Historical Events on September 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 September 20, revealing the lasting impact they've had on the world.

Events on September 20 - Key Moments Throughout History

1900 Dissolution of the Papal States: Pope Leo XIII officially dissolved the Papal States, marking a significant moment in the transformation of the Catholic Church's temporal power and political influence. This event represented the final stage of the Italian unification process (Risorgimento) and fundamentally changed the Vatican's relationship with secular governance.
1901 End of the Boxer Rebellion: The Boxer Rebellion in Qing dynasty China officially concludes with the signing of the Boxer Protocol, marking a significant moment in Chinese diplomatic history. This treaty formally ended the conflict between the Qing Empire and the Eight-Nation Alliance, which had been fighting in response to the anti-foreign and anti-Christian uprising known as the Boxer Rebellion. The protocol imposed harsh reparations on China, further weakening the already declining Qing dynasty and exposing the country's vulnerability to foreign powers.
1902 Jimmy 'Nixey' Callahan No-Hitter Against Detroit Tigers: On September 20, 1902, Chicago White Sox pitcher Jimmy 'Nixey' Callahan achieved a remarkable feat by throwing a no-hitter against the Detroit Tigers, winning the game 3-0. This dominant performance showcased Callahan's exceptional pitching skills and was a significant moment in early 20th-century baseball history.
1904 Russo-Japanese War: Costly Assault on Port Arthur: During the Russo-Japanese War, General Nogi led a massive assault on Port Arthur that resulted in devastating casualties, with 16,000 Japanese soldiers killed or wounded. This battle was a critical moment in the conflict, highlighting the brutal nature of early 20th-century warfare and Japan's military determination.
1905 Houdini's Underwater Escape Challenge: On September 20, 1905, legendary escape artist Harry Houdini participated in a dramatic underwater escape challenge with a challenger named 'Jacques Boudini' at Battery Park in New York City. Both men were handcuffed, chained, and leg-ironed before jumping from a tugboat into the Hudson River. Houdini demonstrated his extraordinary skills by escaping his handcuffs in just 70 seconds and freeing his feet within 90 seconds, while his challenger struggled and required rescue.
1906 Launch of RMS Mauretania: The Cunard Line's RMS Mauretania was launched at the Swan Hunter & Wigham Richardson shipyard in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. This magnificent ocean liner was one of the most famous and celebrated ships of the early 20th century, known for its impressive size, speed, and luxury. The Mauretania would go on to hold the Blue Riband for the fastest transatlantic crossing for an unprecedented 22 years, symbolizing British maritime engineering prowess during the golden age of ocean travel.
1907 RMS Lusitania Begins Maiden Transatlantic Voyage: The prestigious British Cunard Line passenger liner RMS Lusitania embarked on her historic maiden voyage, departing from Liverpool, England, and setting course for New York City. This ocean liner would later become famous for her tragic sinking during World War I in 1915, which was a significant event that helped draw the United States into the conflict.
1908 Magellan's Historic Global Circumnavigation Expedition Begins: On September 20, 1908, the historic Spanish expedition led by Ferdinand Magellan set sail on what would become the first successful circumnavigation of the globe. Although Magellan himself was killed during the journey in the Philippines in 1521, his expedition continued under the leadership of Juan Sebastian Elcano, who completed the voyage in 1522, proving that the Earth was round and opening new routes for global exploration.
1909 Formation of the Union of South Africa: The British Parliament passed the South Africa Act of 1909, which officially established the Union of South Africa, uniting four British colonies: the Cape of Good Hope, Natal, Transvaal, and the Orange River Colony. This legislative act was a direct result of the Second Boer War and represented a significant milestone in British colonial consolidation, creating a single administrative entity that would serve as a precursor to the modern South African state. The union officially came into effect on May 31, 1910, marking a pivotal moment in the region's political transformation.
1910 Thomas Edison's Helicopter Patent Application: Renowned inventor Thomas Edison applied for a U.S. patent (later granted as No. 970,616) for an innovative helicopter design. Although the machine was never manufactured, the patent demonstrated Edison's continued exploration of cutting-edge aviation technologies during the early 20th century.
1911 RMS Olympic Collides with HMS Hawke: The RMS Olympic, sister ship of the RMS Titanic, collided with the British cruiser HMS Hawke at the Solent, causing significant damage to both vessels. The incident resulted in the Olympic having to cancel its scheduled voyage and undergo extensive repairs, which subsequently delayed the completion and maiden voyage of the Titanic.
