December 20 Events in History

December 20 is a date marked by a series of significant historical events that have shaped the course of human history in various ways.

From pivotal military engagements and groundbreaking technological advancements to influential cultural moments and landmark political changes, this day offers a rich tapestry of stories that reflect the diverse and dynamic nature of our past.

This article delves into 20 notable occurrences on December 20, providing a chronological exploration of events that range from the capture of Richard the Lionheart in 1192 to the handover of Macau to China in 1999.

December 20th – On this Day in History

1192 – Richard the Lionheart Captured by Leopold V of Austria

Richard the Lionheart

On December 20, 1192, Richard I of England, commonly known as Richard the Lionheart, was captured near Vienna by Leopold V, Duke of Austria. Richard was returning home from the Third Crusade, during which he had gained fame for his military leadership and valor.

The capture occurred after Richard had been shipwrecked and forced to travel through Central Europe incognito. Leopold V held a grudge against Richard for insulting him during the crusade, and saw an opportunity for revenge and profit.

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Richard was handed over to the Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI, who demanded a substantial ransom for his release. The incident caused a significant diplomatic crisis and financial strain on England as it worked to secure the king’s freedom.

1606 – Virginia Company Settlers Leave London to Establish Jamestown

On December 20, 1606, three ships—the Susan Constant, the Godspeed, and the Discovery—set sail from London under the auspices of the Virginia Company, a joint-stock company established by King James I.

These ships carried 104 settlers who aimed to establish a permanent English colony in the New World. After a perilous journey across the Atlantic, the settlers arrived in the Chesapeake Bay area in April 1607, where they founded Jamestown, named in honor of the king. This settlement became the first permanent English colony in what is now the United States.

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The Jamestown settlement faced numerous challenges, including hostile relations with indigenous peoples, disease, and food shortages, but it marked the beginning of English colonization in America.

1803 – Louisiana Purchase Completed

Louisiana Purchase

On December 20, 1803, the United States formally took possession of the Louisiana Territory from France, completing the Louisiana Purchase.

The territory, acquired for $15 million, effectively doubled the size of the United States. President Thomas Jefferson had orchestrated the purchase, which was considered a diplomatic and economic triumph.

The acquisition included land that would eventually form 15 new states and significantly expanded the nation’s resources and strategic capabilities.

The transfer ceremony took place in New Orleans, where French officials lowered the French flag and raised the American flag, symbolizing the peaceful transfer of authority. The purchase paved the way for westward expansion and played a crucial role in shaping the future of the United States.

1860 – South Carolina Secedes from the United States

On December 20, 1860, South Carolina became the first state to secede from the United States, setting the stage for the American Civil War. The secession was prompted by the election of Abraham Lincoln as President, whose anti-slavery stance threatened the institution of slavery, which was integral to South Carolina’s economy and social order.

The state’s legislature voted unanimously to secede, leading to the formation of the Confederate States of America. South Carolina’s secession was followed by ten other Southern states, and the conflict that ensued over states’ rights and slavery resulted in a devastating civil war that lasted from 1861 to 1865. The war ultimately led to the abolition of slavery and significant changes in American society.

1864 – Savannah, Georgia Falls to General Sherman

On December 20, 1864, during the American Civil War, Union General William Tecumseh Sherman completed his famous “March to the Sea” by capturing Savannah, Georgia.

March to the Sea

Sherman’s campaign began in Atlanta and aimed to break the Confederacy’s will to continue fighting by destroying its economic and psychological capacity for war.

Sherman’s troops marched across Georgia, destroying railways, infrastructure, and supplies, and effectively practicing scorched-earth tactics. The fall of Savannah was a significant blow to the Confederacy and demonstrated the Union’s ability to conduct deep offensive operations into Southern territory.

Sherman famously sent a telegram to President Abraham Lincoln, offering the city of Savannah as a Christmas present, symbolizing a major Union victory and a turning point in the war.

