October 20

Facts & Historical Events On This Day

2022

UK Prime Minister Liz Truss resigned after only 44 days in office, the shortest term in the country’s history.

2017

The Lancet published a study that found pollution contributes to 1 in 6 deaths worldwide.

2011

NTC forces killed Muammar Gaddafi and his son after the Battle of Sirte.

1998

A month after launching in Japan, Metal Gear Solid was finally playable by North American PlayStation players.

1975

The Soviet spacecraft Venera 9 went into Venus' orbit – making it the first to do so.

1975

The US Supreme Court ruled to allow teachers to spank students even against their parent's wishes.

1973

Queen Elizabeth II led the Sydney Opera House's grand opening.

1955

The Return of the King, the third installment in The Lord of the Rings book series by J. R. R Tolkein, was published.

1952

The Governor of Kenya declared a state of emergency and began arresting hundreds of suspected leaders of the Mau Mau Uprising.

1928

American pioneer aviator Noel Wien founded Alaska’s first airline, Wien Alaska Airlines Inc.

1917

American suffragist Alice Paul was sentenced to seven months in prison for obstructing traffic in Washington caused by the Women's Rights march she organized.

1864

Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving Day a national holiday.

1822

The British newspaper The Sunday Times was first published.

1803

The United States ratified the Louisiana Purchase.

1740

Maria Theresa – the only female to rule the Habsburg Empire – became queen following her father's death.