1912 Australian Defence Department Recommendation Approved: Sir Muirhead Collins, serving as the Secretary of the Australian Department of Defence, formally approved a strategic recommendation proposed by the Army Chief of Staff. This administrative decision likely represented an important moment in the early organizational development of Australia's military infrastructure during the pre-World War I era.
1913 HMCS Karluk Arctic Expedition Disaster: On September 20, 1913, the Canadian exploration ship HMCS Karluk became trapped in Arctic ice during the Canadian Arctic Expedition. Expedition leader Vilhjalmur Stefansson and several crew members faced extreme survival challenges, highlighting the perilous nature of early 20th-century polar exploration and the harsh conditions of Arctic maritime expeditions.
1914 Battle of Zanzibar: German Naval Victory in East Africa: During World War I, the German cruiser SMS Königsberg engaged and decisively defeated the British cruiser HMS Pegasus off the coast of Zanzibar. The battle resulted in the sinking of the British vessel and the tragic loss of 38 British sailors, marking a significant naval encounter in the African theater of the war.
1915 Royal Newfoundland Regiment Arrives at Gallipoli: During World War I, the Royal Newfoundland Regiment landed at Suvla Bay on the Gallipoli Peninsula, joining the complex and challenging Allied campaign against Ottoman forces. This strategic deployment was part of a broader attempt to secure the Dardanelles Strait and potentially open a supply route to Russia. The regiment's arrival represented a significant contribution from the Dominion of Newfoundland to the British war effort, demonstrating the colony's commitment and sacrifice during the conflict.
1916 Brusilov Offensive Concludes: The Brusilov Offensive, a massive and strategically significant Russian military campaign against the Austro-Hungarian and German armies on the Eastern Front during World War I, officially concluded on September 20, 1916. Led by General Aleksei Brusilov, this offensive was one of the most successful Russian operations of the war, causing substantial casualties among the Central Powers and temporarily alleviating pressure on the Western Front.
1917 British Assault on Polygon Wood During World War I: During the Third Battle of Ypres (Passchendaele), British forces launched a significant assault on Polygon Wood in France, a critical engagement in the Western Front of World War I, involving intense infantry and artillery combat.
1918 British Army's Decisive Battle in Transjordan: A critical military engagement during World War I's Middle Eastern campaign, where the British Army's Desert Mounted Corps launched the Battle of Nazareth. The 5th Cavalry Division (British Indian Army) successfully captured strategic locations including Afulah, Beisan, and Jenin, effectively outmaneuvering and nearly encircling the Ottoman Yildirim Army Group in the Judaean Mountains.
1919 Jim Barnes Wins 2nd PGA Championship: Professional golfer Jim Barnes secured victory at the 2nd Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Championship, held at the prestigious Engineers Country Club in Roslyn, New York. This tournament was a significant milestone in the early development of professional golf in the United States, showcasing the emerging talent and competitive spirit of the era.
1920 Black and Tans Burn Balbriggan: During the Irish War of Independence, British paramilitary police known as the 'Black and Tans' committed a brutal act of retaliation by burning the town of Balbriggan and killing two local men. This violent response was in revenge for an Irish Republican Army (IRA) assassination, highlighting the escalating tensions and cycle of violence during the conflict.
1921 British Government's Irish Negotiation Proposal: In a historic diplomatic maneuver, the British government cabinet convened outside of England for the first time, holding an emergency session at the Town House in Inverness, Scotland. Prime Minister David Lloyd George, who was vacationing nearby in Gairloch, was central to the proceedings. The meeting produced a significant counteroffer to Irish nationalist leader Éamon de Valera, proposing a conference on September 20th with Dáil Éireann delegates. The key condition was Ireland's agreement to remain within the British Empire, reflecting the complex political tensions of the early 1920s during the Irish independence movement.
1922 Senate Fails to Override Harding's Presidential Veto: In a pivotal legislative moment, the United States Senate fell just 4 votes short of the constitutionally required two-thirds majority needed to override President Warren G. Harding's veto. This event highlighted the delicate balance of power between the executive and legislative branches during the early 1920s.
1923 No Significant Historical Record: After thorough review, no specific notable historical event was found for September 20, 1923. This could indicate a relatively uneventful day in global history.
1924 Secret Diplomatic Agreement Between China and Soviet Union: A confidential diplomatic agreement was signed between the Republic of China and the Soviet Union, building upon a previously established secret protocol from March 14. This diplomatic interaction highlighted the complex geopolitical relationships in East Asia during the early 20th century.
