November 20 has witnessed pivotal moments in history, from dramatic maritime disasters and revolutionary milestones to technological breakthroughs and global crises. Here are the confirmed events that occurred precisely on this date
Whaleship Essex Sunk by a Whale – 1820
The American whaler Essex was rammed and sunk by a massive sperm whale in the South Pacific. The crew’s desperate 93-day ordeal in open boats, marked by starvation and cannibalism, became one of the most harrowing maritime tales. Only eight of the twenty men survived. Their story directly inspired Herman Melville’s masterpiece Moby-Dick.
Mexican Revolution Begins – 1910
Francisco I. Madero issued the Plan de San Luis Potosí from exile, declaring Porfirio Díaz’s regime illegitimate and calling for rebellion to start on November 20. This document ignited the Mexican Revolution, a decade-long struggle that toppled the 34-year dictatorship, ended the old land-owning elite’s dominance, and reshaped modern Mexico.
Nuremberg Trials Begin – 1945
The International Military Tribunal opened in Nuremberg, Germany, with 24 top Nazi leaders in the dock. For the first time in history, individuals were tried for “crimes against humanity” and waging aggressive war. The trials lasted nearly a year and established enduring principles of international law.
Princess Elizabeth Marries Philip Mountbatten – 1947
Princess Elizabeth (the future Queen Elizabeth II) married Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten at Westminster Abbey. Broadcast worldwide, the wedding brought a rare celebration to austerity-weary Britain still recovering from World War II. It began the longest royal marriage in British history.
End of the Cuban Missile Crisis – 1962
After thirteen tense days that brought the world closer to nuclear war than ever before, President Kennedy announced the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade of Cuba. Khrushchev had agreed to remove Soviet missiles, averting catastrophe and marking a turning point in the Cold War.
Death of General Francisco Franco – 1975
Spain’s dictator of 36 years died at age 82, ending Europe’s longest-surviving fascist regime. His death triggered the Spanish Transition, a remarkably peaceful transformation led by King Juan Carlos I that turned Spain into a constitutional democracy within three years.
Microsoft Windows 1.0 Released – 1985
Microsoft launched Windows 1.0, its first graphical user interface for MS-DOS computers. Though primitive by today’s standards, it introduced the world to windows, icons, and drop-down menus, laying the foundation for Microsoft’s eventual dominance of personal computing.
Arrest of Serial Killer Andrei Chikatilo – 1990
Soviet police finally arrested Andrei Chikatilo, the “Rostov Ripper,” responsible for the gruesome murders of at least 52 women and children over 12 years. His capture ended one of the most terrifying crime sprees in Soviet history and exposed severe flaws in the USSR’s justice system.
Windsor Castle Fire – 1992
A faulty spotlight ignited curtains in the Private Chapel, sparking a blaze that raged for 15 hours and gutted more than 100 rooms of the 1,000-year-old castle. The disaster, occurring during Queen Elizabeth II’s “annus horribilis,” prompted public debate over who should pay for repairs.
First Module of the International Space Station Launched – 1998
The Russian Zarya (“Dawn”) module blasted off from Baikonur, becoming the first piece of what would grow into the largest human-made structure in space. Its launch marked the true beginning of continuous international cooperation in orbit.
Istanbul Bombings – 2003
Four suicide truck bombs detonated within minutes, targeting the HSBC headquarters and British Consulate. The attacks killed 30 people (including the British consul general) and injured over 400, forming part of al-Qaeda’s widening campaign against Western interests.
Mali Hotel Attack – 2015
Al-Mourabitoun jihadists stormed the Radisson Blu hotel in Bamako, taking 170 hostages and killing 20 before Malian and international forces ended the siege. The attack underscored the growing reach of Islamist extremism across the Sahel region.
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