1567: Jews expelled from Brazil
Jews were expelled from Brazil by order of regent Don Henrique. The decision marked a significant development affecting the Jewish community in the region and altered the social landscape of colonial Brazil.
1627: Ottoman raids begin in Iceland
Ottoman pirates launched raids on villages in Iceland. The attacks eventually resulted in the capture of more than 400 people who were sold into slavery, making the raids one of the most notable episodes involving Iceland during the period.
1632: Rights granted in Chesapeake Bay region
Britain granted Lord Baltimore rights to the Chesapeake Bay area. The decision represented an important step in the administration and development of British colonial interests in North America.
1633: Maryland charter issued
A charter for Maryland was granted to Lord Cecil Baltimore. The move formalised authority over the colony and contributed to the expansion of English settlements in the region.
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1707: Battle of Jajau decides Mughal succession
Bahadur Shah, son of the recently deceased Emperor Aurangzeb, defeated his brother Azam Shah in the Battle of Jajau. Azam Shah was killed in the conflict, allowing Bahadur Shah to secure the Mughal throne.
1756: Calcutta captured by Siraj ud-Daulah
Siraj ud-Daulah, the Nawab of Bengal, seized Calcutta from the British. The capture marked a major development in the struggle for influence in the region.
1756: Black Hole of Calcutta incident
British soldiers, Anglo-Indian soldiers and Indian civilians were confined in a small dungeon in Calcutta, where most reportedly died from suffocation and heat exhaustion. The incident became one of the most widely remembered episodes associated with the capture of the city.
1779: Battle of Stono Ferry fought
The Battle of Stono Ferry took place near Charleston, South Carolina, during the American Revolutionary War. The engagement formed part of the broader conflict between colonial and British forces.
1782: Great Seal of the United States approved
Congress approved the Great Seal of the United States, selecting the bald eagle as its symbol. The decision created an enduring national emblem that remains closely associated with the country.
1783: Final battle of the American Revolution fought
The Battle of Cuddalore, a naval confrontation between British and French fleets off the coast of India, was fought before news of a peace agreement reached the combatants. The clash became the final battle of the American Revolutionary War.
1825: Charles X crowned
Charles X was crowned as the last Bourbon king of France. His coronation marked a significant moment in French monarchical history.
1837: Victoria becomes queen
Following the death of William IV, Queen Victoria ascended the throne of the United Kingdom. During her reign, Britain became the world’s most powerful empire, making her accession one of the defining political events of the nineteenth century.
1840: Morse receives telegraph patent
Samuel Morse received a patent for his telegraph. The invention transformed communication by enabling messages to be transmitted over long distances more rapidly than before.
1867: Alaska Purchase announced
US President Andrew Johnson announced the Alaska Purchase. The announcement marked a significant territorial acquisition for the United States.
1900: German minister killed during Boxer unrest
Baron von Ketteler, Germany’s minister in China, set out to demand additional protection for Europeans from Chinese authorities but was killed by Boxers on the way. The incident reflected escalating tensions during the Boxer uprising.
1900: Foreigners acknowledge siege in Peking
Most foreigners in the Peking legations accepted that they were under siege by Boxers. The development highlighted the growing danger faced by foreign communities during the crisis.
1903: Barney Oldfield sets motoring milestone
American racing driver Barney Oldfield achieved the first mile-a-minute performance in an automobile at Indianapolis, Indiana. The feat demonstrated the increasing capabilities of early motor vehicles.
1919: Scheidemann resigns as chancellor
Philipp Scheidemann resigned as chancellor of the new German Republic, which he had helped establish, because he refused to sign the Treaty of Versailles. The resignation reflected political tensions surrounding the post-war settlement.
1919: Germany ends incorporation of Austria
Germany ended its incorporation of Austria. The move represented a significant political development in the aftermath of the First World War.
1924: Major industrial and law enforcement milestones
Ford Motor Company produced its 10 millionth automobile, underscoring the rapid growth of automobile manufacturing. In the same year, J. Edgar Hoover assumed leadership of the FBI, beginning a notable chapter in the agency’s history.
1936: Jesse Owens sets world record
Jesse Owens established a 100-metre world record of 10.2 seconds. The achievement reinforced his status as one of the leading athletes of his era.
1949: Gussie Moran attracts attention at Wimbledon
Tennis player Gussie Moran caused a sensation at Wimbledon by wearing a short dress designed to improve movement and appearance on court. The outfit drew widespread attention during the tournament.
1966: Sheila Scott completes solo world flight
Pilot Sheila Scott completed the first solo round-the-world flight by a British woman. She returned to London Heathrow Airport after a 34-day journey in her Piper Comanche aircraft.
1969: Newport ’69 attracts huge crowd
An estimated 200,000 people attended Newport ’69 in Northridge, California, making it the largest pop concert of its time. Jimi Hendrix was paid $120,000 to perform at the event.
1973: Juan Perón returns to Argentina
Juan Perón returned to Argentina after 18 years in exile. His return marked a major political moment in the country’s history.
1975: Jaws released
Jaws, directed by Steven Spielberg, was released in theatres. The thriller became a massive commercial success and is widely credited with creating the summer blockbuster genre.
1979: Carter unveils White House solar panels
US President Jimmy Carter unveiled 32 solar panels installed on the roof of the White House. The panels were later removed by his immediate successor.
2024: Oldest deep-sea shipwreck revealed
Researchers revealed a 3,300-year-old shipwreck discovered in the Mediterranean off Israel’s northern coast. Carrying Canaanite amphorae, the vessel was described as the ever found, reshaping understanding of ancient navigation in the open ocean.
People born on June 20
1861: Frederick Gowland Hopkins born
British biochemist Frederick Gowland Hopkins was born in Eastbourne, East Sussex. He later shared the 1929 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering vitamins, making important contributions to medical science and nutrition.
1928: Eric Dolphy born
American jazz musician Eric Dolphy was born in Los Angeles. He later became one of the most influential figures in free jazz and was celebrated for his exceptional improvisational skills on woodwind instruments.
1967: Nicole Kidman born
Nicole Kidman was born in Hawaii. She went on to earn international acclaim for her versatility, wide-ranging performances and enduring success in film.
Days celebrated on June 20
National American Eagle Day
National American Eagle Day is observed annually on June 20 to honour the American eagle, the national symbol of the United States. The day also raises awareness about the protection of the Bald Eagle and encourages efforts to preserve and restore its natural habitat. Educational outreach initiatives associated with the observance promote awareness about keeping eagle populations safe.
National Vanilla Milkshake Day
National Vanilla Milkshake Day is celebrated each year on June 20. The observance recognises the popular cold beverage made with vanilla ice cream, vanilla and milk, highlighting one of the classic milkshake flavours enjoyed by many.
National Hike with a Geek Day
National Hike with a Geek Day encourages technology enthusiasts, gamers, IT professionals and other self-described geeks to step away from screens and spend time outdoors exploring nature and enjoying physical activity.
National Ice Cream Soda Day
National Ice Cream Soda Day celebrates the classic beverage that combines soda and ice cream. The observance highlights a refreshing summertime treat known for its frothy texture and enduring popularity.
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