1925 Birth of King Ananda Mahidol of Thailand: Ananda Mahidol, also known as King Rama VIII, was born on September 20, 1925, in Thailand (then known as Siam). He was a significant figure in Thai royal history, ascending to the throne at a young age and becoming a symbol of the nation during a complex period of political transition. His reign was tragically short, as he was found dead under mysterious circumstances in 1946 at the age of 20, an event that deeply impacted Thai society and politics.
1926 DUPE - Miami Hurricane Devastates Pensacola: On September 20, 1926, the Miami hurricane made landfall in Pensacola, Florida, causing catastrophic damage. The powerful storm completely destroyed almost every pier, warehouse, and boat in Pensacola Bay, demonstrating the immense destructive potential of tropical cyclones in the Gulf Coast region.
1927 Babe Ruth Sets Single-Season Home Run Record: On September 20, 1927, New York Yankees legendary baseball player Babe Ruth hit his record-breaking 60th home run of the season, striking the ball off pitcher Tom Zachry. This milestone was unprecedented in baseball history and solidified Ruth's status as one of the greatest sluggers of all time.
1928 Al Smith Campaign Speech in Oklahoma City: Al Smith, the Democratic presidential candidate, delivered a significant campaign speech in Oklahoma City addressing religious tolerance and challenging prejudices against his Catholic faith during the 1928 presidential election campaign.
1929 Deadly Fire at Detroit Study Club Dance Hall: On September 20, 1929, a catastrophic fire erupted at the Study Club dance hall in Detroit, Michigan, resulting in a tragic loss of life. The blaze claimed 20 lives and left over 50 people injured, marking one of the most significant urban disasters in Detroit's early 20th-century history. The incident highlighted the critical need for improved fire safety regulations and emergency response protocols in public entertainment venues during that era.
1930 Reichswehr Leadership Change: Paul von Hindenburg appointed Kurt von Hammerstein-Equord as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Reichswehr, a pivotal leadership transition during the tumultuous Weimar Republic era. This appointment occurred during a period of significant political instability in Germany, just before the rise of Nazi power.
1931 Britain Abandons Gold Standard: The British government officially abandoned the gold standard, a pivotal economic decision that signaled the end of the classical gold standard era and represented a major shift in monetary policy during the global economic challenges of the early 1930s.
1932 Gandhi's Hunger Strike for Untouchables: Mahatma Gandhi initiates a powerful hunger strike to protest the systemic discrimination against untouchables in the Indian social hierarchy, drawing international attention to social injustice.
1933 Jewish Resistance During Nazi Era: Despite growing Nazi oppression, German Jews demonstrated remarkable resilience by achieving record-breaking attendance at synagogues during Rosh Hashanah. This act of collective defiance symbolized the community's strength and refusal to be intimidated by anti-Semitic decrees.
1935 Pittsburgh Crawfords Win Negro National League Championship: On September 20, 1935, the Pittsburgh Crawfords defeated the New York Cubans 3-0 to claim the Negro National League Championship. This victory highlighted the exceptional baseball talent in the Negro Leagues during an era of racial segregation in professional sports.
1936 Dynamite Explosion in Havana Targets Press and Church: On September 20, 1936, a powerful dynamite blast rocked Havana, Cuba, causing significant destruction and loss of life. The explosion targeted a newspaper press and a nearby Catholic church, resulting in the demolition of both buildings and the tragic death of four individuals. In the aftermath of the incident, authorities arrested 20 Socialists, suggesting potential political motivations behind the bombing. The event highlights the political tensions and violent conflicts prevalent in Cuba during the mid-1930s, a period marked by social and ideological struggles.
1937 Zora Neale Hurston Publishes Landmark Novel: African American writer Zora Neale Hurston published her seminal novel 'Their Eyes Were Watching God', a groundbreaking work of the Harlem Renaissance that explores race, gender, and identity through the journey of its protagonist Janie Crawford. The novel would later become a critical cornerstone of African American literature.
1938 Czechoslovakia Rejects Sudetenland Proposal: The Czech government officially refused to accept the Anglo-French proposal to surrender the Sudetenland, a predominantly ethnic German region, which was seen as a critical moment of diplomatic tension preceding World War II.
1939 German Army Declares Polish Campaign Complete: German Colonel General Walther von Brauchitsch announces the completion of military operations in Poland. In just twenty days of warfare, German forces have occupied approximately 100,000 square miles of territory and captured 400,000 Polish prisoners, marking a swift and decisive conquest.
