First Dutch East India Company ships return from the Far East
The United East India Companyoːˈseː]), commonly known as the Dutch East India Company, was a chartered trading company and one of the first joint-stock companies in the world.
What Happened on
A complete timeline of historical events, famous births, notable deaths, and holidays that occurred on August 20 throughout history.
98
Events
9
Births
Historical Events on August 20
Alaska is first sighted by a Russian expedition led by Danish explorer Vitus Bering
Vitus Jonassen Bering (baptised 5 August 1681 – 19 December 1741), also known as Ivan Ivanovich Bering, was a Danish-born Russian cartographer, explorer, and officer in the Russian Navy.
Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-sen forms the first chapter of Tongmenghui, a union of secret societies determined to brin
Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-sen forms the first chapter of Tongmenghui, a union of secret societies determined to bring down the Qing dynasty
,000 Soviet and Warsaw Pact troops invade Czechoslovakia at night to suppress the Prague Spring
The Prague Spring (Czech: Pražské jaro; Slovak: Pražská jar) was a period of political liberalization and mass protest in the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic.
Oslo Peace Accords are signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization after secret negotiations in Norw
Oslo Peace Accords are signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization after secret negotiations in Norway, a public ceremony in Washington, D.C. is held the following month
12th Venice Film Festival: "Rashomon" directed by Akira Kurosawa wins the Golden Lion
Rashomon is a 1950 Japanese jidaigeki film directed by Akira Kurosawa from a screenplay he co-wrote with Shinobu Hashimoto.
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" debuts in Moscow
The Year 1812, Solemn Overture, Op. 49, popularly known as the 1812 Overture, is a concert overture in E♭ major written in 1880 by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
American Professional Football Association forms with Jim Thorpe as president and later becomes the National Football Le
American Professional Football Association forms with Jim Thorpe as president and later becomes the National Football League (NFL)
PGA Championship Men's Golf, Valhalla GC: Tiger Woods wins back-to-back PGA titles after a three-hole playoff with Bob M
PGA Championship Men's Golf, Valhalla GC: Tiger Woods wins back-to-back PGA titles after a three-hole playoff with Bob May, becoming the first to win three majors in a calendar year since Ben Hogan in 1953
English novelist (Vanity Fair) William Makepeace Thackeray (25) marries Isabella Gethin Shawe (20)
William Makepeace Thackeray ( THAK-ər-ee; 18 July 1811 – 24 December 1863) was an English novelist and illustrator.
"Rebecca" actress Joan Fontaine (21) weds actor Brian Aherne (37); divorce in 1945
Joan de Beauvoir de Havilland (October 22, 1917 – December 15, 2013), known professionally as Joan Fontaine, was a British-American actress best known for her roles in Hollywood films during the...
American singer Vikki Carr (39) weds businessman Michael Nilsson
American singer Vikki Carr (39) weds businessman Michael Nilsson
The man known primarily for gatecrashing the White House, Tareq Salahi (42) divorces socialite Michaele Salahi (46) due
The man known primarily for gatecrashing the White House, Tareq Salahi (42) divorces socialite Michaele Salahi (46) due to adultery, desertion and construction desertion
Singer Jennifer Lopez files for divorce from husband Ben Affleck after two years of marriage [1]
Jennifer Lynn Lopez is an American singer, songwriter, actress, dancer and businesswoman.
2 Planets Venus and Jupiter in conjunction - possible astronomical explanation for the Star of Bethlehem
2 Planets Venus and Jupiter in conjunction - possible astronomical explanation for the Star of Bethlehem
Battle of Anchialus: Bulgarian army counterattacks the Byzantines
Battle of Anchialus: Bulgarian army counterattacks the Byzantines
Hungary is established as a Christian kingdom by Stephen I of Hungary, celebrated today as State Foundation Day
Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe. Spanning much of the Carpathian Basin, it is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Romania to the east and southeast, Serbia...
Konrad von Wallenrode becomes the 24th Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights
Konrad von Wallenrode (1330s – 23 July 1393) was the 24th Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights, serving from 1391 to 1393.
Turkish admiral Chaireddin "Barbarossa" occupies Tunis
Turkish admiral Chaireddin "Barbarossa" occupies Tunis
Iconoclasm reaches Antwerp, Belgium; the cathedral's interior is torn apart by Protestants
Iconoclasm reaches Antwerp, Belgium; the cathedral's interior is torn apart by Protestants
The Massacre of the Innocents: Prominent citizens in Timbuktu are rounded up, and some are killed by invading Moroccan f
The Massacre of the Innocents: Prominent citizens in Timbuktu are rounded up, and some are killed by invading Moroccan forces, who then pillage the city, ending its golden age
Spanish garrison of Sluis surrenders to Dutch Stadtholder Maurice of Nassau
Spanish garrison of Sluis surrenders to Dutch Stadtholder Maurice of Nassau
Nine of the ten "Pendle witches" are found guilty at trial of charges including murder, witchcraft, and talking to dogs
Nine of the ten "Pendle witches" are found guilty at trial of charges including murder, witchcraft, and talking to dogs and are hanged at Gallows Hill in Lancaster, England
England and Scotland sign the Treaty of Pacification
England and Scotland sign the Treaty of Pacification
Battle of Lens: French Duc d'Enghien defeats the Spanish
Battle of Lens: French Duc d'Enghien defeats the Spanish
Wilberforce University is formed in Ohio
Wilberforce University (WU) is a private university in Wilberforce, Ohio, United States. It is one of three historically black universities established before the American Civil War.
