What Happened on October 20?
All
events
births
deaths
holidays
EVENTS ON OCTOBER 20
Explore the most important historical events that happened on October 20, featuring key moments that shaped the world.
World War II
Year:
1941
World War II: Thousands of civilians in German-occupied Serbia are murdered in the Kragujevac massacre.
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Long March
Year:
1935
The Long March, a mammoth retreat undertaken by the armed forces of the Chinese Communist Party a year prior, ends.
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Ocean liner
Year:
1910
British ocean liner RMS Olympic is launched.
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Douglas MacArthur
Year:
1944
World War II: American general Douglas MacArthur fulfills his promise to return to the Philippines when he comes ashore during the Battle of Leyte.
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Liquefied natural gas
Year:
1944
Liquefied natural gas leaks from storage tanks in Cleveland and then explodes, leveling 30 blocks and killing 130 people.
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KLM
Year:
1948
A KLM Lockheed L-049 Constellation crashes on approach to Glasgow Prestwick Airport, killing 40.
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Cold War
Year:
1947
Cold War: The House Un-American Activities Committee begins its investigation into Communist infiltration of the Hollywood film industry, resulting in a blacklist that prevents some from working in the industry for years.
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Red Army
Year:
1944
World War II: The Soviet Red Army and Yugoslav Partisans liberate Belgrade.
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BIRTHS ON OCTOBER 20
Discover famous people and historical figures born on October 20, including leaders, artists, scientists, and cultural icons.
John Anderson (actor)
Year of birth:
1922
John Anderson, American actor (died 1992)
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Robert Craft
Year of birth:
1923
Robert Craft, American conductor and musicologist (died 2015)
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Franco Ventriglia
Year of birth:
1922
Franco Ventriglia, American opera singer (died 2012)
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Manny Ayulo
Year of birth:
1921
Manny Ayulo, American race car driver (died 1955)
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Hans Warren
Year of birth:
1921
Hans Warren, Dutch poet and author (died 2001)
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Robert Peters (writer)
Year of birth:
1924
Robert Peters, American poet, playwright, and critic (died 2014)
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Roger Hanin
Year of birth:
1925
Roger Hanin, Algerian-French actor, director, and screenwriter (died 2015)
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Joyce Brothers
Year of birth:
1927
Joyce Brothers, American psychologist, author, and actress (died 2013)
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DEATHS ON OCTOBER 20
Look back at notable individuals who passed away on October 20, and learn about their lasting influences on history.
Harlow Shapley
Year of death:
1972
Harlow Shapley, American astronomer and academic (born 1885)
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Bud Flanagan
Year of death:
1968
Bud Flanagan, English actor and screenwriter (born 1896)
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Norman Chandler
Year of death:
1973
Norman Chandler, American newspaper executive (born 1899)
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Ronnie Van Zant
Year of death:
1977
Ronnie Van Zant, American singer-songwriter (born 1948)
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Steve Gaines
Year of death:
1977
Steve Gaines, American guitarist (born 1949)
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Shigeru Yoshida
Year of death:
1967
Shigeru Yoshida, Japanese politician and diplomat, 32nd Prime Minister of Japan (born 1878)
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Herbert Hoover
Year of death:
1964
Herbert Hoover, American engineer and politician, 31st President of the United States (born 1874)
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Henry L. Stimson
Year of death:
1950
Henry L. Stimson, American colonel, lawyer, and politician, 46th United States Secretary of State (born 1867)
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HOLIDAYS ON OCTOBER 20
See which holidays, observances, and special celebrations take place on October 20 around the world.
Mater Admirabilis
Christian feast days: Mater Admirabilis
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Margaret Mary Alacoque
Christian feast days: Margaret Marie Alacoque (in Canada, moved from Oct. 16)
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October 20 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Christian feast days: October 20 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
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Arbor Day
Arbor Day (Czech Republic)
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World Osteoporosis Day
World Osteoporosis Day
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Magdalene of Nagasaki
Christian feast days: Magdalene of Nagasaki
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Paul of the Cross
Christian feast days: Paul of the Cross (in USA, moved from Oct. 19)
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Caprasius of Agen
Christian feast days: Caprasius of Agen
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