1880 – New York’s Broadway Lights Become Electric

On December 20, 1880, Broadway in New York City experienced a transformative event when it was illuminated by electric lights for the first time. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of urban lighting and electricity.

The arc lamps, invented by Charles F. Brush, were installed along a section of Broadway between 14th and 26th Streets. This installation represented one of the earliest uses of electric lighting in a major urban area, signifying a shift away from gas lamps.

The dazzling electric lights quickly earned Broadway the nickname “The Great White Way,” highlighting the street’s prominence and its role in the cultural life of New York City. This technological advancement paved the way for widespread adoption of electric lighting in cities worldwide, enhancing safety and extending economic activity into the night.

1915 – Last Australian Troops Evacuated from Gallipoli

On December 20, 1915, the last of the Australian troops were evacuated from the Gallipoli Peninsula, ending one of the most challenging campaigns of World War I. The Gallipoli Campaign, which began in April 1915, aimed to secure the Dardanelles Strait and open a supply route to Russia.

However, the campaign was met with fierce resistance from the Ottoman forces, leading to a protracted and bloody stalemate. The decision to evacuate was made after it became clear that further operations would be futile and costly. The evacuation itself was a remarkably well-executed operation, completed without significant casualties.

Despite its failure, the campaign had a profound impact on Australian and New Zealand national consciousness, commemorated annually on ANZAC Day. The Gallipoli Campaign is remembered for the bravery and endurance of the troops and its lasting legacy on national identities.

1917 – Establishment of the Cheka, Soviet Secret Police

On December 20, 1917, the Soviet government established the Cheka (All-Russian Extraordinary Commission for Combating Counter-Revolution and Sabotage), the first Soviet secret police organization.

Founded by Felix Dzerzhinsky under the directive of Vladimir Lenin, the Cheka was tasked with rooting out counter-revolutionaries and political opponents during the tumultuous period following the Bolshevik Revolution. The organization quickly gained a reputation for its brutal methods, including arbitrary arrests, executions, and torture.

The Cheka’s activities were central to the Bolsheviks’ consolidation of power and the suppression of dissent during the Russian Civil War. Over time, the Cheka evolved into the NKVD and later the KGB, becoming a key instrument of state security in the Soviet Union. The establishment of the Cheka marked the beginning of a legacy of political repression that would shape Soviet history for decades.

1924 – Adolf Hitler Released from Landsberg Prison

On December 20, 1924, Adolf Hitler was released from Landsberg Prison after serving less than a year of his five-year sentence for his role in the failed Beer Hall Putsch of November 1923.

The putsch was an attempted coup by the Nazi Party to seize power in Munich, which ended in failure and the arrest of its leaders.

Adolf Hitler

During his imprisonment, Hitler dictated much of his autobiography and political manifesto, “Mein Kampf,” to his deputy, Rudolf Hess. The relatively lenient treatment Hitler received, including a short sentence and comfortable prison conditions, allowed him to reorganize and strengthen the Nazi Party upon his release.

This period of reflection and planning was crucial in Hitler’s rise to power, as he shifted tactics from violent uprising to legal political maneuvering, eventually leading to his appointment as Chancellor of Germany in 1933.

1941 – First Battle of the American Volunteer Group (“Flying Tigers”)

On December 20, 1941, the American Volunteer Group (AVG), famously known as the “Flying Tigers,” engaged in their first combat mission against Japanese forces over Kunming, China. The Flying Tigers were a group of American pilots recruited under the command of Claire Lee Chennault to aid China in its resistance against Japanese aggression during World War II.

Equipped with P-40 Warhawk fighter planes, the AVG quickly earned a reputation for their effective air combat tactics and bravery. Their distinctive shark-faced nose art on the planes became iconic. The first battle was a success, with the Flying Tigers shooting down several Japanese aircraft and boosting Chinese morale.

