On September 20th throughout history, a multitude of significant events have unfolded, shaping the course of human civilization in various ways.
From pivotal battles and groundbreaking explorations to influential social changes and technological advancements, this date has seen a diverse array of historical milestones.
In this article, we delve into 20 notable events that occurred on September 20th, highlighting their impact and lasting legacy. Join us as we explore these fascinating moments in history, each contributing to the rich tapestry of our past.
September 20th – On this Day in History
451 – The Battle of Chalons: Roman General Flavius Aetius Defeats Attila the Hun
The Battle of Chalons, also known as the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains, was fought on September 20, 451. This battle marked one of the last major military operations of the Western Roman Empire. Roman General Flavius Aetius led a coalition of Roman and Visigothic forces against the Huns, commanded by the infamous Attila.
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Despite the fierce combat and significant casualties on both sides, Aetius managed to halt Attila’s advance into Western Europe. This battle is often credited with delaying the decline of the Western Roman Empire and preventing the Huns from establishing dominance in Western Europe.
1066 – The Battle of Fulford: Harold II of England Defeats Norwegian Forces Led by Harald Hardrada
The Battle of Fulford occurred on September 20, 1066, near York in northern England. This conflict was part of the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England. Harold II of England faced off against an invading Norwegian force led by King Harald Hardrada, who claimed the English throne.
Despite being outnumbered, Harold’s forces executed a strategic defense that ultimately overwhelmed the Norwegians. The victory at Fulford, however, was short-lived as Harold soon had to march south to face another invader, William of Normandy, at the Battle of Hastings later that year.
1187 – Saladin Begins the Siege of Jerusalem
On September 20, 1187, Saladin, the Sultan of Egypt and Syria, began the Siege of Jerusalem. This marked a pivotal moment in the Crusades.
Saladin’s forces surrounded the city, which was under Christian control following the First Crusade. After a siege that lasted several days, the defenders, led by Balian of Ibelin, negotiated a surrender to avoid the city being sacked.
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On October 2, Saladin entered Jerusalem, reestablishing Muslim control and allowing Christians to leave the city peacefully. This event was a significant turning point in the history of the Crusades, leading to the Third Crusade.
1378 – The Western Schism: The Papal Conclave Elects Pope Clement VII, Starting a Split in the Catholic Church
The election of Pope Clement VII on September 20, 1378, marked the beginning of the Western Schism, a major crisis in the Catholic Church. The conclave took place in the aftermath of the death of Pope Gregory XI and the controversial election of Urban VI.
Discontent with Urban’s harsh reforms and his abrasive personality led a faction of cardinals to elect Clement VII as an alternative pope, establishing a rival papacy in Avignon.
This schism resulted in nearly 40 years of division within the Church, with different regions of Europe supporting different popes, severely undermining the Church’s authority and unity.
1519 – Ferdinand Magellan Sets Sail from Spain on His Expedition to Circumnavigate the Globe
On September 20, 1519, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan set sail from Spain with a fleet of five ships on an expedition that would become the first successful attempt to circumnavigate the globe. Sponsored by King Charles I of Spain, Magellan sought a westward route to the Spice Islands (Maluku Islands).
The journey was fraught with challenges, including treacherous seas, conflicts with indigenous peoples, and a mutiny among his crew. Although Magellan himself was killed in the Philippines in 1521, his expedition continued under the command of Juan Sebastián Elcano. The surviving ship, the Victoria, returned to Spain in 1522, completing the historic circumnavigation.
1596 – Diego de Montemayor Founds the City of Monterrey in New Spain (Modern-Day Mexico)
On September 20, 1596, Diego de Montemayor founded the city of Monterrey in what is now Mexico. Monterrey was established as part of Spain’s colonial expansion into the northern territories of New Spain.
Montemayor, a Spanish conquistador, was tasked with establishing settlements to secure Spanish claims and promote agricultural development in the region.
Monterrey quickly grew into a vital hub for commerce and trade, leveraging its strategic location near the Sierra Madre Oriental. Over time, the city evolved into one of Mexico’s most important industrial and economic centers, playing a crucial role in the country’s development.
1854 – Battle of the Alma: The First Major Battle of the Crimean War Results in an Allied Victory
The Battle of the Alma, fought on September 20, 1854, was the first significant conflict of the Crimean War. Allied forces, comprising British, French, and Ottoman troops, faced the Russian Empire’s army near the Alma River in Crimea. The Allies aimed to seize the heights above the river, which were fortified by Russian forces under the command of Prince Menshikov.