1940 Breaking the Japanese Purple Code: Genevieve Grotjan, a brilliant cryptanalyst working for the U.S. Army Signal Intelligence Service, successfully completed the decryption of the Japanese diplomatic communication code known as Purple. This breakthrough was a critical intelligence achievement during World War II, enabling American cryptographers to intercept and understand Japanese diplomatic communications, which provided crucial strategic insights for the United States military and diplomatic efforts.
1941 Holocaust Mass Execution in Nemenčinė: During World War II, Lithuanian Nazi collaborators and local police conducted a systematic mass execution of 403 Jewish civilians in Nemenčinė, Lithuania, representing a horrific moment of the Holocaust in Eastern Europe.
1942 Holocaust Atrocity in Letychiv: During a horrific two-day period, the Nazi SS systematically murdered at least 3,000 Jewish civilians in Letychiv, Ukraine, as part of the broader Holocaust genocide campaign targeting Jewish populations during World War II.
1943 Nazi Deportation of Belgian Jews to Auschwitz: On this tragic day during the Holocaust, Nazi Germany initiated mass deportations of Jewish people from Belgium, forcibly transporting them to the Auschwitz concentration camp as part of the systematic persecution and genocide of Jewish populations across occupied Europe.
1944 Liberation of Nijmegen: On September 20, 1944, the Dutch city of Nijmegen was liberated from German occupation during World War II, a crucial moment in the Netherlands' liberation campaign.
1945 Gandhi and Nehru Demand British Troop Withdrawal from India: Mohandas Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, two prominent leaders of the Indian independence movement, jointly demanded the complete withdrawal of British troops from India, intensifying the push for full independence and self-governance.
1946 Churchill's United Europe Vision: Winston Churchill delivered a seminal speech advocating for a unified Europe, laying groundwork for future European integration. His vision would later inspire the formation of institutions like the European Union and promote post-war continental cooperation.
1947 Death of Fiorello La Guardia, Influential New York City Mayor: Fiorello Henry La Guardia, a prominent Republican politician and three-term mayor of New York City (1934-1945), passed away on September 20, 1947. Known for his dynamic leadership during the Great Depression and World War II, La Guardia was a reformist who fought against corruption, modernized city infrastructure, and was a strong advocate for working-class citizens. He was also notable for being one of the first Italian-American mayors of a major U.S. city and was nicknamed 'The Little Flower' due to his short stature and vibrant personality.
1948 Israeli Emergency Anti-Terrorist Legislation: The Israeli government enacts comprehensive emergency anti-terrorist legislation, establishing strict legal consequences for terrorist activities. The law prescribes imprisonment ranging from 1 to 25 years for various levels of terrorist involvement, including active participation and organizational membership.
1949 Soviet Union Detonates First Atomic Bomb: President Harry Truman officially announced the Soviet Union's successful detonation of its first atomic bomb, code-named 'Joe-1' after Joseph Stalin. This event dramatically escalated Cold War tensions and marked a critical shift in global nuclear capabilities, ending the United States' nuclear monopoly.
1950 Internal Security Act of 1950: The U.S. Congress passed the Internal Security Act, which mandated the registration of Communist organizations. President Truman vetoed the act, but Congress subsequently overrode his veto, reflecting the intense anti-Communist sentiment of the early Cold War era.
1951 First Jet Crossing of the North Pole: A historic aviation milestone was achieved with the first jet aircraft crossing of the North Pole, demonstrating significant advancements in aviation technology and long-distance flight capabilities.
1952 KPTV Channel 12 Launches in Portland: On September 20, 1952, KPTV, an independent television station broadcasting on channel 12, began its first broadcast in Portland, Oregon. This marked an important milestone in the city's media and communication landscape, expanding local television coverage and entertainment options for residents.
1953 Ernie Banks Hits First Major League Home Run: On September 20, 1953, Chicago Cubs shortstop Ernie Banks hit his first major league home run, marking a significant milestone in his legendary baseball career. Banks, who would later become known as 'Mr. Cub', was a pioneering African American player who would go on to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame and become one of the most beloved players in Cubs history.
1954 First FORTRAN Computer Program Runs: On September 20, 1954, a groundbreaking moment in computer science occurred when the first FORTRAN (FORmula TRANslation) computer program was successfully executed. Developed by IBM, this high-level programming language revolutionized software development by making scientific and mathematical computations more accessible and efficient.
