What Happened on March 20

A complete timeline of historical events, famous births, notable deaths, and holidays that occurred on March 20 throughout history.

Events

Births

Deaths

Historical Events on March 20

1602

United Dutch East Indian Company (VOC) is formed and granted a monopoly on all Dutch sea-borne trade with Asia

1800

Alessandro Volta reports his discovery of the electric battery in a letter to Joseph Banks, president of the Royal Socie

Alessandro Volta reports his discovery of the electric battery in a letter to Joseph Banks, president of the Royal Society of London

1815

Napoleon Bonaparte enters Paris after his escape from Elba and begins his 100-day rule

1854

Republican Party is formally organized in Ripon, Wisconsin

The Republican Party, also known as the Grand Old Party (GOP), is one of the two major political parties in the United States.

1900

US Secretary of State John Hay announces that all nations to whom he sent notes calling for an 'open door' policy in Chi

US Secretary of State John Hay announces that all nations to whom he sent notes calling for an 'open door' policy in China have essentially accepted his stance

2016

Barack Obama becomes the first US President to visit Cuba since 1928, arriving for a three-day tour with First Lady Mich

Barack Obama becomes the first US President to visit Cuba since 1928, arriving for a three-day tour with First Lady Michelle

2024

New rule limiting tailpipe pollution aimed at greatly expanding electric vehicles in the US is announced by President Jo

New rule limiting tailpipe pollution aimed at greatly expanding electric vehicles in the US is announced by President Joe Biden [1]

1952

24th Academy Awards: "An American in Paris", Humphrey Bogart and Vivien Leigh win

The 24th Academy Awards were held on March 20, 1952, honoring the films of 1951. The ceremony was hosted by Danny Kaye. An American in Paris and A Place in the Sun each received six Oscars, splitting…

1991

Michael Jackson signs a $65 million deal with Sony Records to produce six albums

American singer Michael Jackson released ten studio albums, five soundtrack albums, 55 compilation albums, ten video albums, and seven remix albums.

1973

Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Roberto Clemente is elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame 11 weeks after his death in a pl

Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Roberto Clemente is elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame 11 weeks after his death in a plane crash

1848

King Louis I of Bayern abdicates to marry dancer Lola Montez

1878

53rd UK Prime Minister Archibald Primrose (31) weds heiress Hannah de Rothschild (27) at the Board of Guardians in Mount

53rd UK Prime Minister Archibald Primrose (31) weds heiress Hannah de Rothschild (27) at the Board of Guardians in Mount Street, London

1934

Vietnam emperor Bảo Đại (20) weds empress Nam Phương (19) at the imperial city of Huế

2009

"Dawson's Creek" actor Kerr Smith (37) divorces actress Harmoni Everett (34) due to irreconcilable differences after 6 y

"Dawson's Creek" actor Kerr Smith (37) divorces actress Harmoni Everett (34) due to irreconcilable differences after 6 years of marriage

141

6th recorded perihelion passage of Halley's Comet

A comet is an icy, small Solar System body or interstellar object that warms and begins to release gases when passing close to the Sun, a process called outgassing.

1525

Dutch sea captain Willem de Vlamingh returns to Batavia after exploring "South Land" (west coast of Australia)

1703

Akō incident: 46 of the 47 surviving Ronin commit seppuku (ritual suicide) as recompense for avenging their master's dea

Akō incident: 46 of the 47 surviving Ronin commit seppuku (ritual suicide) as recompense for avenging their master's death in Edo

1739

Iranian ruler Nadir Shah occupies Delhi in India and sacks the city, stealing the jewels of the Peacock Throne

1760

Great Fire of Boston destroys 349 buildings

The Great Boston Fire of 1760 was a major conflagration that occurred on March 20, 1760, in Boston in the Province of Massachusetts Bay.

1813

Lady Hester Stanhope sets out for ancient city of Palmyra, the first western woman to visit

1814

Prince Willem Frederik becomes monarch of Netherlands

William I (Willem Frederik; 24 August 1772 – 12 December 1843) was King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg from 1815 until his abdication in 1840.

1816

US Supreme Court affirms its right to review state court decisions

1833

US and Siam sign the Treaty of Amity and Commerce establishing friendly relations and commerce between the two states

The Treaty of Amity and Commerce between His Majesty the Magnificent King of Siam and the United States of America, or Roberts Treaty of 1833, was the first treaty between Siam and the United States.