Despite initial setbacks and miscommunications among the Allied commanders, the combined forces managed to outflank the Russians and secure a decisive victory. This battle demonstrated the effectiveness of Allied coordination and set the stage for subsequent operations in the Crimean Peninsula.
1863 – The Battle of Chickamauga: Confederate Forces Defeat Union Troops in One of the Bloodiest Battles of the American Civil War
On September 20, 1863, the Battle of Chickamauga concluded with a significant Confederate victory over Union forces. Fought in northern Georgia, it was one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War. Confederate General Braxton Bragg commanded the Southern forces, while Union Major General William Rosecrans led the Northern troops.
Over two days of intense combat, Bragg’s forces managed to exploit a gap in the Union lines, leading to a chaotic retreat by Rosecrans’ army. Despite the Confederate victory, Bragg failed to capitalize fully on the success, allowing Union forces to regroup and fortify Chattanooga, setting the stage for future engagements.
1870 – Italian Troops Enter Rome, Completing the Unification of Italy
The entry of Italian troops into Rome on September 20, 1870, marked the completion of the unification of Italy, a process known as the Risorgimento.
Led by King Victor Emmanuel II and his Prime Minister, Count Camillo di Cavour, the unification aimed to consolidate various independent states and territories on the Italian Peninsula into a single nation-state.
The capture of Rome from the Papal States ended centuries of temporal power held by the Pope. Rome subsequently became the capital of the newly unified Kingdom of Italy. This momentous event symbolized the culmination of a long and complex process of national unification and modernization.
1881 – Chester A. Arthur is Inaugurated as the 21st President of the United States Following the Assassination of James A. Garfield
On September 20, 1881, Chester A. Arthur was inaugurated as the 21st President of the United States following the assassination of President James A. Garfield. Arthur, who had been serving as Vice President, was sworn in after Garfield succumbed to injuries from a gunshot wound inflicted by an assassin in July 1881.
Arthur’s ascent to the presidency was initially met with skepticism due to his association with the corrupt political machine of New York’s Republican Party. However, during his tenure, Arthur surprised many by advocating for civil service reform and passing the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which aimed to curb corruption by establishing a merit-based system for federal employment.
1904 – Wilbur Wright Makes a Flight of 39 Minutes, 23 Seconds, the Longest of Any of the Wrights’ Flights
On September 20, 1904, Wilbur Wright achieved a significant milestone in the history of aviation with a flight lasting 39 minutes and 23 seconds. This flight, which took place near Dayton, Ohio, was the longest duration flight undertaken by either of the Wright brothers up to that point.
Using their Wright Flyer II, a more advanced version of their original aircraft, Wilbur’s extended flight demonstrated the potential for controlled, sustained flight. This success helped solidify the Wright brothers’ position as pioneers in aviation, proving that human flight could be maintained and controlled for longer periods.
1911 – The White Star Liner RMS Olympic Collides with the British Warship HMS Hawke
On September 20, 1911, the RMS Olympic, a luxury ocean liner operated by the White Star Line, collided with the British warship HMS Hawke. The incident occurred off the coast of the Isle of Wight in the English Channel.
The Olympic, captained by Edward Smith (who would later command the Titanic), suffered significant damage to her hull but managed to return to port without loss of life.
The collision, which resulted from a navigational error, led to an inquiry that found both vessels partly at fault. This event highlighted the challenges of maneuvering large ships in close proximity and prompted improvements in maritime safety practices.
1920 – The First Scheduled Radio Broadcast is Made in Detroit, Michigan by the Station 8MK (now WWJ)
On September 20, 1920, the first scheduled radio broadcast was made in Detroit, Michigan, by station 8MK, which later became known as WWJ. This groundbreaking broadcast marked the beginning of regular radio programming, offering news, music, and other content to the listening public.
Operated by The Detroit News, 8MK’s broadcast included election returns, making it a pivotal moment in the history of mass communication. This event ushered in the era of radio broadcasting, which would revolutionize how information and entertainment were disseminated to the public, laying the foundation for modern mass media.
1946 – The First Cannes Film Festival is Held, Having Been Delayed Seven Years Due to World War II
The inaugural Cannes Film Festival finally took place on September 20, 1946, after being delayed for seven years due to World War II. Originally scheduled to launch in 1939, the festival was postponed as the war erupted across Europe.
