacking, which lasted 16 days and spanned three continents. Two passengers tragically lost their lives during the siege.
1989 Tiananmen Square Student Protests Begin: Student protesters from major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, and Nanjing, converged in Tiananmen Square, marking the beginning of a significant pro-democracy movement that would become a pivotal moment in modern Chinese history.
1990 Hubble Space Telescope Launch: NASA successfully launches the Hubble Space Telescope aboard Space Shuttle Discovery, marking a pivotal moment in astronomical observation and space exploration. This groundbreaking telescope would go on to provide unprecedented views of distant galaxies, nebulae, and celestial phenomena, revolutionizing our understanding of the universe.
1991 Raghib 'Rocket' Ismael Signs with Toronto Argonauts: Football star Raghib 'Rocket' Ismael made headlines by signing a groundbreaking $26.2 million contract with the Toronto Argonauts, one of the most significant sports contracts of the early 1990s.
1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert: A monumental televised concert at Wembley Stadium in London honors the late Freddie Mercury, raising millions of dollars for AIDS research. The event is broadcast live to over one billion viewers worldwide, featuring numerous music legends paying tribute to the iconic Queen frontman.
1993 Death of Cantinflas: Mexican Comedy Legend Passes Away: Mario Moreno Reyes, better known by his stage name Cantinflas, died on April 20, 1993. A pioneering Mexican actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer, Cantinflas was renowned for his comedic genius and significant contributions to Latin American cinema. Often called the 'Charlie Chaplin of Mexico', he was a cultural icon who transformed comedy in Spanish-language film.
1994 Serbian Army Bombs Hospital in Goradze: During the Bosnian War, the Serbian army bombed a hospital in Goradze, resulting in 47 civilian casualties, highlighting the brutal nature of the conflict.
1995 UK Number One Hit: British pop group Take That's song 'Back For Good' was the number one single in the United Kingdom on April 20, 1995, during the height of the band's popularity in the mid-1990s.
1996 Chicago Bulls Set NBA Season Win Record: The Chicago Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, achieved a historic milestone by winning 72 games in a single NBA season, setting a new record for most wins in a regular season. This extraordinary achievement highlighted the team's dominance during the 1995-1996 season.
1997 Easter Seal Telethon Raises Significant Funds: The 27th Easter Seal Telethon successfully raised $47,392,682, demonstrating significant public support for charitable causes supporting individuals with disabilities.
1998 Red Army Faction Dissolution: The German terrorist group Red Army Faction (RAF), also known as the Baader-Meinhof Group, officially announced their dissolution after 28 years of radical left-wing activism and violent operations. This marked the end of a significant chapter in post-World War II German political extremism.
1999 Columbine High School Massacre: On April 20, 1999, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold conducted a devastating school shooting at Columbine High School in Columbine, Colorado. The two teenage perpetrators killed 13 people (12 students and one teacher) and wounded 24 others before ultimately taking their own lives. This tragic event became a pivotal moment in discussions about school violence, gun control, and youth mental health in the United States.
2000 Funny Cide: Notable Racehorse: Funny Cide was a remarkable American Thoroughbred racehorse who gained significant attention in the early 2000s. Born in 2000, he became famous for his impressive performance in major racing events, particularly capturing public imagination with his underdog story and competitive spirit.
2001 Peruvian Air Force Shoots Down U.S. Missionary Plane: A tragic international incident occurred when the Peruvian Air Force, allegedly assisted by CIA contract workers, mistakenly shot down a private aircraft carrying American Baptist missionaries. Veronica Bowers and her infant daughter were killed in this devastating event, which raised serious questions about aerial interdiction protocols and international engagement.
2003 Nobel Laureate Bernard Katz Dies: Bernard Katz, a distinguished German-born biophysicist who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, passed away on April 20, 2003. Born in 1911, Katz made significant contributions to scientific understanding of neurophysiology and cellular communication.
2004 NASA Launches Gravity Probe B: NASA launched the Gravity Probe B satellite to test Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, representing a significant milestone in scientific exploration and understanding of fundamental physics.
2005 Moussaoui 9/11 Trial Development: Zacarias Moussaoui indicated his intention to plead guilty in connection with the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, potentially leading to a death penalty sentence.
2006 Chinese President Hu Jintao Visits White House: Chinese President Hu Jintao was welcomed at the White House by President George W. Bush. During the arrival ceremony, a Falun Gong protester from The Epoch Times interrupted the proceedings and was removed by the Secret Service. A protocol error occurred when the announcer mistakenly referred to China's national anthem.