1861

An earthquake completely destroys Mendoza, Argentina

1865

2nd day of Battle of Bentonville, North Carolina

The Battle of Bentonville (March 19–21, 1865) was fought in Johnston County, North Carolina, near the village of Bentonville, as part of the Western Theater of the American Civil War.

1883

Jan Matzeliger receives his 1st patent (number 274,207) for shoe lasting machine which mechanized shoe production

1886

1st AC power plant in US begins commercial operation in Massachusetts

1888

Premiere of the very first Romani language operetta staged in Moscow, Russia

1890

General Federation of Women's Clubs founded in the United States

The General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC), founded in 1890 during the Progressive Movement, is a federation of approximately 2,300 women's clubs in the United States which promote civic...

1896

Marines land in Nicaragua to protect US citizens

1897

1st US orthodox Jewish Rabbinical seminary (RIETS) incorporates in NY

1902

France and Russia issue a joint declaration that approves the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, but stipulates that they have the

France and Russia issue a joint declaration that approves the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, but stipulates that they have the right to protect interests in China and Korea

1911

National Squash Tennis Association forms (NYC)

1914

1st international figure-skating tournament held in US, New Haven

1916

Allies attack Zeebrugge Belgium

1920

1st flight from London to South Africa lands (took 1½ months)

Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent after Asia.

1921

Upper Silesia votes for amalgamation with Germany in a plebiscite that is 63% in favor

1922

USS Langley is commissioned, US Navy's 1st aircraft carrier

USS Saratoga (CV-3) was a Lexington-class aircraft carrier built for the United States Navy during the 1920s.

1923

Bavarian minister of interior refuses to forbid Nazi Sturm Abteilung

1924

Finnair begins scheduled flight of Helsinki-Tallinn

Finnair Plc (Finnish: Finnair Oyj, Swedish: Finnair Abp) is the flag carrier and largest full-service legacy airline of Finland, with headquarters in Vantaa on the grounds of Helsinki Airport, its...

1930

American engine builder Clessie Cummins sets diesel engine speed record of 80.4 mph (129.39 kph)

1931

Bishop Schreiber warns against national-socialism in Berlin

1932

Kara-Kalpak Autonomous Region in RSFSR becomes Kara-Kalpak ASSR

1939

7,000 Jews flee German occupied Memel Lithuania

Lithuania, officially the Republic of Lithuania, is a country in the Baltic region of Europe.

1940

Paul Reynoud becomes French premier

1941

Exhibition "Planning and Construction in the East" opens in Berlin to showcase Generalplan Ost (plan for the East) Germa

Exhibition "Planning and Construction in the East" opens in Berlin to showcase Generalplan Ost (plan for the East) German rural settlements after planned deportation of millions of Slavs [1]

1942

Convoy PQ13 departs Reykjavik Iceland to Russia

1943

German U-384 bombed & sinks

German submarine U-69 was the first Type VIIC U-boat of the German Navy (Kriegsmarine) during World War II.

1944

2,500 women trample guards and floorwalkers to purchase 1,500 alarm clocks announced for sale in a Chicago Illinois depa

2,500 women trample guards and floorwalkers to purchase 1,500 alarm clocks announced for sale in a Chicago Illinois department store

1945

US 70th Infantry Division captures Saarbrucken, immediately prior the invasion of Germany by the western Allies

1947

tonne blue whale (record) caught in South Atlantic

The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is a species of baleen whale and the largest marine mammal in the rorqual family Balaenopteridae.

1951

Fujiyoshida, a city located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, in the center of the Japanese main island of Honshū is found

Fujiyoshida, a city located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, in the center of the Japanese main island of Honshū is founded

1954

1st newspaper vending machine used (Columbia Pennsylvania)

1955

KXTV TV channel 10 in Sacramento, CA (CBS) begins broadcasting

1956

Edward Ochab succeeds Bolesław Bierut as 1st secretary of the Polish Communist Party

1957

Britain accepts NATO offer to mediate in Cyprus, but Greece rejects it

1958

50 inches of snow falls across the Mason–Dixon line

1962

Sjoukje Dijkstra becomes world champion figure skater

1963

1st "Pop Art" exhibition (NYC)

1964

European Space Research Organization (ESRO) is established

The European Space Research Organisation (ESRO) was an international organisation founded by 10 European nations with the intention of jointly pursuing scientific research in space.

1971

Boston Bruins win 13th straight NHL game

The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference.

