This day in history: 20 july

1588 – The Spanish Armada Sets Sail

The Spanish Armada, a fleet of 130 warships, departed from Corunna, Spain, heading for England. This marked the beginning of one of the most significant naval campaigns in European history, ultimately ending in defeat for Spain and securing England’s position as a major naval power.

1837 – Opening of Euston Railway Station, London

Euston railway station, London’s first mainline station, opened as the terminus for trains between London and Birmingham, marking a milestone in the development of the British railway system.

1906 – Finland Grants Women the Right to Vote

Finland became the first European country to grant women full political rights, including the right to vote and stand for election, setting a precedent for women’s suffrage across Europe.

1944 – The 20 July Plot to Assassinate Hitler

German military officers, led by Claus von Stauffenberg, attempted to assassinate Adolf Hitler and overthrow the Nazi regime. The plot failed, leading to a brutal crackdown on dissent within Germany.

1963 – EEC Signs Yaoundé Convention

The European Economic Community (EEC) signed its first major international agreement, the Yaoundé Convention, with 18 African states to promote cooperation and trade, reflecting the early stages of the European Union’s external relations.

Turkish forces invaded Cyprus in response to a coup, leading to the ongoing division of the island and significant geopolitical consequences in Europe.

1969 – First Moon Landing

Apollo 11’s lunar module “Eagle” landed on the Moon. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the lunar surface, marking a historic achievement for the United States and humanity.

1976 – Viking 1 Lands on Mars

NASA’s Viking 1 became the first American spacecraft to successfully land on Mars and send images and data back to Earth, a milestone in planetary exploration.

1848 – Seneca Falls Convention Concludes

The first Women’s Rights Convention in the United States, held in Seneca Falls, New York, concluded on this day, laying the foundation for the women’s suffrage movement.

1864 – Battle of Peachtree Creek

During the American Civil War, Union and Confederate forces clashed near Atlanta, Georgia, resulting in significant casualties.

1871 – British Columbia Joins Canada

Although not strictly American, this event is significant in North American history: British Columbia became the sixth province of Canada, strengthening the Canadian Confederation.

1934 – Labor Unrest in the U.S.

Police in Minneapolis fired on striking truck drivers during the Minneapolis Teamsters Strike, killing two and wounding sixty-seven. On the same day, police used tear gas and clubs against striking longshoremen in Seattle, and the Oregon National Guard was called to break a strike in Portland.

1942 – First WAAC Training Class

The first detachment of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) began basic training at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, marking a significant step for women in the U.S. military.

2012 – Aurora, Colorado Theater Shooting

A mass shooting occurred during a midnight screening of “The Dark Knight Rises,” resulting in 12 deaths and dozens of injuries.

2015 – U.S. and Cuba Resume Diplomatic Relations

After more than five decades, the United States and Cuba restored full diplomatic relations.

70 CE – Siege of Jerusalem

Roman forces led by Titus stormed the Fortress of Antonia, north of the Temple Mount, during the siege of Jerusalem. This was a pivotal event in the First Jewish–Roman War, significantly impacting the history of the region.

1999 – Crackdown on Falun Gong in China

The Chinese Communist Party began a large-scale persecution campaign against the Falun Gong spiritual movement, arresting thousands across China. This marked the start of an ongoing human rights issue in the country.

2012 – Syrian Civil War: YPG Captures Amuda and Efrîn

The Kurdish People’s Protection Units (YPG) captured the Syrian cities of Amuda and Efrîn without resistance, a significant event in the Syrian civil war and the broader Kurdish struggle in the region.

2013 – Battle of Ras al-Ayn Ends

The Battle of Ras al-Ayn concluded with the YPG expelling Islamist forces from the city, further shaping the dynamics of the Syrian conflict.

2015 – Suruç Bombing in Turkey

A massive explosion targeted the Socialist Youth Associations Federation in Suruç, a mostly Kurdish town near the Syrian border. The attack killed at least 31 people and injured over 100, highlighting ongoing tensions and violence in the region.

Goniwe Day (South Africa)

July 20 is commemorated as “Goniwe Day” by the United Democratic Front (UDF) in South Africa, paying tribute to anti-apartheid activists Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sparrow Mkhonto, and Sicelo Mhlauli. These men, known as the “Cradock Four,” were murdered in 1985 by apartheid security forces. Their deaths became a rallying point in the struggle against apartheid, and the day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom in South Africa.

This day in history: 20 july