2007 Virginia Tech Massacre Remembrance Day: The state of Virginia observed a day of remembrance for the victims of the Virginia Tech massacre, a tragic event that deeply impacted the nation and sparked discussions about campus safety and gun violence.
2008 Danica Patrick Makes History in IndyCar: Danica Patrick won the Indy Japan 300 at Twin Ring Motegi, becoming the first female driver in history to win an IndyCar Series race. Her groundbreaking victory was a significant milestone for women in motorsports, breaking gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport.
2009 Remembering Columbine High School Massacre: The United States commemorates the 10th anniversary of the tragic Columbine High School shooting perpetrated by Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris in 1999.
2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Rig Disaster: The Deepwater Horizon drilling rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, causing a catastrophic oil spill that would last six months and result in significant environmental and economic damage. Eleven workers were killed in the initial explosion, marking one of the worst offshore drilling accidents in U.S. history.
2011 2011 Libyan Civil War Developments: The Libyan Civil War continues with international intervention, as France and Italy prepare to send military officers to train rebel forces.
2012 Syrian Army Massacre in Idlib: Syrian government forces killed over 50 civilians, predominantly in the Idlib region, during the ongoing Syrian uprising. This brutal action further escalated international concerns about human rights violations and the humanitarian crisis in Syria.
2013 Texas Fertilizer Plant Explosion: A catastrophic explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas resulted in 14 confirmed deaths, 60 people unaccounted for, and approximately 200 people injured. The blast was so powerful it registered as a 2.1-magnitude earthquake and destroyed 50 homes, causing massive local devastation.
2014 South Korean Ferry Sewol Disaster: The tragic Sewol ferry disaster continued to unfold, with the death toll rising to 58. Navy and Coast Guard divers were actively searching the sunken vessel, establishing five search routes to recover victims and investigate the catastrophic maritime accident.
2015 Mohammed Morsi Conviction: The Cairo Criminal Court convicted former Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi for illegal detentions and violent responses to protests. Morsi and other Muslim Brotherhood defendants were sentenced to 20 years in prison, marking a significant moment in Egypt's post-Arab Spring political landscape.
2016 Colombia-FARC Peace Agreement: Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a historic peace agreement, marking a significant milestone in ending decades of armed conflict.
2017 Terrorist Attack on Champs-Élysées: A gunman opened fire on police officers in central Paris at the Champs-Élysées, resulting in the death of one policeman and critical injury to another. The attacker was subsequently shot and killed. While ISIL claimed responsibility, this claim remained disputed. French President Francois Hollande characterized the incident as a terrorist attack.
2018 North Korea Halts Nuclear Testing: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced the cessation of missile and nuclear testing, agreeing to close down nuclear test facilities, signaling a potential diplomatic breakthrough.
2019 Egyptian Constitutional Referendum: On April 20, 2019, Egyptians began voting on significant constitutional amendments that would dramatically reshape the country's political landscape. The proposed changes would extend President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's potential time in power until 2030, substantially increase presidential authority over the judiciary, and expand the military's institutional power. The referendum was held between April 20-22, representing a critical moment in Egypt's contemporary political development.
2020 Historic Oil Price Collapse: For the first time in recorded history, global oil prices dropped below zero, a dramatic consequence of the 2020 Russia-Saudi Arabia oil price war and unprecedented demand destruction during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2021 Derek Chauvin Murder Trial Verdict: In a landmark legal case, Derek Chauvin, a former Minneapolis Police Department officer, was found guilty on all charges related to the murder of George Floyd. The verdict was delivered by the Fourth Judicial District Court of Minnesota, marking a significant moment in the ongoing national conversation about police brutality and racial justice.
2022 Deadly School Bombings in Kabul, Afghanistan: On April 20, 2022, a tragic terrorist attack occurred in Kabul, Afghanistan, where two consecutive bomb explosions targeted schools in the capital city. The bombings resulted in at least six fatalities and left 11 people injured, primarily affecting students and educational staff. These attacks highlighted the ongoing security challenges and violence facing Afghanistan's civilian population, particularly its vulnerable youth.
2023 SpaceX Starship's Inaugural Orbital Test Flight: SpaceX successfully launched its groundbreaking Starship rocket, the largest and most powerful rocket ever constructed, from Starbase in South Texas. Despite achieving liftoff, the spacecraft experienced critical control issues and was explosively terminated approximately four minutes into its maiden orbital test flight, marking a significant milestone in space exploration development.

What Is special about April 20?

April 20 is notable for a variety of important historical, cultural, and significant events, including famous birthdays and deaths, holidays and more. Find out everything about April 20.