1972

19 mountain climbers killed on Japan's Mount Fuji during an avalanche

1973

NBC TV premiere of pilot episode of "Police Story", based on Los Angeles Police Dept. Joseph Wambaugh's writings

1974

"The Super Cops" directed by Gordon Parks premieres in NYC, New York

1977

Communists and socialists win French municipal elections

1978

Flyers' Rick MacLeash scores on 6th penalty shot against Islanders

1980

The Mi Amigo ship containing England's pirate radio Caroline sinks

1981

Argentine ex-president Isabel Peron sentenced to 8 years

1982

France performs nuclear test

In 1952, the United Kingdom became the third country (after the United States and the Soviet Union) to develop and test nuclear weapons, and is one of the five nuclear-weapon states under the Treaty...

1984

Andy Kaufman and Fred Blassie's film "My Breakfast With Blassie" premieres

Andrew Geoffrey Kaufman ( KOWF-mən; January 17, 1949 – May 16, 1984) was an American entertainer and performance artist. He has sometimes been called an "anti-comedian".

1985

Libby Riddles is 1st woman to win Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race

1986

km/h gust of wind strikes Cairngorm (UK record)

1987

FDA approves sale of AZT (AIDS treatment)

1988

Battle of Afabet: Eritrean People's Liberation Front enters the town of Afabet after defeating the Nadew Command during

Battle of Afabet: Eritrean People's Liberation Front enters the town of Afabet after defeating the Nadew Command during the Eritrean War of Independence

1992

Janice Pennington is awarded $1.3M for accident on Price is Right set

1994

El Salvador's 1st presidential election following 12-year-old civil war

El Salvador, officially the Republic of El Salvador, is a country in Central America.

1996

"Love Thy Neighbor" opens at Booth Theater NYC

1997

US tobacco company Liggett admits cigarettes are addictive

1999

Legoland California, the first Legoland outside Europe, opens in Carlsbad, California

Legoland (trademarked in uppercase as LEGOLAND) is a chain of family amusement parks focusing on the Lego building toy brand.

2000

Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin, a former Black Panther once known as H. Rap Brown, is captured after a gun battle that leaves a

Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin, a former Black Panther once known as H. Rap Brown, is captured after a gun battle that leaves a Georgia sheriff's deputy dead

2001

Petrobras 36 Oil Platform, the world's largest oil rig, sinks with 400,000 US gallons of fuel and crude oil aboard, afte

Petrobras 36 Oil Platform, the world's largest oil rig, sinks with 400,000 US gallons of fuel and crude oil aboard, after suffering three explosions on March 15

2005

Magnitude 6.6 earthquake hits Fukuoka, Japan, in its first major quake in over 100 years. One person is killed, and hund

Magnitude 6.6 earthquake hits Fukuoka, Japan, in its first major quake in over 100 years. One person is killed, and hundreds are injured and evacuated

2006

Cyclone Larry makes landfall in eastern Australia, destroying most of the country's banana crop

Severe Tropical Cyclone Larry was a tropical cyclone that made landfall in Australia during the 2005–06 Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone season.

2012

50 people are killed and 240 injured in a wave of terror attacks across 10 cities in Iraq

2013

First Breakthrough Prizes, world's most generous science prize worth $3 million, awarded in Mathematics, Life Sciences a

First Breakthrough Prizes, world's most generous science prize worth $3 million, awarded in Mathematics, Life Sciences and Physics established by Julia and Yuri Milner

2017

Indian rivers Yamuna and Ganges are declared "living entities" by a court in the state of Uttarakhand

2019

A woman who can smell Parkinson's disease has helped researchers identify molecules on the skin of people with the disea

A woman who can smell Parkinson's disease has helped researchers identify molecules on the skin of people with the disease in Manchester, England

2021

Miami Beach imposes a state of emergency and a curfew as large crowds descend on the area for spring break

2022

Intense fighting in Ukrainian city of Mariupol continues as Russian forces encircle the city, trapping 300,000 people [1

Intense fighting in Ukrainian city of Mariupol continues as Russian forces encircle the city, trapping 300,000 people [1]

2024

French mathematician Michel Talagrand awarded 2024 Abel prize for his work on probability theory and describing randomne

French mathematician Michel Talagrand awarded 2024 Abel prize for his work on probability theory and describing randomness [1]

2025

A wildfire ignites in Uiseong county, South Korea, burns for 10 days killing 30 people and destroying 4,000 structures i

A wildfire ignites in Uiseong county, South Korea, burns for 10 days killing 30 people and destroying 4,000 structures including UNESCO World Heritage sites [1]

Famous Births on March 20

1828birth

Henrik Ibsen is born

Henrik Ibsen, Norwegian playwright, known for norwegian playwright, was born on 1828-03-20. Henrik Johan Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright.