1955 USSR-GDR Treaty Signed: The Treaty on Relations between the Soviet Union and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) was officially signed, establishing formal diplomatic relations and solidifying the Soviet Union's political influence in East Germany during the Cold War era.
1956 Groundbreaking Jupiter-C Missile Launch: The U.S. Army Ballistic Missile Agency (ABMA) successfully launched the Jupiter-C research and development vehicle from Cape Canaveral, demonstrating significant advancements in missile and space technology. The launch achieved remarkable performance metrics, propelling an 86.5-lb payload to an altitude of 680 miles, reaching speeds of 16,000 mph and covering a range of 3,300 miles. This mission was a critical milestone in early American space and missile development efforts.
1957 Death of Jean Sibelius, Renowned Finnish Composer: Jean Sibelius, the celebrated Finnish composer who significantly influenced classical music and national identity, passed away at the age of 91. Known for his symphonic works and the iconic 'Finlandia', Sibelius was a pivotal figure in establishing Finland's musical heritage and romantic nationalist style.
1958 Assassination Attempt on Martin Luther King Jr.: Izola Curry, an African-American woman, attempts to assassinate civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. by stabbing him, marking a significant moment in the civil rights movement.
1959 Iraqi Officers Executed After Mosul Uprising: General Nadhim Tabaqchali and 18 other Iraqi military officers were executed by firing squad for their involvement in the March 1959 Mosul Uprising, a significant political and military event in Iraq's turbulent history.
1960 Dr. Ernest Goodpasture Passes Away: On September 20, 1960, Dr. Ernest Goodpasture, a distinguished 73-year-old Vanderbilt University professor, died. He was renowned for his groundbreaking work in 1931, developing a revolutionary method for mass-producing vaccines using chicken embryos. His innovative technique dramatically advanced medical research and vaccine development, saving countless lives.
1961 James Meredith Denied University Access: James Meredith was refused access as a student in Mississippi, reflecting the ongoing racial segregation and discrimination in American educational institutions during the early 1960s civil rights era.
1962 James Meredith Barred from University of Mississippi: James Meredith, an African-American student, was temporarily prevented from entering the University of Mississippi, highlighting the systemic racial barriers in higher education during the early 1960s Civil Rights movement.
1963 JFK proposes a joint US-Soviet voyage to the moon
1964 Beatles Perform at Paramount Theater: The Beatles performed at the Paramount Theater in New York City, accompanied by Steve and Eydie, during their rising popularity in the mid-1960s.
1965 Chinese Air Force Shoots Down American F-104 Starfighter: During the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965, two Shenyang J-6 jet fighters from China's People's Liberation Army Air Force intercepted and shot down an American F-104C Starfighter, capturing its pilot and escalating international tensions.
1966 US Surveyor B Moon Mission Attempt: NASA launched the Surveyor B spacecraft as part of its lunar exploration program, aiming to conduct scientific investigations on the Moon's surface. Unfortunately, the mission encountered technical difficulties and crashed on September 23, 1966, before achieving its primary objectives.
1967 Launch of the Queen Elizabeth 2: The iconic RMS Queen Elizabeth 2, a legendary ocean liner, was launched at John Brown & Company shipyard in Clydebank, Scotland. This vessel would become one of the most famous cruise ships in maritime history, symbolizing the golden age of transatlantic travel.
1968 Hawaii 5-O Television Premiere: "Hawaii 5-O" debuts on CBS, launching a groundbreaking crime drama series that would become a television landmark. The show would go on to set a record as the longest-running crime show in television history until "Law & Order" surpassed it in 2003, showcasing the enduring appeal of the police procedural genre.
1969 John Lennon's Private Announcement to Leave The Beatles: In a pivotal moment for music history, John Lennon privately informed Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr during a London business meeting that he intended to leave The Beatles, signaling the beginning of the band's eventual dissolution.
1970 Soviet Luna 16 Moon Landing and Sample Collection: The Soviet spacecraft Luna 16 successfully landed in the Moon's Mare Fecunditatis region, becoming the first robotic probe to autonomously collect and return lunar geological samples to Earth. This mission represented a significant milestone in lunar exploration and Soviet space technology.
1971 Hurricane Irene/Olivia: First Atlantic to Pacific Hurricane Crossing: On September 20, 1971, Hurricane Irene made meteorological history by becoming the first known hurricane to cross from the Atlantic Ocean into the Pacific Ocean. After initially weakening upon making landfall in Nicaragua, the storm regained sufficient strength to be renamed Hurricane Olivia, marking an unprecedented meteorological event.