The 1946 festival marked a triumphant post-war revival of international cinema, showcasing a diverse array of films from around the world. Held in the picturesque resort town of Cannes on the French Riviera, the event quickly established itself as one of the premier film festivals globally.
The festival’s glamorous setting and prestigious awards have since made it a crucial platform for filmmakers and a celebration of cinematic artistry.
1973 – Billie Jean King Defeats Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes” Tennis Match
On September 20, 1973, tennis champion Billie Jean King defeated Bobby Riggs in the highly publicized “Battle of the Sexes” match. Held at the Houston Astrodome and watched by millions on television, this match was more than just a sporting event; it was a symbolic confrontation in the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
Riggs, a former Wimbledon champion, had boasted that he could defeat any top female player, which King, a leading advocate for women’s rights and equality in sports, saw as an opportunity to challenge.
King’s decisive victory in straight sets (6–4, 6–3, 6–3) not only proved her athletic prowess but also struck a significant blow against sexism in sports, inspiring generations of female athletes.
1977 – The Voyager I Spacecraft Takes the First Photograph of the Earth and the Moon Together
On September 20, 1977, NASA’s Voyager I spacecraft captured the first photograph of the Earth and the Moon together from space. Launched on September 5, 1977, Voyager I’s mission was to explore the outer planets of our solar system and beyond.
The iconic image, taken from a distance of approximately 11.66 million kilometers (7.25 million miles) from Earth, offered a unique perspective of our planet and its satellite.
This photograph highlighted the vastness of space and underscored the fragility and isolation of our world within the cosmos. Voyager I continues to send back data from interstellar space, far beyond the outer planets it was initially designed to explore.
1984 – A Suicide Bomber in Beirut, Lebanon, Destroys the U.S. Embassy Annex, Killing 23 People
On September 20, 1984, a devastating suicide bombing targeted the U.S. Embassy annex in Beirut, Lebanon. The attack, carried out by a militant driving a van loaded with explosives, resulted in the deaths of 23 people, including two Americans and many local Lebanese staff members.
The bombing caused extensive damage to the building and underscored the volatile security situation in Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War. This incident was part of a series of attacks on American and Western targets in Beirut during the 1980s, reflecting the intense political and sectarian conflicts in the region.
The attack prompted increased security measures and had significant implications for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
1990 – South Ossetia Declares Its Independence from Georgia
On September 20, 1990, South Ossetia declared its independence from Georgia, escalating tensions in the region. This declaration followed the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the subsequent rise in nationalist movements among various ethnic groups.
South Ossetia, a region with a significant ethnic Ossetian population, sought to break away from Georgian control, leading to a protracted and violent conflict. The Georgian government refused to recognize South Ossetia’s independence, resulting in sporadic fighting and political instability.
The situation in South Ossetia remains a contentious issue, with periodic flare-ups of violence and ongoing disputes over the region’s status and governance.
2001 – In an Address to a Joint Session of Congress and the American People, U.S. President George W. Bush Declares a “War on Terror”
On September 20, 2001, U.S. President George W. Bush delivered a momentous address to a joint session of Congress and the American people, declaring a “War on Terror” in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
In his speech, Bush outlined the gravity of the terrorist threat posed by al-Qaeda and other extremist groups, calling for a united global effort to combat terrorism. He emphasized the need for robust military, intelligence, and diplomatic measures to dismantle terrorist networks and protect national security.
This address marked the beginning of a new era in U.S. foreign and domestic policy, leading to the invasion of Afghanistan and significant changes in security and counterterrorism practices worldwide.
2011 – The United States Ends Its “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Policy, Allowing Gay and Lesbian People to Serve Openly in the Military
On September 20, 2011, the United States officially ended its “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy, allowing gay and lesbian individuals to serve openly in the military.
Implemented in 1993, DADT prohibited military personnel from discriminating against or harassing closeted homosexual or bisexual service members, while barring openly gay, lesbian, or bisexual individuals from military service.
The repeal of DADT marked a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights and equality in the United States. The policy change allowed thousands of service members to serve openly without fear of discharge due to their sexual orientation, fostering a more inclusive and diverse military environment. This milestone was celebrated as a crucial step towards full equality for LGBTQ+ individuals in all sectors of society.