1856birth

Frederick Winslow Taylor is born

Frederick Winslow Taylor, American mechanical engineer, known for american mechanical engineer, was born on 1856-03-20.

1922birth

Carl Reiner is born

Carl Reiner, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1922-03-20. Carl Reiner (March 20, 1922 – June 29, 2020) was an American actor, author, comedian, director and screenwriter whose…

1958birth

Spike Lee is born

Spike Lee, American filmmaker and actor, known for american filmmaker and actor, was born on 1958-03-20. Shelton Jackson "Spike" Lee is an American filmmaker and actor.

1959birth

Holly Hunter is born

Holly Hunter, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1959-03-20. Holly Hunter is an American actress.

1964birth

David Thewlis is born

David Thewlis, English actor, known for english actor, was born on 1964-03-20. David Wheeler, better known as David Thewlis (), is an English actor and filmmaker.

1873birth

Sergei Rachmaninoff is born

Sergei Rachmaninoff musician, known for russian composer and pianist, was born on 1873-03-20. Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff (1 April [O.S.

1936birth

Vaughn Meader is born

Vaughn Meader, American musician, known for american comedian, musician, and impressionist, was born on 1936-03-20.

1949birth

Bobby Orr is born

Bobby Orr, Canadian athlete, known for canadian ice hockey player, was born on 1949-03-20.

Notable Deaths on March 20

1568death

Albert of Prussia dies

1962death

A. E. Douglass dies

2004death

Queen Juliana dies

2015death

Malcolm Fraser dies

2020death

Kenny Rogers dies

Kenny Rogers, American country singer, known for american country singer, died on 2020-03-20. Kenneth Ray Rogers was an American singer-songwriter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on March 20, 1602?: United Dutch East Indian Company (VOC) is formed and granted a monopoly on all Dutch sea-borne trade with Asia
What happened on March 20, 1800?: Alessandro Volta reports his discovery of the electric battery in a letter to Joseph Banks, president of the Royal Society of London
What happened on March 20, 1815?: Napoleon Bonaparte enters Paris after his escape from Elba and begins his 100-day rule
What happened on March 20, 1854?: The Republican Party, also known as the Grand Old Party (GOP), is one of the two major political parties in the United States.
What happened on March 20, 1900?: US Secretary of State John Hay announces that all nations to whom he sent notes calling for an 'open door' policy in China have essentially accepted his stance