Skirmish in Jonesburg, Missouri
Skirmish in Jonesburg, Missouri
Eighth and last day of the battle at Deep Bottom Run, Virginia, with approximately 3,900 casualties
Eighth and last day of the battle at Deep Bottom Run, Virginia, with approximately 3,900 casualties
Government Kappeijne of Coppello resigns
Government Kappeijne of Coppello resigns
In an epic first-round US men's singles tennis match, Palmer Presbrey takes 80 games to defeat T.S. Tailer, 19-21, 8-6,
In an epic first-round US men's singles tennis match, Palmer Presbrey takes 80 games to defeat T.S. Tailer, 19-21, 8-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4
The Transvaal National Union, a political organisation, is set up with J. Tudhope as president
The Transvaal National Union, a political organisation, is set up with J. Tudhope as president
Shechita (ritual slaughtering) prohibited in Switzerland
Shechita (ritual slaughtering) prohibited in Switzerland
The dial telephone is patented
A telephone, commonly shortened to phone, is a telecommunications device that enables two or more users to conduct a conversation when they are too far apart to be easily heard directly.
Great Britain beats France by 158 runs in Paris in cricket's only appearance at an Olympic Games
Great Britain beats France by 158 runs in Paris in cricket's only appearance at an Olympic Games
The Fawcett Commission visits Mafeking concentration camp in Cape Colony
The Fawcett Commission visits Mafeking concentration camp in Cape Colony
Great Fire destroys three million acres of timber and results in 87 deaths over two days in Idaho and Montana [1]
The Great Fire of 1910 (also commonly referred to as the Big Blowup, the Big Burn, or the Devil's Broom fire) was a wildfire in the Inland Northwest region of the United States which burned three...
Plant Quarantine Act goes into effect
A quarantine is a restriction on the movement of people, animals, and goods which is intended to prevent the spread of disease or pests.
First pilot to parachute from an aircraft (Adolphe Pégoud, France)
Adolphe Célestin Pégoud was a French aviator and flight instructor who became the first fighter ace in history during World War I.
Battle of Gumbinnen, East Prussia: Russians defeat Germans
The Battle of Gumbinnen, initiated by forces of the German Empire on 20 August 1914, was a German offensive on the Eastern Front during the First World War.
Chicago White Sox acquire "Shoeless" Joe Jackson from Cleveland for Robert Roth, Larry Chappell, Ed Klepfer, and $31,500
Chicago White Sox acquire "Shoeless" Joe Jackson from Cleveland for Robert Roth, Larry Chappell, Ed Klepfer, and $31,500; Jackson becomes involved in the "Black Sox Scandal" in 1919
WWI: Britain opens an offensive on the Western front
The Eastern Front or Eastern Theater, of World War I, was a theater of operations that encompassed at its greatest extent the entire frontier between Russia and Romania on one side and...
Wichita outfielder Joe Wilhoit (Western League) fails to get a hit, ending a 69-game streak (155 hits in 299 at bats for
Wichita outfielder Joe Wilhoit (Western League) fails to get a hit, ending a 69-game streak (155 hits in 299 at bats for .505 average)
American Allen Woodring wins the 200 m wearing borrowed shoes at the Olympic Games in Antwerp, Belgium
American Allen Woodring wins the 200 m wearing borrowed shoes at the Olympic Games in Antwerp, Belgium
First Women's World Games (first track and field competition for women) are conducted over one day at Pershing Stadium i
First Women's World Games (first track and field competition for women) are conducted over one day at Pershing Stadium in Paris
London dock strike ends
London dock strike ends
WJR-AM in Detroit, Michigan, begins radio transmissions
WJR-AM in Detroit, Michigan, begins radio transmissions
Japan establishes the public broadcasting company Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai (NHK)
Japan establishes the public broadcasting company Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai (NHK)
First airship flight around Earth flying eastward is completed
First airship flight around Earth flying eastward is completed
DuMont's first TV broadcast for home reception in New York City
DuMont's first TV broadcast for home reception in New York City
Military coup by General Pons and President Velasco Ibarra in Ecuador
Military coup by General Pons and President Velasco Ibarra in Ecuador
First Black bowling league forms (National Bowling Association)
First Black bowling league forms (National Bowling Association)
Police raid 11th district of Paris, taking 4,000+ Jewish males
Jews originated from the Israelites and Hebrews of historical Israel and Judah, two related kingdoms that emerged in the Levant during the Iron Age.
