This day in history: 20 june

Europa

• German Parliament Moves to Berlin (1991)
  On June 20, 1991, the German parliament (Bundestag) voted to move the seat of government and parliament from Bonn back to Berlin, formally reinstating Berlin as the capital of unified Germany. This decision, known as the “Hauptstadtbeschluss,” was a landmark moment in post-Cold War European history, symbolizing the reunification of East and West Germany and the restoration of Berlin’s central role in German and European affairs.
• The Tennis Court Oath in France (1789)
  On June 20, 1789, during the early days of the French Revolution, delegates from the Third Estate (representing the commoners) took the famous Tennis Court Oath near the Palace of Versailles. They pledged not to separate until France had a written constitution. This act was a pivotal step toward ending absolute monarchy in France and is widely regarded as a foundational moment for modern democracy in Europe.
• The Casket Letters Discovered in Scotland (1567)
  On June 20, 1567, the so-called Casket Letters were discovered. These letters, allegedly written by Mary, Queen of Scots, implicated her in the murder of her husband, Lord Darnley. The discovery intensified political turmoil in Scotland and contributed to Mary’s forced abdication in favor of her son, James VI.
• The Black Hole of Calcutta Incident (1756)
  Although this event occurred in India, it had significant repercussions in Britain and Europe. On June 20, 1756, over 140 British subjects were imprisoned in a small cell in Calcutta by the Nawab of Bengal; only 23 survived the night. The incident, known as the “Black Hole of Calcutta,” fueled outrage in Britain and influenced British colonial policy in India.
• University of Oxford Receives Its Charter (1214)
  On June 20, 1214, the University of Oxford, one of Europe’s and the world’s oldest universities, received its charter. This cemented Oxford’s status as a leading center of learning in Europe, a position it still holds today.

America

• West Virginia Becomes a State (1863)
  On June 20, 1863, West Virginia was admitted as the 35th state of the United States during the Civil War. The western counties of Virginia opposed secession from the Union and broke away to form their own state.
• Adoption of the Great Seal of the United States (1782)
  On this day in 1782, the U.S. adopted the Great Seal as its national emblem, featuring the iconic bald eagle. The seal is still used today on official documents and currency.
• End of Family Separation Policy (2018)
  President Donald Trump signed an executive order on June 20, 2018, ending the policy of family separation at the U.S. southern border after significant public backlash.
• Release of “Jaws” (1975)
  The film Jaws was released in the United States on June 20, 1975. It became the highest-grossing film of its time and established the concept of the “summer blockbuster”.
• Founding of the Wikimedia Foundation (2003)
  The Wikimedia Foundation, known for hosting Wikipedia and other wiki projects, was founded in St. Petersburg, Florida, on June 20, 2003.

Asia

• Black Hole of Calcutta (India, 1756): On June 20, 1756, the infamous Black Hole of Calcutta incident occurred, where British prisoners were confined overnight in a small cell in Fort William, Calcutta, leading to the deaths of many due to suffocation and heat. This event had major repercussions for British colonial policy in India.
• Victoria Terminus Opens (India, 1887): Victoria Terminus, now Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus—a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of India’s busiest railway stations—was officially opened in Mumbai on June 20, 1887. The building is a blend of Victorian Gothic Revival and traditional Indian architecture.
• Boxer Rebellion Begins (China, 1900): Around June 20, 1900, the Boxer Rebellion, an anti-foreigner uprising, began in China. The movement, supported by the Qing government, aimed to expel foreign influence and missionaries from China, leading to international military intervention.
• Tourism in China: June is a popular month to visit destinations like Chengdu (famous for its pandas), Jiuzhaigou (scenic valleys and lakes), and Harbin (Russian-influenced architecture and culture).
• Festivals in Japan: June in Japan features the Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival in Tokyo, the Yosakoi Soran Festival in Hokkaido, and vibrant flower festivals in Kyoto.
• Gawai Dayak Festival (Malaysia): Celebrated in Sarawak in June, this harvest festival features feasts, traditional music, and rituals among indigenous Dayak communities.
• Phi Ta Khon Festival (Thailand): Held in June in Loei province, this “ghost festival” is known for its colorful masks and lively processions, rooted in Buddhist legend.

Africa

• World Refugee Day
  June 20 is observed across Africa as World Refugee Day. This international day, established by the United Nations in 2001, recognizes the resilience and courage of millions of refugees and forcibly displaced people worldwide. Importantly, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, now the African Union) aligned Africa Refugee Day with World Refugee Day, making it a major observance across the continent.
• Mali Gains Independence (1960)
  On June 20, 1960, Mali declared independence from France. Modibo Keita became the first head of state of the newly independent nation, marking a pivotal moment in West African and decolonization history.
• ANC Political Activity in South Africa (1950s)
  On June 20, 1950, Walter Sisulu, a prominent anti-apartheid leader, attended the annual conference of the African National Congress (ANC) branch of the Cape Province at Uitenhage, reflecting the ongoing resistance and political mobilization against apartheid in South Africa.