Complete Timeline — March 20 Through the Ages

141
6th recorded perihelion passage of Halley's Comet
A comet is an icy, small Solar System body or interstellar object that warms and begins to release gases when passing close to the Sun, a process called outgassing.
1525
Parliament of Paris begins persecuting Protestants
Parliament of Paris begins persecuting Protestants
1568
Albert of Prussia dies
Albert of Prussia dies
1569
Duke of Alva leads "tenth penning" in Les Ponts de Cé
Duke of Alva leads "tenth penning" in Les Ponts de Cé
1600
The Linköping Bloodbath takes place on Maundy Thursday in Linköping, Sweden
The Linköping Bloodbath takes place on Maundy Thursday in Linköping, Sweden
1602
United Dutch East Indian Company (VOC) is formed and granted a monopoly on all Dutch sea-borne trade with Asia
United Dutch East Indian Company (VOC) is formed and granted a monopoly on all Dutch sea-borne trade with Asia
1627
France and Spain sign an accord to fight Protestantism
France and Spain sign an accord to fight Protestantism
1697
Dutch sea captain Willem de Vlamingh returns to Batavia after exploring "South Land" (west coast of Australia)
Dutch sea captain Willem de Vlamingh returns to Batavia after exploring "South Land" (west coast of Australia)
1703
Akō incident: 46 of the 47 surviving Ronin commit seppuku (ritual suicide) as recompense for avenging their master's dea
Akō incident: 46 of the 47 surviving Ronin commit seppuku (ritual suicide) as recompense for avenging their master's death in Edo
1739
Iranian ruler Nadir Shah occupies Delhi in India and sacks the city, stealing the jewels of the Peacock Throne
Iranian ruler Nadir Shah occupies Delhi in India and sacks the city, stealing the jewels of the Peacock Throne
1760
Great Fire of Boston destroys 349 buildings
The Great Boston Fire of 1760 was a major conflagration that occurred on March 20, 1760, in Boston in the Province of Massachusetts Bay.
1800
Alessandro Volta reports his discovery of the electric battery in a letter to Joseph Banks, president of the Royal Socie
Alessandro Volta reports his discovery of the electric battery in a letter to Joseph Banks, president of the Royal Society of London
1813
Lady Hester Stanhope sets out for ancient city of Palmyra, the first western woman to visit
Lady Hester Stanhope sets out for ancient city of Palmyra, the first western woman to visit
1814
Prince Willem Frederik becomes monarch of Netherlands
William I (Willem Frederik; 24 August 1772 – 12 December 1843) was King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg from 1815 until his abdication in 1840.
1815
Napoleon Bonaparte enters Paris after his escape from Elba and begins his 100-day rule
Napoleon Bonaparte enters Paris after his escape from Elba and begins his 100-day rule
1816
US Supreme Court affirms its right to review state court decisions
US Supreme Court affirms its right to review state court decisions
1828
Henrik Ibsen is born
Henrik Ibsen, Norwegian playwright, known for norwegian playwright, was born on 1828-03-20. Henrik Johan Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright.
1833
US and Siam sign the Treaty of Amity and Commerce establishing friendly relations and commerce between the two states
The Treaty of Amity and Commerce between His Majesty the Magnificent King of Siam and the United States of America, or Roberts Treaty of 1833, was the first treaty between Siam and the United States.
1848
King Louis I of Bayern abdicates to marry dancer Lola Montez
King Louis I of Bayern abdicates to marry dancer Lola Montez
1854
Republican Party is formally organized in Ripon, Wisconsin
The Republican Party, also known as the Grand Old Party (GOP), is one of the two major political parties in the United States.
1856
Frederick Winslow Taylor is born
Frederick Winslow Taylor, American mechanical engineer, known for american mechanical engineer, was born on 1856-03-20.
1861
An earthquake completely destroys Mendoza, Argentina
An earthquake completely destroys Mendoza, Argentina
1865
2nd day of Battle of Bentonville, North Carolina
The Battle of Bentonville (March 19–21, 1865) was fought in Johnston County, North Carolina, near the village of Bentonville, as part of the Western Theater of the American Civil War.
1873
Sergei Rachmaninoff is born
Sergei Rachmaninoff musician, known for russian composer and pianist, was born on 1873-03-20. Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff (1 April [O.S.
1878
53rd UK Prime Minister Archibald Primrose (31) weds heiress Hannah de Rothschild (27) at the Board of Guardians in Mount
53rd UK Prime Minister Archibald Primrose (31) weds heiress Hannah de Rothschild (27) at the Board of Guardians in Mount Street, London
1883
Jan Matzeliger receives his 1st patent (number 274,207) for shoe lasting machine which mechanized shoe production
Jan Matzeliger receives his 1st patent (number 274,207) for shoe lasting machine which mechanized shoe production
1886
1st AC power plant in US begins commercial operation in Massachusetts
1st AC power plant in US begins commercial operation in Massachusetts