Dim-out regulations implemented in San Francisco
Dim-out regulations implemented in San Francisco
Seventeen-year-old Dodgers utility player Tommy Brown becomes the youngest player to hit an MLB home run in Brooklyn's 1
Seventeen-year-old Dodgers utility player Tommy Brown becomes the youngest player to hit an MLB home run in Brooklyn's 11-1 rout of the Pittsburgh Pirates at Ebbets Field
Boston Braves hit a million in attendance for the first time
Boston Braves hit a million in attendance for the first time
15th NFL Chicago All-Star Game: Chi Cards 28, All-Stars 0 (101,220 attendees)
15th NFL Chicago All-Star Game: Chi Cards 28, All-Stars 0 (101,220 attendees)
78,382 fans watch the White Sox play the Indians in Cleveland
78,382 fans watch the White Sox play the Indians in Cleveland
Archbishop Makarios of Cyprus petitions the UN for the Cypriot right to self-determination
Archbishop Makarios of Cyprus petitions the UN for the Cypriot right to self-determination
Republicans convene at Cow Palace
Republicans convene at Cow Palace
Chicago White Sox Bob Keegan no-hits Washington Senators, 6-0
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball franchise based in Chicago. They play in the American League Central division.
Chicago Cubs use first baseman Dale Long as their first major league lefty catcher since 1906
Chicago Cubs use first baseman Dale Long as their first major league lefty catcher since 1906
Belgium shortens military conscription to 12 months
Belgium shortens military conscription to 12 months
Senegal breaks from the Mali Federation and declares independence
The Mali Federation was a federation in West Africa linking the French colonies of Senegal and the Sudanese Republic (or French Sudan) for two months in 1960.
East Germany begins erecting a 5-foot-high wall (1.5 m) along the border with the West to replace the barbed wire put up
East Germany begins erecting a 5-foot-high wall (1.5 m) along the border with the West to replace the barbed wire put up on August 13
USSR performs a nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya, Soviet Union
Novaya Zemlya, also spelled Novaja Zemlja, is an archipelago in northern Russia. It is situated in the Arctic Ocean, in the extreme northeast of Europe, with Cape Flissingsky, on the northern island,...
Alvin Dark is fired, rehired, and fired again as manager of the MLB Kansas City A's by owner Charlie Finley
Alvin Ralph Dark (January 7, 1922 – November 13, 2014), nicknamed "Blackie" and "the Swamp Fox", was an American professional baseball shortstop and manager.
69 cm of rainfall in Nelson County, Virginia (state record)
69 cm of rainfall in Nelson County, Virginia (state record)
Hurricane Dorothy kills 42 in Martinique
The 1970 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 and lasted until November 30.
FBI begins covert investigation of journalist Daniel Schorr
FBI begins covert investigation of journalist Daniel Schorr
The USSR performs an underground nuclear test
The USSR performs an underground nuclear test
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed is elected as the fifth President of India
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (13 May 1905 – 11 February 1977) was an Indian lawyer and politician who served as the President of India from 1974 to 1977. Born in Delhi, Ahmed studied in Delhi and Cambridge...
Il-62 crashes south of Damascus, Syria, killing 126 people
Il-62 crashes south of Damascus, Syria, killing 126 people
Gunmen open fire on an Israeli El Al Airlines bus in London
Gunmen open fire on an Israeli El Al Airlines bus in London
India's Premier Charan Singh resigns
Chaudhary Charan Singh (23 December 1902 – 29 May 1987) was an Indian politician, peasant leader, author and an independence activist who briefly served as the prime minister of India from July 1979...
Cleveland Indians pitcher Dan Spillner, with a 5.45 ERA, is two outs from a no-hitter when Chicago White Sox rookie Leo
Cleveland Indians pitcher Dan Spillner, with a 5.45 ERA, is two outs from a no-hitter when Chicago White Sox rookie Leo Sutherland hits a single
Don Lever becomes the first captain of the NHL's New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey.
The South African anti-apartheid umbrella organization, United Democratic Front (UDF), is launched at Rocklands Communit
The South African anti-apartheid umbrella organization, United Democratic Front (UDF), is launched at Rocklands Community Centre in Cape Town, South Africa
MLB Philadelphia Phillies' Don Carman's perfect game bid is broken in the 9th when he surrenders a leadoff double in a 1
MLB Philadelphia Phillies' Don Carman's perfect game bid is broken in the 9th when he surrenders a leadoff double in a 1-0 win over the Giants at Candlestick Park in San Francisco
"Black Saturday" of the Yellowstone fire in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
The Yellowstone fires of 1988 collectively formed the largest wildfire in the recorded history of Yellowstone National Park in the United States.
American Janet Evans swims the women's 800 m freestyle world record of 8:16.22 at the Pan Pacific Championships in Tokyo
American Janet Evans swims the women's 800 m freestyle world record of 8:16.22 at the Pan Pacific Championships in Tokyo, Japan
Gene Michael becomes the New York Yankees' general manager, replacing Harding Peterson
Gene Michael becomes the New York Yankees' general manager, replacing Harding Peterson
"Sailor Moon" by Naoko Takeuchi, one of the most popular manga of all time, is first published in Japan
Naoko Takeuchi is a Japanese manga artist. She is best known as the author of Sailor Moon, one of the most popular manga series of all time.
