1. 1789 – New Jersey becomes the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights
On November 20, 1789, New Jersey became the first state to ratify the United States Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, designed to guarantee essential rights and liberties to American citizens. These amendments include freedoms such as speech, religion, and the press, as well as protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. New Jersey’s ratification was a significant step in the broader effort to secure these fundamental rights for all states. This event marked the beginning of a crucial process that would shape American law and governance.
2. 1945 – Nuremberg Trials begin
The Nuremberg Trials started on November 20, 1945, marking the first time in history that international courts tried high-ranking Nazi officials for war crimes. These trials were held in Nuremberg, Germany, to bring justice for atrocities committed during World War II, including the Holocaust. Twenty-four major political and military leaders of Nazi Germany faced charges such as crimes against peace, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The trials set precedents for international law and the prosecution of genocide. They also emphasized the importance of accountability and human rights in global justice.
3. 1947 – Princess Elizabeth marries Philip Mountbatten
On November 20, 1947, Princess Elizabeth married Philip Mountbatten, who later became the Duke of Edinburgh. The wedding took place at Westminster Abbey in London and was a major royal event broadcast to millions worldwide. Elizabeth was the heir presumptive to the British throne, and their marriage symbolized a new chapter for the monarchy post-World War II. Philip was a former prince of Greece and Denmark, who renounced his titles to marry Elizabeth. Their union lasted over seven decades and saw Elizabeth become Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning British monarch.
4. 1962 – Cuban Missile Crisis ends
The Cuban Missile Crisis officially ended on November 20, 1962, after 13 tense days that brought the world close to nuclear war. The crisis began when the United States discovered Soviet nuclear missiles stationed in Cuba, just 90 miles from Florida. President John F. Kennedy imposed a naval blockade around Cuba and demanded the removal of the missiles. After intense negotiations, Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev agreed to dismantle the missile sites in exchange for U.S. promises not to invade Cuba and the secret removal of U.S. missiles from Turkey. The resolution of this crisis marked a turning point in Cold War diplomacy.
5. 1917 – The Balfour Declaration is issued
On November 20, 1917, the British government issued the Balfour Declaration, expressing support for the establishment of a “national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine. This statement was made in a letter from Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour to Lord Rothschild, a leader in the British Jewish community. The declaration had profound implications for the Middle East and the future of the Jewish and Arab populations in the region. It was seen as a victory for Zionist aspirations but also sowed seeds of conflict between Jewish and Arab communities. The Balfour Declaration is often regarded as a pivotal moment in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
6. 1985 – The discovery of the wreck of the RMS Titanic
On November 20, 1985, the wreckage of the RMS Titanic was located in the North Atlantic Ocean by a Franco-American expedition led by Robert Ballard. The Titanic had famously sunk in 1912 after hitting an iceberg, resulting in the loss of over 1,500 lives. The discovery of the wreck provided valuable insights into the ship’s construction and the circumstances of its sinking. It also sparked renewed interest in the Titanic’s story, inspiring numerous books, documentaries, and films. The site has since become an important underwater archaeological location and a memorial to those who perished.
7. 1989 – Václav Havel becomes president of Czechoslovakia
On November 20, 1989, Václav Havel was elected president of Czechoslovakia, marking a significant moment in the country’s transition from communist rule to democracy. Havel was a playwright and dissident who had been imprisoned for his opposition to the communist regime. His election followed the Velvet Revolution, a peaceful protest movement that ended decades of authoritarian control. As president, Havel worked to promote human rights, democracy, and the integration of Czechoslovakia into the Western world. His leadership is remembered as a symbol of peaceful political change in Eastern Europe.
8. 1998 – The first module of the International Space Station is launched
On November 20, 1998, the first module of the International Space Station (ISS), Zarya, was launched into orbit. This event marked the beginning of the ISS project, a multinational cooperative effort involving NASA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, and CSA. The ISS serves as a space laboratory for scientific research and international collaboration in low Earth orbit. Over the years, the station has hosted astronauts from around the world and has contributed significantly to our understanding of space and microgravity. The launch of Zarya was a milestone in human space exploration and cooperation.
9. 1940 – Walt Disney’s “Fantasia” premieres
On November 20, 1940, Walt Disney’s animated film “Fantasia” premiered in New York City. The film was an ambitious project combining classical music with innovative animation techniques. “Fantasia” was one of the first films to use stereophonic sound, known as Fantasound, enhancing the viewing experience. Though initially met with mixed reviews and modest box office success, it became a classic over time and influenced the development of animation and film music. The movie remains celebrated for its artistic creativity and pioneering spirit.
10. 1927 – The Holland Tunnel opens to traffic
On November 20, 1927, the Holland Tunnel officially opened, connecting Manhattan in New York City with Jersey City, New Jersey. It was the first underwater tunnel designed specifically for automobiles and was considered a marvel of engineering at the time. The tunnel facilitated increased transportation and commerce between New York and New Jersey, easing traffic congestion on bridges and ferries. Its construction involved innovative ventilation systems to remove vehicle exhaust, setting new standards in tunnel safety. The Holland Tunnel remains a vital transportation link in the New York metropolitan area.