1888
Premiere of the very first Romani language operetta staged in Moscow, Russia
Premiere of the very first Romani language operetta staged in Moscow, Russia
1890
General Federation of Women's Clubs founded in the United States
The General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC), founded in 1890 during the Progressive Movement, is a federation of approximately 2,300 women's clubs in the United States which promote civic...
1896
Marines land in Nicaragua to protect US citizens
Marines land in Nicaragua to protect US citizens
1897
1st US orthodox Jewish Rabbinical seminary (RIETS) incorporates in NY
1st US orthodox Jewish Rabbinical seminary (RIETS) incorporates in NY
1900
US Secretary of State John Hay announces that all nations to whom he sent notes calling for an 'open door' policy in Chi
US Secretary of State John Hay announces that all nations to whom he sent notes calling for an 'open door' policy in China have essentially accepted his stance
1902
France and Russia issue a joint declaration that approves the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, but stipulates that they have the
France and Russia issue a joint declaration that approves the Anglo-Japanese Alliance, but stipulates that they have the right to protect interests in China and Korea
1911
National Squash Tennis Association forms (NYC)
National Squash Tennis Association forms (NYC)
1914
1st international figure-skating tournament held in US, New Haven
1st international figure-skating tournament held in US, New Haven
1916
Allies attack Zeebrugge Belgium
Allies attack Zeebrugge Belgium
1920
1st flight from London to South Africa lands (took 1½ months)
Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent after Asia.
1921
Upper Silesia votes for amalgamation with Germany in a plebiscite that is 63% in favor
Upper Silesia votes for amalgamation with Germany in a plebiscite that is 63% in favor
1922
USS Langley is commissioned, US Navy's 1st aircraft carrier
USS Saratoga (CV-3) was a Lexington-class aircraft carrier built for the United States Navy during the 1920s.
1922
Carl Reiner is born
Carl Reiner, American actor, known for american actor, was born on 1922-03-20. Carl Reiner (March 20, 1922 – June 29, 2020) was an American actor, author, comedian, director and screenwriter whose…
1923
Bavarian minister of interior refuses to forbid Nazi Sturm Abteilung
Bavarian minister of interior refuses to forbid Nazi Sturm Abteilung
1924
Finnair begins scheduled flight of Helsinki-Tallinn
Finnair Plc (Finnish: Finnair Oyj, Swedish: Finnair Abp) is the flag carrier and largest full-service legacy airline of Finland, with headquarters in Vantaa on the grounds of Helsinki Airport, its...
1930
American engine builder Clessie Cummins sets diesel engine speed record of 80.4 mph (129.39 kph)
American engine builder Clessie Cummins sets diesel engine speed record of 80.4 mph (129.39 kph)
1931
Bishop Schreiber warns against national-socialism in Berlin
Bishop Schreiber warns against national-socialism in Berlin
1932
Kara-Kalpak Autonomous Region in RSFSR becomes Kara-Kalpak ASSR
Kara-Kalpak Autonomous Region in RSFSR becomes Kara-Kalpak ASSR
1934
Vietnam emperor Bảo Đại (20) weds empress Nam Phương (19) at the imperial city of Huế
Vietnam emperor Bảo Đại (20) weds empress Nam Phương (19) at the imperial city of Huế
1936
Vaughn Meader is born
Vaughn Meader, American musician, known for american comedian, musician, and impressionist, was born on 1936-03-20.
1939
7,000 Jews flee German occupied Memel Lithuania
Lithuania, officially the Republic of Lithuania, is a country in the Baltic region of Europe.
1940
Paul Reynoud becomes French premier
Paul Reynoud becomes French premier
1941
Exhibition "Planning and Construction in the East" opens in Berlin to showcase Generalplan Ost (plan for the East) Germa
Exhibition "Planning and Construction in the East" opens in Berlin to showcase Generalplan Ost (plan for the East) German rural settlements after planned deportation of millions of Slavs [1]
1942
Convoy PQ13 departs Reykjavik Iceland to Russia
Convoy PQ13 departs Reykjavik Iceland to Russia
1943
German U-384 bombed & sinks
German submarine U-69 was the first Type VIIC U-boat of the German Navy (Kriegsmarine) during World War II.
1944
2,500 women trample guards and floorwalkers to purchase 1,500 alarm clocks announced for sale in a Chicago Illinois depa
2,500 women trample guards and floorwalkers to purchase 1,500 alarm clocks announced for sale in a Chicago Illinois department store
1945
US 70th Infantry Division captures Saarbrucken, immediately prior the invasion of Germany by the western Allies
US 70th Infantry Division captures Saarbrucken, immediately prior the invasion of Germany by the western Allies
1947
tonne blue whale (record) caught in South Atlantic
The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is a species of baleen whale and the largest marine mammal in the rorqual family Balaenopteridae.
1949
Bobby Orr is born