England scores a world ODI record of 363 runs in 55 overs against Pakistan
England scores a world ODI record of 363 runs in 55 overs against Pakistan
Colin Jackson runs a world record 110 m hurdles in 12.91 seconds
Colin Jackson runs a world record 110 m hurdles in 12.91 seconds
.8°F (43.2°C) is recorded in Cordoba, Spain
.8°F (43.2°C) is recorded in Cordoba, Spain
Indians' José Mesa sets a record with his 37th consecutive save
Indians' José Mesa sets a record with his 37th consecutive save
India defeats Pakistan in the Under-15 World Challenge Final at Lord's
India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area; the most populous country since 2023; and, since its independence in 1947, the world's...
Souhane massacre in Algeria: Over 64 villagers are killed, and 15 women are kidnapped by Islamist groups
The largest of the Souhane massacres occurred in the small mountain town of Souhane (about 25 km south of Algiers, between Larbaa and Tablat) on 20–21 August 1997.
Supreme Court of Canada rules that Quebec cannot legally secede from Canada without federal government approval
Reference Re Secession of Quebec, [1998] 2 SCR 217 is a landmark judgment of the Supreme Court of Canada regarding the legality, under both Canadian and international law, of a unilateral secession...
A group of Iraqis opposed to the regime of Saddam Hussein takes over the Iraqi Embassy in Berlin for five hours before r
A group of Iraqis opposed to the regime of Saddam Hussein takes over the Iraqi Embassy in Berlin for five hours before releasing their hostages and surrendering
Russian long-distance swimmer Larisa Ilchenko wins inaugural women's open-water marathon (10 km) in 1:59:27.7 at the Bei
Russian long-distance swimmer Larisa Ilchenko wins inaugural women's open-water marathon (10 km) in 1:59:27.7 at the Beijing Olympics
20 people are killed in a riot in Caracas, Venezuela
On 20 August 2012, armed prisoners in the Yare I prison complex, an overcrowded prison in Miranda state near Caracas, Venezuela, rioted.
Thirty students at West Point Military Academy are injured in a mass pillow fight
Thirty students at West Point Military Academy are injured in a mass pillow fight
Canoeists Max Rendschmidt and Marcus Gross are part of the winning German crew in the K-4 1000 m at the Rio de Janeiro O
Canoeists Max Rendschmidt and Marcus Gross are part of the winning German crew in the K-4 1000 m at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, wrapping up the K-2 / K-4 1000 m double
Colorado man Christopher Lee Watts is charged with the murder of his wife and two daughters
In the early hours of August 13, 2018, in Frederick, Colorado, Christopher Lee Watts murdered his pregnant wife Shanann (34) by strangulation, and their two children Bella (4) and Celeste (3) by...
Computer systems in 22 small Texas towns are hacked and held for ransom in a coordinated attack, prompting an FBI invest
Computer systems in 22 small Texas towns are hacked and held for ransom in a coordinated attack, prompting an FBI investigation
22 million people are now at risk of starvation in the Horn of Africa, an increase of 9 million since January, according
22 million people are now at risk of starvation in the Horn of Africa, an increase of 9 million since January, according to the UN, following the worst drought in 40 years [1]
Ecuador votes in a referendum against drilling for oil in Yasuní National Park, a world biosphere reserve inhabited by I
Ecuador votes in a referendum against drilling for oil in Yasuní National Park, a world biosphere reserve inhabited by Indigenous groups in the Amazon [1]
Famous Births on August 20
birth
Raymond Poincaré is born
Raymond Poincaré is born
birth
Salvatore Quasimodo is born
Salvatore Quasimodo, Italian poet and translator, known for italian poet and translator, was born on 1901-08-20.
birth
Isaac Hayes is born
Isaac Hayes musician and actor, known for american musician and actor, was born on 1942-08-20. Isaac Lee Hayes Jr.
birth
Amy Adams is born
Amy Adams, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1975-08-20. Amy Lou Adams is an American actress.
birth
Andrew Garfield is born
Andrew Garfield, American american actor, known for english and american actor, was born on 1984-08-20. Andrew Russell Garfield is an English and American actor.
birth
Demi Lovato is born
Demi Lovato, American singer, known for american singer, was born on 1993-08-20. Demetria Devonne "Demi" Lovato ( DEM-ee lə-VAH-toh; born August 20, 1992) is an American singer, songwriter, and…
birth
Robert Plant is born
Robert Plant, English musician, known for english singer, was born on 1949-08-20. Robert Anthony Plant is an English singer and songwriter.
birth
Al López is born
Al López, American athlete, known for american baseball player and manager, was born on 1908-08-20.
birth
Jacqueline Susann is born
Jacqueline Susann, American novelist and actress, known for american novelist and actress, was born on 1918-08-20.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on August 20, 1597?
- The United East India Companyoːˈseː]), commonly known as the Dutch East India Company, was a chartered trading company and one of the first joint-stock companies in the world.
- What happened on August 20, 1741?
- Vitus Jonassen Bering (baptised 5 August 1681 – 19 December 1741), also known as Ivan Ivanovich Bering, was a Danish-born Russian cartographer, explorer, and officer in the Russian Navy.
- What happened on August 20, 1905?
- Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-sen forms the first chapter of Tongmenghui, a union of secret societies determined to bring down the Qing dynasty
- What happened on August 20, 1968?
- The Prague Spring (Czech: Pražské jaro; Slovak: Pražská jar) was a period of political liberalization and mass protest in the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic.
- What happened on August 20, 1993?
- Oslo Peace Accords are signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization after secret negotiations in Norway, a public ceremony in Washington, D.C. is held the following month
Complete Timeline — August 20 Through the Ages
2 Planets Venus and Jupiter in conjunction - possible astronomical explanation for the Star of Bethlehem
2 Planets Venus and Jupiter in conjunction - possible astronomical explanation for the Star of Bethlehem
Battle of Anchialus: Bulgarian army counterattacks the Byzantines
Battle of Anchialus: Bulgarian army counterattacks the Byzantines
Hungary is established as a Christian kingdom by Stephen I of Hungary, celebrated today as State Foundation Day
Hungary is a landlocked country in Central Europe. Spanning much of the Carpathian Basin, it is bordered by Slovakia to the north, Ukraine to the northeast, Romania to the east and southeast, Serbia...
Konrad von Wallenrode becomes the 24th Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights
Konrad von Wallenrode (1330s – 23 July 1393) was the 24th Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights, serving from 1391 to 1393.
Turkish admiral Chaireddin "Barbarossa" occupies Tunis
Turkish admiral Chaireddin "Barbarossa" occupies Tunis
Iconoclasm reaches Antwerp, Belgium; the cathedral's interior is torn apart by Protestants
Iconoclasm reaches Antwerp, Belgium; the cathedral's interior is torn apart by Protestants
The Massacre of the Innocents: Prominent citizens in Timbuktu are rounded up, and some are killed by invading Moroccan f
The Massacre of the Innocents: Prominent citizens in Timbuktu are rounded up, and some are killed by invading Moroccan forces, who then pillage the city, ending its golden age
First Dutch East India Company ships return from the Far East
The United East India Companyoːˈseː]), commonly known as the Dutch East India Company, was a chartered trading company and one of the first joint-stock companies in the world.
Spanish garrison of Sluis surrenders to Dutch Stadtholder Maurice of Nassau
Spanish garrison of Sluis surrenders to Dutch Stadtholder Maurice of Nassau
Nine of the ten "Pendle witches" are found guilty at trial of charges including murder, witchcraft, and talking to dogs
Nine of the ten "Pendle witches" are found guilty at trial of charges including murder, witchcraft, and talking to dogs and are hanged at Gallows Hill in Lancaster, England
England and Scotland sign the Treaty of Pacification
England and Scotland sign the Treaty of Pacification
Battle of Lens: French Duc d'Enghien defeats the Spanish
Battle of Lens: French Duc d'Enghien defeats the Spanish
Alaska is first sighted by a Russian expedition led by Danish explorer Vitus Bering
Vitus Jonassen Bering (baptised 5 August 1681 – 19 December 1741), also known as Ivan Ivanovich Bering, was a Danish-born Russian cartographer, explorer, and officer in the Russian Navy.
English novelist (Vanity Fair) William Makepeace Thackeray (25) marries Isabella Gethin Shawe (20)
William Makepeace Thackeray ( THAK-ər-ee; 18 July 1811 – 24 December 1863) was an English novelist and illustrator.
Wilberforce University is formed in Ohio
Wilberforce University (WU) is a private university in Wilberforce, Ohio, United States. It is one of three historically black universities established before the American Civil War.
Raymond Poincaré is born
Raymond Poincaré is born
Skirmish in Jonesburg, Missouri
Skirmish in Jonesburg, Missouri
Eighth and last day of the battle at Deep Bottom Run, Virginia, with approximately 3,900 casualties
Eighth and last day of the battle at Deep Bottom Run, Virginia, with approximately 3,900 casualties
Government Kappeijne of Coppello resigns
Government Kappeijne of Coppello resigns
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture" debuts in Moscow
The Year 1812, Solemn Overture, Op. 49, popularly known as the 1812 Overture, is a concert overture in E♭ major written in 1880 by Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
In an epic first-round US men's singles tennis match, Palmer Presbrey takes 80 games to defeat T.S. Tailer, 19-21, 8-6,
In an epic first-round US men's singles tennis match, Palmer Presbrey takes 80 games to defeat T.S. Tailer, 19-21, 8-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-4
The Transvaal National Union, a political organisation, is set up with J. Tudhope as president
The Transvaal National Union, a political organisation, is set up with J. Tudhope as president
Shechita (ritual slaughtering) prohibited in Switzerland
Shechita (ritual slaughtering) prohibited in Switzerland
The dial telephone is patented
A telephone, commonly shortened to phone, is a telecommunications device that enables two or more users to conduct a conversation when they are too far apart to be easily heard directly.
Great Britain beats France by 158 runs in Paris in cricket's only appearance at an Olympic Games
Great Britain beats France by 158 runs in Paris in cricket's only appearance at an Olympic Games
The Fawcett Commission visits Mafeking concentration camp in Cape Colony
The Fawcett Commission visits Mafeking concentration camp in Cape Colony
Salvatore Quasimodo is born
Salvatore Quasimodo, Italian poet and translator, known for italian poet and translator, was born on 1901-08-20.
Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-sen forms the first chapter of Tongmenghui, a union of secret societies determined to brin
Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-sen forms the first chapter of Tongmenghui, a union of secret societies determined to bring down the Qing dynasty
Al López is born
Al López, American athlete, known for american baseball player and manager, was born on 1908-08-20.
Great Fire destroys three million acres of timber and results in 87 deaths over two days in Idaho and Montana [1]
The Great Fire of 1910 (also commonly referred to as the Big Blowup, the Big Burn, or the Devil's Broom fire) was a wildfire in the Inland Northwest region of the United States which burned three...
Plant Quarantine Act goes into effect
A quarantine is a restriction on the movement of people, animals, and goods which is intended to prevent the spread of disease or pests.
First pilot to parachute from an aircraft (Adolphe Pégoud, France)
Adolphe Célestin Pégoud was a French aviator and flight instructor who became the first fighter ace in history during World War I.
Battle of Gumbinnen, East Prussia: Russians defeat Germans
The Battle of Gumbinnen, initiated by forces of the German Empire on 20 August 1914, was a German offensive on the Eastern Front during the First World War.
Chicago White Sox acquire "Shoeless" Joe Jackson from Cleveland for Robert Roth, Larry Chappell, Ed Klepfer, and $31,500
Chicago White Sox acquire "Shoeless" Joe Jackson from Cleveland for Robert Roth, Larry Chappell, Ed Klepfer, and $31,500; Jackson becomes involved in the "Black Sox Scandal" in 1919
WWI: Britain opens an offensive on the Western front
The Eastern Front or Eastern Theater, of World War I, was a theater of operations that encompassed at its greatest extent the entire frontier between Russia and Romania on one side and...
Jacqueline Susann is born
Jacqueline Susann, American novelist and actress, known for american novelist and actress, was born on 1918-08-20.
Wichita outfielder Joe Wilhoit (Western League) fails to get a hit, ending a 69-game streak (155 hits in 299 at bats for
Wichita outfielder Joe Wilhoit (Western League) fails to get a hit, ending a 69-game streak (155 hits in 299 at bats for .505 average)
American Professional Football Association forms with Jim Thorpe as president and later becomes the National Football Le
American Professional Football Association forms with Jim Thorpe as president and later becomes the National Football League (NFL)
American Allen Woodring wins the 200 m wearing borrowed shoes at the Olympic Games in Antwerp, Belgium
American Allen Woodring wins the 200 m wearing borrowed shoes at the Olympic Games in Antwerp, Belgium
First Women's World Games (first track and field competition for women) are conducted over one day at Pershing Stadium i
First Women's World Games (first track and field competition for women) are conducted over one day at Pershing Stadium in Paris
London dock strike ends
London dock strike ends
WJR-AM in Detroit, Michigan, begins radio transmissions
WJR-AM in Detroit, Michigan, begins radio transmissions
Japan establishes the public broadcasting company Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai (NHK)
Japan establishes the public broadcasting company Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai (NHK)
First airship flight around Earth flying eastward is completed
First airship flight around Earth flying eastward is completed
DuMont's first TV broadcast for home reception in New York City
DuMont's first TV broadcast for home reception in New York City
Military coup by General Pons and President Velasco Ibarra in Ecuador
Military coup by General Pons and President Velasco Ibarra in Ecuador
"Rebecca" actress Joan Fontaine (21) weds actor Brian Aherne (37); divorce in 1945
Joan de Beauvoir de Havilland (October 22, 1917 – December 15, 2013), known professionally as Joan Fontaine, was a British-American actress best known for her roles in Hollywood films during the...
First Black bowling league forms (National Bowling Association)
First Black bowling league forms (National Bowling Association)
Police raid 11th district of Paris, taking 4,000+ Jewish males
Jews originated from the Israelites and Hebrews of historical Israel and Judah, two related kingdoms that emerged in the Levant during the Iron Age.
Dim-out regulations implemented in San Francisco
Dim-out regulations implemented in San Francisco
Isaac Hayes is born
Isaac Hayes musician and actor, known for american musician and actor, was born on 1942-08-20. Isaac Lee Hayes Jr.
Seventeen-year-old Dodgers utility player Tommy Brown becomes the youngest player to hit an MLB home run in Brooklyn's 1
Seventeen-year-old Dodgers utility player Tommy Brown becomes the youngest player to hit an MLB home run in Brooklyn's 11-1 rout of the Pittsburgh Pirates at Ebbets Field
Boston Braves hit a million in attendance for the first time
Boston Braves hit a million in attendance for the first time
15th NFL Chicago All-Star Game: Chi Cards 28, All-Stars 0 (101,220 attendees)
15th NFL Chicago All-Star Game: Chi Cards 28, All-Stars 0 (101,220 attendees)
78,382 fans watch the White Sox play the Indians in Cleveland
78,382 fans watch the White Sox play the Indians in Cleveland
Robert Plant is born
Robert Plant, English musician, known for english singer, was born on 1949-08-20. Robert Anthony Plant is an English singer and songwriter.
