1339day.year
The Milanese army and the St. George's (San Giorgio) Mercenaries of Lodrisio Visconti clash in the Battle of Parabiago; Visconti is defeated.
In 1339, the Milanese army defeated Lodrisio Visconti's mercenaries at the Battle of Parabiago, securing Milan's dominance.
One of the key power struggles within the Visconti dynasty of Milan, the Battle of Parabiago saw the city's forces confront those led by the exiled noble Lodrisio Visconti. The clash unfolded on the outskirts of Parabiago and involved heavily armed mercenaries hired by Visconti. Despite initial advances, Lodrisio's troops were overwhelmed by the disciplined Milanese militia. The decisive victory solidified the rule of Azzone Visconti and thwarted Lodrisio's bid for control. Chroniclers celebrated the courage of Milanese soldiers, and the battle became a symbol of civic loyalty. The defeat forced Lodrisio into exile and ended his challenge to Milan's authority.
1339
Milanese
Lodrisio Visconti
Battle of Parabiago
1798day.year
Louis-Alexandre Berthier removes Pope Pius VI from power.
In 1798, French General Louis-Alexandre Berthier deposed Pope Pius VI and proclaimed the Roman Republic, ending papal temporal authority.
During the French Revolutionary Wars, General Berthier led troops into the Papal States and seized Rome in February 1798. Pope Pius VI was forced to abdicate temporal power and was taken into exile by French forces. The French established the short-lived Roman Republic, abolishing centuries of papal rule. This radical upheaval reflected the revolutionary ideals of liberty and secular governance. The dramatic removal of the Pope sent shockwaves through Catholic Europe, challenging the church's political influence. Pope Pius VI died in captivity in Valence, marking a tragic end to his pontificate. The events of 1798 reshaped the relationship between church and state across Europe.
1798
Louis-Alexandre Berthier
Pope Pius VI
1813day.year
Manuel Belgrano defeats the royalist army of Pío de Tristán during the Battle of Salta.
On February 20, 1813, General Manuel Belgrano won a decisive victory over royalist forces at the Battle of Salta, bolstering Argentina's fight for independence.
As part of the Argentine War of Independence, General Belgrano led the Army of the North against royalist troops commanded by Pío de Tristán. After a strategic flanking maneuver, Belgrano's forces secured a rapid and decisive triumph near the city of Salta. The royalist army suffered significant casualties and surrendered, with thousands taken prisoner. This victory opened the way for patriot control of the northern provinces. Belgrano's success enhanced morale among independence movements across South America. The Battle of Salta remains celebrated in Argentina as a symbol of national unity and resilience. Monuments and commemorations in Salta honor this landmark achievement.
1813
Manuel Belgrano
royalist
Pío de Tristán
Battle of Salta
1846day.year
Polish insurgents lead an uprising in Kraków to incite a fight for national independence.
Polish rebels launch an uprising in Kraków aiming to spark a national struggle for independence from partitioning powers.
In 1846, Polish insurgents organized in Kraków to attempt a revolt against Austrian rule and inspire a broader independence movement. The uprising was part of a series of nationalistic efforts across Europe during the 19th century. Despite initial enthusiasm, the insurrection was quickly suppressed by Austrian forces. The event highlighted the enduring Polish desire for sovereignty and set the stage for future uprisings. It remains a symbol of resistance in Polish history.
1846
uprising in Kraków
1864day.year
American Civil War: Battle of Olustee: The largest battle fought in Florida during the war.
During the American Civil War, the Battle of Olustee becomes the largest and bloodiest engagement in Florida.
On February 20, 1864, Union and Confederate forces clashed at the Battle of Olustee near Jacksonville, Florida. The Confederate Army under General Finegan repelled the Union troops led by General Seymour. Despite superior numbers, Union forces were forced to retreat after suffering heavy casualties. The battle halted Union plans to disrupt Confederate supply lines in the region. It remains the most significant Civil War battle fought on Florida soil.
1864
American Civil War
Battle of Olustee
Florida
1865day.year
End of the Uruguayan War, with a peace agreement between President Tomás Villalba and rebel leader Venancio Flores, setting the scene for the destructive War of the Triple Alliance.
A peace treaty ends the Uruguayan War, but paves the way for the larger and more devastating War of the Triple Alliance.
In 1865, President Tomás Villalba of Uruguay negotiated a peace agreement with rebel leader Venancio Flores, concluding the Uruguayan War. The settlement restored political order but left deep regional tensions unresolved. Soon after, the War of the Triple Alliance erupted, drawing in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. The subsequent conflict became one of South America's deadliest wars. This moment marked a turning point in regional politics and alliances.