Bobby Orr, Canadian athlete, known for canadian ice hockey player, was born on 1949-03-20.
1951
Fujiyoshida, a city located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, in the center of the Japanese main island of Honshū is found
Fujiyoshida, a city located in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, in the center of the Japanese main island of Honshū is founded
1952
24th Academy Awards: "An American in Paris", Humphrey Bogart and Vivien Leigh win
The 24th Academy Awards were held on March 20, 1952, honoring the films of 1951. The ceremony was hosted by Danny Kaye. An American in Paris and A Place in the Sun each received six Oscars, splitting…
1954
1st newspaper vending machine used (Columbia Pennsylvania)
1st newspaper vending machine used (Columbia Pennsylvania)
1955
KXTV TV channel 10 in Sacramento, CA (CBS) begins broadcasting
KXTV TV channel 10 in Sacramento, CA (CBS) begins broadcasting
1956
Edward Ochab succeeds Bolesław Bierut as 1st secretary of the Polish Communist Party
Edward Ochab succeeds Bolesław Bierut as 1st secretary of the Polish Communist Party
1957
Britain accepts NATO offer to mediate in Cyprus, but Greece rejects it
Britain accepts NATO offer to mediate in Cyprus, but Greece rejects it
1958
50 inches of snow falls across the Mason–Dixon line
50 inches of snow falls across the Mason–Dixon line
1958
Spike Lee is born
Spike Lee, American filmmaker and actor, known for american filmmaker and actor, was born on 1958-03-20. Shelton Jackson "Spike" Lee is an American filmmaker and actor.
1959
Holly Hunter is born
Holly Hunter, American actress, known for american actress, was born on 1959-03-20. Holly Hunter is an American actress.
1962
Sjoukje Dijkstra becomes world champion figure skater
Sjoukje Dijkstra becomes world champion figure skater
1962
A. E. Douglass dies
A. E. Douglass dies
1963
1st "Pop Art" exhibition (NYC)
1st "Pop Art" exhibition (NYC)
1964
European Space Research Organization (ESRO) is established
The European Space Research Organisation (ESRO) was an international organisation founded by 10 European nations with the intention of jointly pursuing scientific research in space.
1964
David Thewlis is born
David Thewlis, English actor, known for english actor, was born on 1964-03-20. David Wheeler, better known as David Thewlis (), is an English actor and filmmaker.
1971
Boston Bruins win 13th straight NHL game
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference.
1972
19 mountain climbers killed on Japan's Mount Fuji during an avalanche
19 mountain climbers killed on Japan's Mount Fuji during an avalanche
1973
Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Roberto Clemente is elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame 11 weeks after his death in a pl
Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Roberto Clemente is elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame 11 weeks after his death in a plane crash
1973
NBC TV premiere of pilot episode of "Police Story", based on Los Angeles Police Dept. Joseph Wambaugh's writings
NBC TV premiere of pilot episode of "Police Story", based on Los Angeles Police Dept. Joseph Wambaugh's writings
1974
"The Super Cops" directed by Gordon Parks premieres in NYC, New York
"The Super Cops" directed by Gordon Parks premieres in NYC, New York
1977
Communists and socialists win French municipal elections
Communists and socialists win French municipal elections
1978
Flyers' Rick MacLeash scores on 6th penalty shot against Islanders
Flyers' Rick MacLeash scores on 6th penalty shot against Islanders
1980
The Mi Amigo ship containing England's pirate radio Caroline sinks
The Mi Amigo ship containing England's pirate radio Caroline sinks
1981
Argentine ex-president Isabel Peron sentenced to 8 years
Argentine ex-president Isabel Peron sentenced to 8 years
1982
France performs nuclear test
In 1952, the United Kingdom became the third country (after the United States and the Soviet Union) to develop and test nuclear weapons, and is one of the five nuclear-weapon states under the Treaty...
1984
Andy Kaufman and Fred Blassie's film "My Breakfast With Blassie" premieres
Andrew Geoffrey Kaufman ( KOWF-mən; January 17, 1949 – May 16, 1984) was an American entertainer and performance artist. He has sometimes been called an "anti-comedian".
1985
Libby Riddles is 1st woman to win Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race
Libby Riddles is 1st woman to win Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race
1986
km/h gust of wind strikes Cairngorm (UK record)
km/h gust of wind strikes Cairngorm (UK record)
1987
FDA approves sale of AZT (AIDS treatment)
FDA approves sale of AZT (AIDS treatment)
1988
Battle of Afabet: Eritrean People's Liberation Front enters the town of Afabet after defeating the Nadew Command during
Battle of Afabet: Eritrean People's Liberation Front enters the town of Afabet after defeating the Nadew Command during the Eritrean War of Independence
1991
Michael Jackson signs a $65 million deal with Sony Records to produce six albums