12th Venice Film Festival: "Rashomon" directed by Akira Kurosawa wins the Golden Lion
Rashomon is a 1950 Japanese jidaigeki film directed by Akira Kurosawa from a screenplay he co-wrote with Shinobu Hashimoto.
Archbishop Makarios of Cyprus petitions the UN for the Cypriot right to self-determination
Archbishop Makarios of Cyprus petitions the UN for the Cypriot right to self-determination
Republicans convene at Cow Palace
Republicans convene at Cow Palace
Chicago White Sox Bob Keegan no-hits Washington Senators, 6-0
The Chicago White Sox are a Major League Baseball franchise based in Chicago. They play in the American League Central division.
Chicago Cubs use first baseman Dale Long as their first major league lefty catcher since 1906
Chicago Cubs use first baseman Dale Long as their first major league lefty catcher since 1906
Belgium shortens military conscription to 12 months
Belgium shortens military conscription to 12 months
Senegal breaks from the Mali Federation and declares independence
The Mali Federation was a federation in West Africa linking the French colonies of Senegal and the Sudanese Republic (or French Sudan) for two months in 1960.
East Germany begins erecting a 5-foot-high wall (1.5 m) along the border with the West to replace the barbed wire put up
East Germany begins erecting a 5-foot-high wall (1.5 m) along the border with the West to replace the barbed wire put up on August 13
USSR performs a nuclear test at Novaya Zemlya, Soviet Union
Novaya Zemlya, also spelled Novaja Zemlja, is an archipelago in northern Russia. It is situated in the Arctic Ocean, in the extreme northeast of Europe, with Cape Flissingsky, on the northern island,...
Alvin Dark is fired, rehired, and fired again as manager of the MLB Kansas City A's by owner Charlie Finley
Alvin Ralph Dark (January 7, 1922 – November 13, 2014), nicknamed "Blackie" and "the Swamp Fox", was an American professional baseball shortstop and manager.
,000 Soviet and Warsaw Pact troops invade Czechoslovakia at night to suppress the Prague Spring
The Prague Spring (Czech: Pražské jaro; Slovak: Pražská jar) was a period of political liberalization and mass protest in the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic.
69 cm of rainfall in Nelson County, Virginia (state record)
69 cm of rainfall in Nelson County, Virginia (state record)
Hurricane Dorothy kills 42 in Martinique
The 1970 Atlantic hurricane season officially began on June 1 and lasted until November 30.
FBI begins covert investigation of journalist Daniel Schorr
FBI begins covert investigation of journalist Daniel Schorr
The USSR performs an underground nuclear test
The USSR performs an underground nuclear test
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed is elected as the fifth President of India
Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed (13 May 1905 – 11 February 1977) was an Indian lawyer and politician who served as the President of India from 1974 to 1977. Born in Delhi, Ahmed studied in Delhi and Cambridge...
Il-62 crashes south of Damascus, Syria, killing 126 people
Il-62 crashes south of Damascus, Syria, killing 126 people
Amy Adams is born
Amy Adams, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1975-08-20. Amy Lou Adams is an American actress.
Gunmen open fire on an Israeli El Al Airlines bus in London
Gunmen open fire on an Israeli El Al Airlines bus in London
American singer Vikki Carr (39) weds businessman Michael Nilsson
American singer Vikki Carr (39) weds businessman Michael Nilsson
India's Premier Charan Singh resigns
Chaudhary Charan Singh (23 December 1902 – 29 May 1987) was an Indian politician, peasant leader, author and an independence activist who briefly served as the prime minister of India from July 1979...
Cleveland Indians pitcher Dan Spillner, with a 5.45 ERA, is two outs from a no-hitter when Chicago White Sox rookie Leo
Cleveland Indians pitcher Dan Spillner, with a 5.45 ERA, is two outs from a no-hitter when Chicago White Sox rookie Leo Sutherland hits a single
Don Lever becomes the first captain of the NHL's New Jersey Devils
The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey.
The South African anti-apartheid umbrella organization, United Democratic Front (UDF), is launched at Rocklands Communit
The South African anti-apartheid umbrella organization, United Democratic Front (UDF), is launched at Rocklands Community Centre in Cape Town, South Africa
Andrew Garfield is born
Andrew Garfield, American american actor, known for english and american actor, was born on 1984-08-20. Andrew Russell Garfield is an English and American actor.
MLB Philadelphia Phillies' Don Carman's perfect game bid is broken in the 9th when he surrenders a leadoff double in a 1
MLB Philadelphia Phillies' Don Carman's perfect game bid is broken in the 9th when he surrenders a leadoff double in a 1-0 win over the Giants at Candlestick Park in San Francisco
"Black Saturday" of the Yellowstone fire in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
The Yellowstone fires of 1988 collectively formed the largest wildfire in the recorded history of Yellowstone National Park in the United States.