1865
Uruguayan War
Tomás Villalba
Venancio Flores
War of the Triple Alliance
1894day.year
20 February bombings by Désiré Pauwels during the Ère des attentats (1892-1894).
On February 20, 1894, a series of bombings carried out by Désiré Pauwels shocks Paris during the ‘Ère des attentats’.
Désiré Pauwels, a French anarchist, executed bomb attacks in Paris on February 20, 1894, as part of the turbulent ‘Ère des attentats.’ His actions targeted public spaces and led to casualties and widespread fear. The bombings intensified the government’s crackdown on anarchist movements and heightened public debate about security. Pauwels’ attacks exemplified the era’s political violence and influenced future counterterrorism measures. The events remain a stark reminder of the period’s social unrest.
1894
20 February bombings
Désiré Pauwels
Ère des attentats
1931day.year
An anarchist uprising in Encarnación, Paraguay briefly transforms the city into a revolutionary commune.
In 1931, anarchists in Encarnación, Paraguay seize control of the city and establish a short-lived revolutionary commune.
On February 20, 1931, a group of Paraguayan anarchists launched an uprising in Encarnación, declaring the city a revolutionary commune. For several days, they implemented collectivist principles, abolishing property and reorganizing social services along communal lines. The movement attracted workers, students, and local activists inspired by European anarchist ideas. Government forces eventually suppressed the uprising, restoring order but leaving a legacy of radical political discourse. The brief experiment highlighted tensions between grassroots social movements and state authority in Paraguay. Historians view it as a symbolic moment in the country's labor and political history. Memorials and academic studies commemorate the participants' ideals and struggles.
anarchist
Encarnación, Paraguay
revolutionary commune
1942day.year
World War II: Lieutenant Edward O'Hare becomes America's first World War II flying ace.
On February 20, 1942, Lt. Edward O'Hare achieves ace status by shooting down five Japanese bombers, becoming America's first WWII flying ace.
On February 20, 1942, Lieutenant Edward 'Butch' O'Hare achieved his fifth aerial victory, earning him the distinction of America's first flying ace in World War II. While on a patrol mission over the Pacific, O'Hare single-handedly engaged a formation of nine Japanese torpedo bombers. He skillfully maneuvered his Grumman F4F Wildcat to disrupt their attack on the USS Lexington. Within minutes, he downed five enemy planes, saving his carrier from a potentially devastating strike. O'Hare's bravery and aerial tactics garnered national attention and a Medal of Honor. His actions boosted American morale during a critical early phase of the Pacific War. O'Hare's legacy endures in naval aviation history and through Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, named in his honor.
1942
World War II
Edward O'Hare
flying ace
1943day.year
World War II: American movie studio executives agree to allow the Office of War Information to censor movies.
In early 1943, Hollywood studios agreed to let the U.S. Office of War Information review and censor films to support the World War II effort.
As the United States mobilized for war, the Office of War Information (OWI) was established to oversee propaganda and information. Studio executives negotiated with OWI officials to allow government review of scripts and finished films. This agreement aimed to ensure cinematic content boosted morale and avoided material deemed harmful to national security. Censorship guidelines covered themes, language, and portrayal of the enemy. While some producers worried about creative freedom, many saw the move as a patriotic duty. The partnership shaped the era’s films by promoting unity, sacrifice, and the Allied cause.
1943
movie studio
Office of War Information
1944day.year
World War II: The "Big Week" began with American bomber raids on German aircraft manufacturing centers.
On February 20, 1944, the U.S. Army Air Forces launched the first raids of “Big Week,” striking German aircraft production facilities.
“Big Week” was a coordinated series of strategic bombing missions aimed at crippling Nazi Germany’s aircraft industry. Over several days, thousands of B-17 and B-24 bombers targeted factories in Leipzig, Schweinfurt, and other critical sites. Escort fighters like the P-51 Mustang engaged Luftwaffe interceptors to protect the bomber formations. Despite heavy anti-aircraft fire and fierce German resistance, the raids significantly reduced fighter production. The campaign marked a turning point by achieving air superiority over Europe. Lessons learned in Big Week informed tactics used during the Normandy invasion later that year.
1944
Big Week
1944day.year
World War II: The United States takes Eniwetok Atoll.
In 1944, American forces captured Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands, securing a key forward base.
The capture of Eniwetok Atoll was a critical step in the U.S. “island-hopping” strategy across the Central Pacific. Marines and Army troops landed on February 17 and faced entrenched Japanese defenders on nearby islands. Despite heavy artillery and kamikaze-style resistance, U.S. forces secured the atoll by February 20. Engineers quickly built airstrips suitable for B-29 bombers, extending America’s reach toward the Japanese home islands. Eniwetok served as a staging point for the Marianas campaign and later operations against Iwo Jima and Okinawa. Its seizure underscored American naval and logistical superiority in the Pacific theater.
Eniwetok Atoll