Their contributions, though short-lived due to their disbandment in July 1942, had a lasting impact on the air war in the China-Burma-India theater and symbolized the early cooperation between the United States and China during the war.

1942 – Japanese Air Force Bombs Calcutta, India

On December 20, 1942, the Japanese air force carried out a significant bombing raid on Calcutta, India, during World War II. This attack was part of Japan’s broader strategy to disrupt Allied supply lines and weaken British colonial infrastructure in the region.

Calcutta, an important industrial and transportation hub, was targeted to hamper the British war effort in Southeast Asia. The bombing caused considerable damage to the city’s docks, warehouses, and civilian areas, resulting in numerous casualties.

The raid underscored the vulnerability of British India to Japanese air power and highlighted the strategic importance of the Indian subcontinent in the Allied war strategy. The attack also intensified efforts to bolster air defenses and protect critical infrastructure across India.

1946 – “It’s a Wonderful Life” Premieres in New York

On December 20, 1946, the beloved Christmas film “It’s a Wonderful Life,” directed by Frank Capra, premiered in New York City. Starring James Stewart as George Bailey and Donna Reed as Mary Bailey, the film tells the story of a man who, overwhelmed by personal and financial troubles, contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve.

With the help of his guardian angel, Clarence, George is shown how his life has positively impacted his community, leading to a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation for life.

Despite its initial lukewarm reception and box office performance, “It’s a Wonderful Life” eventually became a holiday classic, cherished for its heartwarming message and portrayal of community and generosity. The film’s enduring popularity has cemented its status as a quintessential American holiday tradition.

1951 – EBR-1 Becomes the First Nuclear Power Plant to Produce Electricity

1951 - EBR-1 Becomes the First Nuclear Power Plant to Produce Electricity

On December 20, 1951, the Experimental Breeder Reactor-I (EBR-I) in Idaho made history by becoming the first nuclear power plant to produce electricity. Located at the National Reactor Testing Station (now Idaho National Laboratory), EBR-I generated a modest amount of electrical power, enough to illuminate four 200-watt light bulbs.

This groundbreaking achievement demonstrated the feasibility of nuclear power as a source of electricity and marked a significant milestone in the development of atomic energy. EBR-I was also a breeder reactor, capable of generating more fissile material than it consumed, showcasing a potential method for sustainable nuclear energy production.

The success of EBR-I paved the way for the commercial development of nuclear power plants, contributing to the global expansion of nuclear energy as a critical component of modern electricity generation.

1957 – Elvis Presley Drafted into the U.S. Army

On December 20, 1957, rock and roll icon Elvis Presley received his draft notice from the U.S. Army. At the height of his musical career, Presley was one of the most famous and influential entertainers in the world. His draft into military service marked a significant moment in his life and career, as well as a notable event in American popular culture.

Despite his status, Presley did not seek special treatment and served as a regular soldier, earning respect from his peers and fans alike. He completed basic training at Fort Hood, Texas, and was later stationed in Germany.

Presley’s military service lasted from March 1958 to March 1960. During this period, he continued to receive public and media attention, and his time in the army was seen as a testament to his patriotism and character.

1960 – National Front for the Liberation of Vietnam (Viet Cong) Formed

On December 20, 1960, the National Front for the Liberation of Vietnam, commonly known as the Viet Cong, was established. This political and military organization was formed to unify various communist and nationalist factions in South Vietnam opposed to the government of President Ngo Dinh Diem and the growing American influence in the region.

The Viet Cong sought to overthrow the South Vietnamese government and reunify the country under communist rule, aligning with the North Vietnamese government led by Ho Chi Minh. The formation of the Viet Cong marked the beginning of a concerted insurgency that played a crucial role in the Vietnam War.

The group’s guerrilla tactics, extensive underground network, and support from the rural population made them a formidable force against the South Vietnamese and American military efforts. The Viet Cong’s activities significantly influenced the course and outcome of the Vietnam War, culminating in the fall of Saigon in 1975 and the reunification of Vietnam under communist control.