1972 Britain Joins the European Economic Community: On September 20, 1972, the United Kingdom completed its ratification of the Treaty of Accession to the Common Market (European Economic Community), marking a significant milestone in its European integration. This event followed the referendum earlier that year and represented a major shift in Britain's economic and political landscape.
1973 Battle of the Sexes Tennis Match: Tennis star Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in a groundbreaking 'Battle of the Sexes' tennis match at the Houston Astrodome. King won decisively with scores of 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, in front of a global TV audience estimated at 50 million viewers. The winner collected a $100,000 prize and the match became a significant moment in the women's rights movement and gender equality.
1974 Unprecedented Congressional Inspection of Fort Knox Gold Reserves: On September 23, 1974, Members of Congress conducted a groundbreaking inspection of the U.S. gold stocks stored at the Fort Knox Bullion Depository. This event was remarkable because it broke the long-standing tradition of prohibiting visitors to this highly secure facility, offering rare transparency into the nation's gold reserves.
1975 David Bowie's "Fame" Tops Charts: David Bowie's hit single "Fame" reaches number one on the music charts and maintains the top position for two consecutive weeks, showcasing the artist's significant musical influence during the mid-1970s.
1976 Orlando Letelier Assassination: Orlando Letelier, a Chilean diplomat and opponent of the Pinochet regime, was assassinated in Washington, D.C. by agents of Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet in a car bombing. This political murder was part of Operation Condor, a campaign of state-sponsored terrorism targeting political dissidents.
1977 Voyager 2 Space Exploration Mission Launched: NASA launched the Voyager 2 spacecraft on a groundbreaking mission to conduct fly-by observations of the outer planets Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, expanding humanity's understanding of the solar system.
1978 PSA Flight 182 Disaster in San Diego: A tragic mid-air collision occurred between a Boeing 727 passenger aircraft and a small private plane over San Diego, California, resulting in 144 fatalities. This catastrophic event is one of the deadliest aviation accidents in California's history.
1979 France Abolishes Death Penalty: The French National Assembly votes to abolish the death penalty, making France the 35th country to do so and marking a significant milestone in human rights legislation.
1980 Ozzy Osbourne Releases 'Blizzard of Ozz': Ozzy Osbourne, former lead singer of Black Sabbath, released his groundbreaking debut solo album 'Blizzard of Ozz' in the United Kingdom, marking a significant moment in heavy metal and rock music history.
1981 China's First Triple Satellite Launch: China achieves a significant milestone in its space program by successfully launching three satellites into orbit from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, marking a major advancement in its space technology capabilities.
1982 NFL Players Strike of 1982: The National Football League (NFL) players initiated a significant 57-day strike, disrupting the professional American football season and highlighting labor disputes in professional sports.
1983 RSA Cryptographic Algorithm Patent: The RSA algorithm, a groundbreaking public-key cryptographic system developed by Ron Rivest, Adi Shamir, and Leonard Adleman, was officially patented. This innovation would become fundamental to secure digital communications, enabling encrypted data transmission across computer networks and the internet.
1984 Beirut Embassy Bombing: A devastating suicide car bomb attack targets the U.S. Embassy annex in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 23 people in a tragic terrorist incident that highlighted the volatile political climate in the Middle East during the 1980s.
1985 Mexico City Earthquake Aftershock: A devastating aftershock with a magnitude of 7.5 struck Mexico City on September 20, 1985, compounding the destruction from the previous day's 8.0 magnitude earthquake. This seismic event caused significant additional damage to the already devastated urban infrastructure and likely resulted in further loss of life.
1986 Historic College Football Upset: Wichita State Shockers Collapse: In a stunning turn of events, the Wichita State Shockers suffered one of the most dramatic collapses in college football history. Leading 35-3 at one point, they ultimately lost the game 36-35 to Morehead State on September 20, 1986. This extraordinary defeat represents one of the most significant single-game meltdowns in collegiate sports, where a seemingly insurmountable lead was squandered in the final moments.
1987 Walter Payton Breaks NFL Rushing Touchdown Record: Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton sets a new NFL record by scoring his 107th rushing touchdown, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in football history.
1988 Thatcher's Bruges Speech on European Integration: Margaret Thatcher, British Prime Minister, delivers a landmark speech at the College of Europe in Bruges, critically addressing the bureaucratic nature of the European Community and advocating for a more decentralized approach to European integration.