American Janet Evans swims the women's 800 m freestyle world record of 8:16.22 at the Pan Pacific Championships in Tokyo
American Janet Evans swims the women's 800 m freestyle world record of 8:16.22 at the Pan Pacific Championships in Tokyo, Japan
Gene Michael becomes the New York Yankees' general manager, replacing Harding Peterson
Gene Michael becomes the New York Yankees' general manager, replacing Harding Peterson
"Sailor Moon" by Naoko Takeuchi, one of the most popular manga of all time, is first published in Japan
Naoko Takeuchi is a Japanese manga artist. She is best known as the author of Sailor Moon, one of the most popular manga series of all time.
England scores a world ODI record of 363 runs in 55 overs against Pakistan
England scores a world ODI record of 363 runs in 55 overs against Pakistan
Oslo Peace Accords are signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization after secret negotiations in Norw
Oslo Peace Accords are signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization after secret negotiations in Norway, a public ceremony in Washington, D.C. is held the following month
Colin Jackson runs a world record 110 m hurdles in 12.91 seconds
Colin Jackson runs a world record 110 m hurdles in 12.91 seconds
Demi Lovato is born
Demi Lovato, American singer, known for american singer, was born on 1993-08-20. Demetria Devonne "Demi" Lovato ( DEM-ee lə-VAH-toh; born August 20, 1992) is an American singer, songwriter, and…
.8°F (43.2°C) is recorded in Cordoba, Spain
.8°F (43.2°C) is recorded in Cordoba, Spain
Indians' José Mesa sets a record with his 37th consecutive save
Indians' José Mesa sets a record with his 37th consecutive save
India defeats Pakistan in the Under-15 World Challenge Final at Lord's
India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area; the most populous country since 2023; and, since its independence in 1947, the world's...
Souhane massacre in Algeria: Over 64 villagers are killed, and 15 women are kidnapped by Islamist groups
The largest of the Souhane massacres occurred in the small mountain town of Souhane (about 25 km south of Algiers, between Larbaa and Tablat) on 20–21 August 1997.
Supreme Court of Canada rules that Quebec cannot legally secede from Canada without federal government approval
Reference Re Secession of Quebec, [1998] 2 SCR 217 is a landmark judgment of the Supreme Court of Canada regarding the legality, under both Canadian and international law, of a unilateral secession...
PGA Championship Men's Golf, Valhalla GC: Tiger Woods wins back-to-back PGA titles after a three-hole playoff with Bob M
PGA Championship Men's Golf, Valhalla GC: Tiger Woods wins back-to-back PGA titles after a three-hole playoff with Bob May, becoming the first to win three majors in a calendar year since Ben Hogan in 1953
A group of Iraqis opposed to the regime of Saddam Hussein takes over the Iraqi Embassy in Berlin for five hours before r
A group of Iraqis opposed to the regime of Saddam Hussein takes over the Iraqi Embassy in Berlin for five hours before releasing their hostages and surrendering
Russian long-distance swimmer Larisa Ilchenko wins inaugural women's open-water marathon (10 km) in 1:59:27.7 at the Bei
Russian long-distance swimmer Larisa Ilchenko wins inaugural women's open-water marathon (10 km) in 1:59:27.7 at the Beijing Olympics
The man known primarily for gatecrashing the White House, Tareq Salahi (42) divorces socialite Michaele Salahi (46) due
The man known primarily for gatecrashing the White House, Tareq Salahi (42) divorces socialite Michaele Salahi (46) due to adultery, desertion and construction desertion
20 people are killed in a riot in Caracas, Venezuela
On 20 August 2012, armed prisoners in the Yare I prison complex, an overcrowded prison in Miranda state near Caracas, Venezuela, rioted.
Thirty students at West Point Military Academy are injured in a mass pillow fight
Thirty students at West Point Military Academy are injured in a mass pillow fight
Canoeists Max Rendschmidt and Marcus Gross are part of the winning German crew in the K-4 1000 m at the Rio de Janeiro O
Canoeists Max Rendschmidt and Marcus Gross are part of the winning German crew in the K-4 1000 m at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, wrapping up the K-2 / K-4 1000 m double
Colorado man Christopher Lee Watts is charged with the murder of his wife and two daughters
In the early hours of August 13, 2018, in Frederick, Colorado, Christopher Lee Watts murdered his pregnant wife Shanann (34) by strangulation, and their two children Bella (4) and Celeste (3) by...
Computer systems in 22 small Texas towns are hacked and held for ransom in a coordinated attack, prompting an FBI invest
Computer systems in 22 small Texas towns are hacked and held for ransom in a coordinated attack, prompting an FBI investigation
22 million people are now at risk of starvation in the Horn of Africa, an increase of 9 million since January, according
22 million people are now at risk of starvation in the Horn of Africa, an increase of 9 million since January, according to the UN, following the worst drought in 40 years [1]
Ecuador votes in a referendum against drilling for oil in Yasuní National Park, a world biosphere reserve inhabited by I
Ecuador votes in a referendum against drilling for oil in Yasuní National Park, a world biosphere reserve inhabited by Indigenous groups in the Amazon [1]
Singer Jennifer Lopez files for divorce from husband Ben Affleck after two years of marriage [1]
Jennifer Lynn Lopez is an American singer, songwriter, actress, dancer and businesswoman.