Europa
- 1876: The April Uprising begins in Bulgaria against Ottoman rule. Its brutal suppression shocks European opinion and later becomes a key factor in Bulgarian independence after the Russo-Turkish War.
- 1920: During the San Remo Conference (April 19–23), Allied leaders meet in Italy to decide the fate of former Ottoman territories, shaping the modern Middle East and impacting European diplomacy.
- 1964: The first jar of Nutella leaves the factory in Alba, Italy, marking the start of a European (and global) culinary phenomenon.
America
- 1999: The Columbine High School massacre occurred in Littleton, Colorado, where two students killed 13 people and wounded more than 20 before taking their own lives. This tragedy had a profound impact on school safety policies and sparked ongoing activism around gun control in the United States.
- 2010: The Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana, resulting in the largest accidental marine oil spill in history. The disaster killed 11 workers, injured 17, and released approximately 210 million gallons of oil over 87 days, causing extensive environmental damage.
Asia
East Asia
- 1521: Death of the Zhengde Emperor of China, a notable Ming dynasty ruler.
- 1868 (Japan): The capital is officially moved from Kyoto to Edo, which is renamed Tokyo, marking a pivotal moment in Japanese modernization.
- 1871 (Japan): Postal service begins in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, advancing communication infrastructure.
- 1947 (Japan): Japan holds its first House of Councillors election, a milestone in postwar democratization.
South Asia
- 1963 (India): “Dada Thakur” wins the Golden Lotus at the 10th National Film Awards, highlighting a major achievement in Indian cinema.
- 1965 (India): The first Indian teams reach the summit of Mount Everest, a historic accomplishment in mountaineering.
- 1971 (India): Air India begins flying the Boeing 707 jumbo jet, marking a leap in Indian aviation.
- 1971 (India): India wins its first cricket series against the West Indies.
Southeast Asia
- Mid-April (varies): Buddhist New Year is celebrated across Southeast Asia, including Songkran in Thailand, Chaul Chnam Thmey in Cambodia, Pee Mai in Laos, and Thingyan in Myanmar. These festivals, often occurring around April 13–16, sometimes extend into April 20, depending on the lunar calendar.
Africa
Nelson Mandela’s “I Am Prepared to Die” Speech (1964)
On April 20, 1964, Nelson Mandela delivered his famous “I am Prepared to Die” speech during the Rivonia Trial in Pretoria, South Africa. In this landmark address, Mandela articulated his commitment to the anti-apartheid struggle and his willingness to sacrifice his life for the ideal of a democratic and free society. This speech became a defining moment in South African and African history, symbolizing the broader fight against racial oppression on the continent.
This day in history: 20 april