1989 F.W. de Klerk Becomes South African State President: F. W. de Klerk was sworn in as the seventh and last State President of South Africa, marking a pivotal moment in the country's political history. His presidency would become crucial in initiating reforms to dismantle the apartheid system and pave the way for democratic transition.
1990 German Reunification Ratification: Both East and West Germany officially ratified their reunification, marking a historic moment in the process of German unification following the fall of the Berlin Wall. This event symbolized the end of Cold War divisions and the restoration of Germany as a single nation.
1991 Armenia Declares Independence from Soviet Union: On September 20, 1991, Armenia officially declared its independence from the Soviet Union, marking a significant moment in the country's political history and the dissolution of the USSR.
1992 France Votes in Favor of Maastricht Treaty: France held a referendum on the Maastricht Treaty, a pivotal moment in European integration that would establish the European Union and set the groundwork for the euro currency.
1993 Big Bayou Canot Train Disaster: A catastrophic train accident occurred when the Amtrak Sunset Limited encountered a collapsed bridge near Big Bayou Canot, Alabama. The bridge failure resulted in a tragic derailment that claimed 47 lives, marking one of the deadliest train accidents in U.S. history. The incident highlighted critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and led to subsequent improvements in railway safety protocols.
1994 US Military 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Policy Ends: The controversial 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, which prohibited openly gay personnel from serving in the United States military, was officially terminated. Instituted by President Bill Clinton's administration in 1994, the policy had prevented LGBTQ+ individuals from openly serving their country, marking a significant moment in LGBTQ+ rights and military inclusivity.
1995 Death of Eileen Chang, Renowned Chinese Writer: Eileen Chang, a prominent and influential Chinese writer known for her nuanced portrayals of urban life and complex human relationships in mid-20th century China, passed away. Born in Shanghai in 1920, Chang was celebrated for her distinctive literary style that captured the social dynamics and emotional landscapes of her era.
1996 Murtaza Bhutto Killed in Police Confrontation: Murtaza Bhutto, a prominent leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party and son of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, was killed during a violent gun battle with police in Karachi. The incident highlighted the ongoing political tensions and violence in Pakistani politics during the mid-1990s.
1997 Yankees Clinch Postseason Berth: The New York Yankees secured their 37th postseason appearance and their third consecutive playoff berth on September 20, 1997. This milestone underscores the team's consistent excellence and dominance in Major League Baseball during the late 1990s, a period marked by the Yankees' sustained success and dynasty-like performance.
1998 'Will & Grace' Television Premiere: The groundbreaking sitcom 'Will & Grace' debuts, marking a significant moment in television history by featuring prominent LGBTQ+ characters and themes, helping to increase mainstream representation and understanding.
1999 Greek Stock Market Crash of 1999: On September 20, 1999, the Greek stock market experienced a significant financial downturn, marking a pivotal moment in the country's economic history. The crash represented a substantial decline in market value, causing widespread economic uncertainty and impacting investor confidence in the Greek financial system.
2000 RSA Cryptography Patent Expiration: The patent on the RSA cryptographic algorithm, a foundational technology for secure digital communication and internet encryption, expired, effectively making the technology freely available for widespread public and commercial use.
2001 Bush's 'Freedom at War with Fear' Speech: On September 20, 2001, President George W. Bush delivered a powerful and historic speech to a joint session of Congress in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In his address, he outlined the United States' response to the unprecedented terrorist attacks, declaring a resolute commitment to combating global terrorism and protecting American freedoms.
2002 U.S. Iraq War Planning Revealed: White House and Pentagon officials disclosed that General Tommy Franks had presented comprehensive war plans to President Bush, signaling imminent military preparations for the Iraq invasion.
2003 American Soldier Casualties in Iraq: Two American soldiers were killed and 13 injured in a mortar attack at Abu Ghraib, with another soldier dying in a roadside attack in Ramadi. These casualties brought the total U.S. military deaths in Iraq to 304 since the start of the war.
2004 Eugene Armstrong Beheaded by Militant Group in Iraq: In a brutal act of terrorism, the Tawhid and Jihad militant group led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi beheaded American hostage Eugene Armstrong. The group threatened to kill two additional hostages - American Jack Hensley and British citizen Kenneth Bigley - if their demands were not met.
2005 Death of Simon Wiesenthal, Renowned Nazi Hunter: Simon Wiesenthal, a legendary Holocaust survivor and Nazi hunter, passed away in Vienna, Austria at the age of 96. Throughout his life, he was instrumental in tracking down over 1,100 Nazi war criminals, playing a crucial role in bringing Holocaust perpetrators to justice.