1968 – The Zodiac Killer’s First Confirmed Victims

On December 20, 1968, high school students Betty Lou Jensen and David Faraday were shot and killed on Lake Herman Road near Vallejo, California. This tragic event marked the first confirmed killings by the infamous Zodiac Killer, a serial murderer who would go on to taunt police and the public with cryptic letters and ciphers.

The Zodiac Killer’s modus operandi involved attacking young couples in secluded areas, and the Lake Herman Road murders fit this pattern. Despite extensive investigations and numerous suspects, the true identity of the Zodiac Killer remains unknown, and the case has become one of the most notorious unsolved serial murder cases in American history.

The Zodiac’s reign of terror, which continued until at least 1969, left a lasting impact on popular culture and the field of criminal profiling.

1987 – The Doña Paz Ferry Disaster

On December 20, 1987, the passenger ferry Doña Paz collided with the oil tanker MT Vector in the Tablas Strait off the coast of the Philippines, resulting in one of the deadliest maritime disasters in history. The collision caused a massive fire that engulfed both vessels, leading to the deaths of an estimated 4,000 people, many of whom were trapped on board the ferry.

The Doña Paz, which was severely overcrowded, lacked sufficient safety equipment, and the chaotic evacuation exacerbated the tragedy. The disaster highlighted severe issues in maritime safety standards and regulations in the Philippines.

The catastrophe prompted calls for better enforcement of safety protocols and improved oversight of the maritime industry to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.

1989 – The United States Invades Panama

1989 - The United States Invades Panama

On December 20, 1989, the United States launched Operation Just Cause, a large-scale military invasion of Panama. The operation aimed to overthrow Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega, who had been indicted in the U.S. on drug trafficking charges and was accused of undermining democracy in Panama.

The invasion involved over 27,000 U.S. troops and extensive use of air and ground forces. Within days, Noriega was captured and taken to the United States, where he was later tried and convicted. The invasion resulted in significant casualties and damage, particularly in the capital, Panama City.

While the operation succeeded in its immediate objectives, it sparked international controversy and debate over the legality and justification of the U.S. intervention. The invasion ultimately led to the restoration of a civilian government in Panama and the strengthening of U.S.-Panama relations.

1995 – NATO Begins Peacekeeping in Bosnia

On December 20, 1995, NATO formally began its peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, following the signing of the Dayton Accords, which ended the Bosnian War. The conflict, which raged from 1992 to 1995, was marked by ethnic violence and atrocities, including genocide, particularly in Srebrenica.

NATO’s Implementation Force (IFOR), consisting of troops from various member countries, was tasked with overseeing the ceasefire, facilitating the withdrawal of combatants, and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid. The mission marked NATO’s first significant out-of-area deployment and highlighted the organization’s evolving role in global security.

The peacekeeping efforts helped stabilize the region, allowing for reconstruction and reconciliation processes to begin. The success of the mission paved the way for subsequent NATO operations in conflict zones and underscored the importance of international cooperation in maintaining peace and security.

1999 – Macau Handed Over to China by Portugal

On December 20, 1999, Macau was officially handed over to China by Portugal, ending 442 years of Portuguese colonial rule. The handover marked the culmination of negotiations that had been ongoing since the Sino-Portuguese Joint Declaration in 1987.

Macau became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, operating under the “one country, two systems” principle, which allowed it to maintain a high degree of autonomy, including its legal and economic systems, for 50 years. The handover was a significant moment in the process of decolonization and the reassertion of Chinese sovereignty over its territories.

Since the handover, Macau has experienced rapid economic growth, largely driven by its gaming and tourism industries, becoming one of the wealthiest regions in the world. The successful transition has been seen as a model for the implementation of the “one country, two systems” framework, which was also applied to Hong Kong in 1997.