American singer Michael Jackson released ten studio albums, five soundtrack albums, 55 compilation albums, ten video albums, and seven remix albums.
1992
Janice Pennington is awarded $1.3M for accident on Price is Right set
Janice Pennington is awarded $1.3M for accident on Price is Right set
1994
El Salvador's 1st presidential election following 12-year-old civil war
El Salvador, officially the Republic of El Salvador, is a country in Central America.
1996
"Love Thy Neighbor" opens at Booth Theater NYC
"Love Thy Neighbor" opens at Booth Theater NYC
1997
US tobacco company Liggett admits cigarettes are addictive
US tobacco company Liggett admits cigarettes are addictive
1999
Legoland California, the first Legoland outside Europe, opens in Carlsbad, California
Legoland (trademarked in uppercase as LEGOLAND) is a chain of family amusement parks focusing on the Lego building toy brand.
2000
Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin, a former Black Panther once known as H. Rap Brown, is captured after a gun battle that leaves a
Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin, a former Black Panther once known as H. Rap Brown, is captured after a gun battle that leaves a Georgia sheriff's deputy dead
2001
Petrobras 36 Oil Platform, the world's largest oil rig, sinks with 400,000 US gallons of fuel and crude oil aboard, afte
Petrobras 36 Oil Platform, the world's largest oil rig, sinks with 400,000 US gallons of fuel and crude oil aboard, after suffering three explosions on March 15
2004
Queen Juliana dies
Queen Juliana dies
2005
Magnitude 6.6 earthquake hits Fukuoka, Japan, in its first major quake in over 100 years. One person is killed, and hund
Magnitude 6.6 earthquake hits Fukuoka, Japan, in its first major quake in over 100 years. One person is killed, and hundreds are injured and evacuated
2006
Cyclone Larry makes landfall in eastern Australia, destroying most of the country's banana crop
Severe Tropical Cyclone Larry was a tropical cyclone that made landfall in Australia during the 2005–06 Southern Hemisphere tropical cyclone season.
2009
"Dawson's Creek" actor Kerr Smith (37) divorces actress Harmoni Everett (34) due to irreconcilable differences after 6 y
"Dawson's Creek" actor Kerr Smith (37) divorces actress Harmoni Everett (34) due to irreconcilable differences after 6 years of marriage
2012
50 people are killed and 240 injured in a wave of terror attacks across 10 cities in Iraq
50 people are killed and 240 injured in a wave of terror attacks across 10 cities in Iraq
2013
First Breakthrough Prizes, world's most generous science prize worth $3 million, awarded in Mathematics, Life Sciences a
First Breakthrough Prizes, world's most generous science prize worth $3 million, awarded in Mathematics, Life Sciences and Physics established by Julia and Yuri Milner
2015
Malcolm Fraser dies
Malcolm Fraser dies
2016
Barack Obama becomes the first US President to visit Cuba since 1928, arriving for a three-day tour with First Lady Mich
Barack Obama becomes the first US President to visit Cuba since 1928, arriving for a three-day tour with First Lady Michelle
2017
Indian rivers Yamuna and Ganges are declared "living entities" by a court in the state of Uttarakhand
Indian rivers Yamuna and Ganges are declared "living entities" by a court in the state of Uttarakhand
2019
A woman who can smell Parkinson's disease has helped researchers identify molecules on the skin of people with the disea
A woman who can smell Parkinson's disease has helped researchers identify molecules on the skin of people with the disease in Manchester, England
2020
Kenny Rogers dies
Kenny Rogers, American country singer, known for american country singer, died on 2020-03-20. Kenneth Ray Rogers was an American singer-songwriter.
2021
Miami Beach imposes a state of emergency and a curfew as large crowds descend on the area for spring break
Miami Beach imposes a state of emergency and a curfew as large crowds descend on the area for spring break
2022
Intense fighting in Ukrainian city of Mariupol continues as Russian forces encircle the city, trapping 300,000 people [1
Intense fighting in Ukrainian city of Mariupol continues as Russian forces encircle the city, trapping 300,000 people [1]
2024
New rule limiting tailpipe pollution aimed at greatly expanding electric vehicles in the US is announced by President Jo
New rule limiting tailpipe pollution aimed at greatly expanding electric vehicles in the US is announced by President Joe Biden [1]
2024
French mathematician Michel Talagrand awarded 2024 Abel prize for his work on probability theory and describing randomne
French mathematician Michel Talagrand awarded 2024 Abel prize for his work on probability theory and describing randomness [1]
2025
A wildfire ignites in Uiseong county, South Korea, burns for 10 days killing 30 people and destroying 4,000 structures i
A wildfire ignites in Uiseong county, South Korea, burns for 10 days killing 30 people and destroying 4,000 structures including UNESCO World Heritage sites [1]

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