2006 Thailand Military Coup: General Sonthi Boonyaratglin led a military coup in Thailand, ousting Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and declaring that a new civilian prime minister would be elected within two weeks.
2007 Jena Six Protest March: Between 15,000 and 20,000 protesters marched in Jena, Louisiana, demonstrating support for six black youths who had been convicted in a controversial schoolyard assault case, highlighting racial tensions in the United States.
2008 Bush Administration's Mortgage Crisis Intervention: President George W. Bush requested Congressional approval for a $700 billion financial package to address the subprime mortgage crisis, a critical moment in the 2008 financial meltdown.
2009 War Crimes Transfer: Ndahimana to Face ICTR Trial: The Democratic Republic of Congo transferred Gregoire Ndahimana to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) to be prosecuted for the 1994 massacre of at least 2,000 Rwandan Tutsis during the genocide.
2010 UN Millennium Development Goals Summit in New York: World leaders gathered in New York City for a critical United Nations summit to discuss progress and strategies for implementing the Millennium Development Goals, addressing global poverty and sustainable development.
2011 End of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Policy: The United States military officially ended its discriminatory 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, allowing gay men and women to serve openly in the military for the first time, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in the armed forces.
2012 Syrian Civil War Escalates: The Syrian Civil War continues with intense military actions and significant civilian casualties, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
2013 Syrian Civil War Diplomatic Overture: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani signaled a potential diplomatic breakthrough by expressing Iran's readiness to mediate talks between the Syrian government and opposition, potentially offering a path towards resolving the complex Syrian conflict.
2014 ISIL Advances Near Syrian-Turkish Border: The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that Islamic State (ISIL) militants have captured 60 villages near Kobani, a strategic Kurdish settlement on the Syria-Turkey border. Simultaneously, Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu announced the release of 49 Turkish hostages previously captured during the fall of Mosul.
2015 Boko Haram Terrorist Attack in Maiduguri: Three devastating explosions in the Nigerian city of Maiduguri resulted in at least 80 fatalities and 150 injuries, demonstrating Boko Haram's continued terrorist threat.
2016 Syrian Aid Convoy Attack: A devastating airstrike targeted a humanitarian aid convoy delivering supplies to 78,000 Syrians near the divided city of Aleppo, killing 12 people and destroying at least 18 trucks.
2017 Hurricane Maria Devastates Puerto Rico: Hurricane Maria made a catastrophic landfall in Puerto Rico as a powerful Category 4 hurricane, causing widespread destruction. The hurricane resulted in 2,975 deaths, caused US$90 billion in damage, and triggered a major humanitarian crisis.
2018 Sinking of MV Nyerere in Lake Victoria: A tragic ferry disaster occurred on Lake Victoria, Tanzania, where at least 161 people lost their lives when a vessel capsized near Ukara Island. The incident highlights the critical need for maritime safety improvements in the region.
2019 Global Climate Strike Led by Greta Thunberg: A massive global demonstration involving approximately four million people, primarily students, took place worldwide to address urgent climate change concerns. The protest was notably led by sixteen-year-old Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg, who organized a significant demonstration in New York City.
2020 Tragic Explosion During Unexploded Ordnance Clearance in Solomon Islands: On September 20, 2020, a devastating explosion occurred in a residential area of Honiara, Solomon Islands, resulting in the tragic deaths of two Norwegian People's Aid humanitarian workers. The incident took place during a critical mission to clear unexploded ordnance (UXO) left behind from World War II's Pacific campaign. This event highlights the ongoing dangers posed by decades-old military remnants and the risks faced by humanitarian demining personnel in post-conflict regions.
2021 Pentagon Acknowledges Civilian Casualties in Afghan Drone Strike: The U.S. Department of Defense officially admitted that a drone strike in Afghanistan had mistakenly killed civilians, marking a significant moment of accountability in military operations. Victims' families called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
2022 Russian State Duma Approves War-Related Criminal Code Amendments: During the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War, Russian State Duma deputies approved significant amendments to the Criminal Code, introducing legal concepts related to mobilization, martial law, wartime, and armed conflict. These changes also established new punishments for military desertion.
2023 US Grants Humanitarian Status to Venezuelan Migrants: The US Department of Homeland Security announced plans to grant special humanitarian status to 472,000 Venezuelans currently residing in the United States. This policy will allow these migrants to legally work and potentially provide a pathway to more stable residency, addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis stemming from Venezuela's political and economic instability.

What Is special about September 20?

September 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 September 20.