1. 1472 – Orkney and Shetland Islands Pledged to Scotland
On February 20, 1472, the Orkney and Shetland Islands were officially pledged to Scotland by Denmark as part of a marriage agreement. The islands were given as a dowry when Margaret of Denmark married King James III of Scotland. This transfer marked a significant shift in control from the Norse to the Scottish crown. The arrangement was initially meant to be temporary until the dowry was paid, but the payment never occurred. As a result, the islands have remained part of Scotland ever since, shaping their cultural and political identity.
2. 1798 – The Kentucky Resolutions Introduced
Kentucky Resolutions were introduced on February 20, 1798, by Thomas Jefferson. These resolutions were a response to the Alien and Sedition Acts passed by the Federalist-controlled Congress. Jefferson’s Kentucky Resolutions argued that states had the right to declare federal laws unconstitutional. This event was significant as it planted early seeds for the concept of states’ rights and nullification. The resolutions stirred controversy and set a precedent for future conflicts between state and federal authority.
3. 1872 – The Metropolitan Museum of Art Opens
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of the world’s largest and most prestigious art museums, opened its doors on February 20, 1872, in New York City. Founded by a group of American citizens including businessmen, artists, and philanthropists, the museum aimed to bring art and art education to the American people. Initially located in a building on Fifth Avenue, it has since expanded to include multiple buildings and a vast collection. The museum’s collection spans over 5,000 years of culture and history. It remains a central cultural institution attracting millions of visitors annually.
4. 1934 – The First All-Star Baseball Game
On February 20, 1934, the first Major League Baseball All-Star Game was played. It took place at the Polo Grounds in New York City, featuring the best players from the American League and the National League. This event was created to showcase the sport’s top talent and boost fan interest during the Great Depression. The American League won the inaugural game with a score of 4-2. Since then, the All-Star Game has become an annual tradition and a highlight of the baseball season.
5. 1943 – The Battle of Kasserine Pass Begins
The Battle of Kasserine Pass, a significant World War II conflict, began on February 20, 1943, in Tunisia. It was the first major engagement between American and Axis forces in North Africa. The battle exposed the inexperience of American troops and commanders facing the seasoned German Afrika Korps led by General Erwin Rommel. Despite initial setbacks, the Allies eventually regrouped and learned valuable lessons that improved their tactics. The battle marked a turning point in the North African campaign.
6. 1962 – John Glenn Orbits Earth
On February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first American astronaut to orbit the Earth. His spacecraft, Friendship 7, completed three orbits during a flight lasting nearly five hours. This achievement was a major milestone for NASA and the United States in the space race against the Soviet Union. Glenn’s successful mission helped restore American confidence in space exploration after earlier Soviet successes. He became a national hero and a symbol of American scientific progress.
7. 1986 – The People Power Revolution Ends in the Philippines
The People Power Revolution concluded on February 20, 1986, when President Ferdinand Marcos fled the Philippines after 20 years of authoritarian rule. This peaceful revolution was characterized by mass demonstrations and civil resistance against Marcos’ regime. It led to the restoration of democracy and the inauguration of Corazon Aquino as the new president. The event inspired nonviolent movements worldwide. It also marked a significant moment in Filipino history toward political freedom and human rights.
8. 2003 – The Concorde Makes Its Last Commercial Flight
The iconic supersonic passenger jet Concorde made its final commercial flight on February 20, 2003. The retirement was due to high operational costs, decreased demand after the 2000 crash, and the general downturn in the aviation industry post-9/11. Concorde had been a symbol of technological advancement and luxury air travel since its introduction in 1976. The plane could fly at speeds over twice the speed of sound, drastically reducing transatlantic flight times. Its retirement marked the end of an era in commercial aviation.
9. 2005 – The Kyoto Protocol Goes into Effect
The Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, officially went into effect on February 20, 2005. It was adopted in 1997 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The protocol set binding targets for developed countries to cut emissions in an effort to combat global warming. Its implementation was a landmark in international environmental policy. Although controversial and criticized by some countries, it laid the groundwork for future climate agreements.
10. 2014 – Ukraine Crisis Escalates
On February 20, 2014, during the Ukrainian revolution, government forces opened fire on protesters in Kiev’s Maidan Square. This violent escalation resulted in significant casualties and marked a critical point in the crisis. The unrest was part of a larger movement against President Viktor Yanukovych’s government and its decision to reject closer ties with the European Union. The events led to Yanukovych fleeing the country and a shift in Ukraine’s political landscape. The crisis also heightened tensions between Russia and Western countries, leading to ongoing conflict.