1653day.year
Oliver Cromwell dissolves England's Rump Parliament.
In 1653, Oliver Cromwell dissolved the Rump Parliament, effectively ending parliamentary rule and consolidating his authority as Lord Protector.
On April 20, 1653, Oliver Cromwell dismissed members of the Rump Parliament who opposed his policies, asserting military control over the English government. This decisive act ended the last vestiges of the Commonwealth’s parliamentary system and paved the way for the Protectorate. Cromwell’s rule shifted England toward an experiment in centralized, military-led governance. The dissolution underscored deep tensions between republican ideals and practical power. It also set the stage for the eventual Restoration of the monarchy in 1660.
1653
Oliver Cromwell
Rump Parliament
1789day.year
George Washington arrives at Grays Ferry, Philadelphia, while en route to Manhattan for his inauguration.
George Washington arrived at Grays Ferry, Philadelphia, on his way to the first presidential inauguration in Manhattan in 1789.
On April 20, 1789, George Washington disembarked at Grays Ferry after his journey from Mount Vernon, greeted by cheering crowds along the Delaware River. Philadelphia, serving as the fledgling nation’s capital, hosted lavish receptions in his honor. Washington’s journey culminated in his swearing-in on April 30 at Federal Hall in New York City, marking the launch of the United States government under the Constitution. His arrival underscored the peaceful transition of power and the unity of the new republic. The event set a precedent for American civic ceremony and national leadership.
1789
George Washington
Grays Ferry, Philadelphia
inauguration
1800day.year
The Septinsular Republic is established.
The Septinsular Republic was established on April 20, 1800, as the first autonomous Greek state under dual Russo-Ottoman protection.
Following the fall of Venetian rule, the six Ionian Islands united to form the Septinsular Republic on April 20, 1800. It became the first modern Greek polity, operating under the nominal joint suzerainty of Russia and the Ottoman Empire. A written constitution guaranteed local governance and certain civil liberties, while foreign powers retained strategic oversight. The republic fostered a cultural and intellectual revival that influenced the later Greek War of Independence. Although its autonomy was limited, the Septinsular Republic represents a pivotal step in the emergence of the modern Greek nation.
1800
Septinsular Republic
1836day.year
U.S. Congress passes an act creating the Wisconsin Territory.
The U.S. Congress establishes the Wisconsin Territory, paving the way for its future statehood.
On April 20, 1836, the United States Congress passed legislation to organize the Wisconsin Territory from parts of Michigan Territory and unorganized lands.
This act provided a governmental framework for settlers and laid out boundaries that would later evolve into the state of Wisconsin.
The new territory attracted waves of immigrants, drawn by promises of fertile farmland and economic opportunity.
Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Madison emerged as key centers of government, trade, and culture.
Wisconsin would achieve statehood on May 29, 1848 — a testament to the rapid growth sparked by this foundational act.
1836
U.S. Congress
Wisconsin Territory
1884day.year
Pope Leo XIII publishes the encyclical Humanum genus, condemning Freemasonry.
Pope Leo XIII issues the encyclical Humanum genus, formally condemning Freemasonry as incompatible with Catholic doctrine.
On April 20, 1884, Pope Leo XIII promulgated the encyclical Humanum genus to address the Church’s stance on secret societies.
He denounced Freemasonry’s principles as antithetical to Catholic teachings and warned the faithful against its influence.
The document argued that Masonic ideologies undermined the role of the Church and traditional moral order.
Humanum genus shaped Vatican policy toward lay organizations and reinforced the papacy’s authority in social matters.
Its legacy persists in the ongoing caution within the Catholic Church regarding membership in certain fraternal groups.
1884
Humanum genus
1922day.year
The Soviet government creates South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast within Georgian SSR.
The Soviet government establishes the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast within the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic to manage ethnic and administrative divisions.
In 1922, the Soviet Union created the South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast as a territorial unit within the Georgian SSR.
This decision reflected the Bolshevik policy of granting limited autonomy to national minorities.
The oblast aimed to address cultural and linguistic rights for the Ossetian population while maintaining centralized control.
Over subsequent decades, tensions between Georgian and Ossetian communities would flare, influencing regional politics.
The legacy of this administrative move played a significant role in later conflicts following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
1922
Soviet
South Ossetian Autonomous Oblast
Georgian SSR
1946day.year
The League of Nations officially dissolves, giving most of its power to the United Nations.
The League of Nations formally dissolves and transfers its assets and functions to the newly formed United Nations.
Established after World War I to maintain global peace, the League of Nations struggled to prevent future conflicts.
Following the League's failure to stop World War II, its successor, the United Nations, was founded in 1945 to take a broader international role.
On April 20, 1946, the League officially suspended operations and handed over its archives, funds, and responsibilities to the UN.
This transition marked a pivotal shift in international cooperation and collective security efforts.
The legacy of the League lives on in the structure and goals of the modern United Nations.
1946
League of Nations
dissolves
United Nations
1961day.year
Cold War: Failure of the Bay of Pigs Invasion of US-backed Cuban exiles against Cuba.
The Bay of Pigs Invasion ends in failure as US-backed Cuban exiles' assault on Cuba is repelled, marking a major Cold War embarrassment for the Kennedy administration.
In April 1961, a CIA-organized force of Cuban exiles landed at the Bay of Pigs intending to overthrow Fidel Castro's government.
Poor planning, lack of anticipated air cover, and strong Cuban militia resistance led to a swift defeat.
Within three days, 1,100 invaders were killed or captured, while minimal casualties befell Castro's forces.
The fiasco damaged US credibility, bolstered Castro's regime, and intensified Cold War tensions.
In Washington, President John F. Kennedy faced severe political fallout, reshaping US foreign policy toward Latin America.
1961
Cold War
Bay of Pigs Invasion
Cuba
1968day.year
English politician Enoch Powell makes his controversial "Rivers of Blood" speech.
English politician Enoch Powell delivers his notorious "Rivers of Blood" speech in Birmingham, warning of racial tension over immigration.
On April 20, 1968, British Member of Parliament Enoch Powell addressed the Conservative Political Centre in Birmingham with what became known as the "Rivers of Blood" speech. In his remarks, Powell vehemently criticized mass immigration and predicted violent clashes between ethnic communities. The speech sparked immediate outrage, leading to his dismissal from the Shadow Cabinet by Conservative leader Edward Heath. It ignited a fierce national debate on race relations and immigration policy in the United Kingdom. Powell's words remain one of the most controversial and discussed political speeches in British history.
1968
Enoch Powell
"Rivers of Blood" speech
2021day.year
State of Minnesota v. Derek Michael Chauvin: Derek Chauvin is found guilty of all charges in the murder of George Floyd by the Fourth Judicial District Court of Minnesota.
Derek Chauvin was convicted on all charges for the murder of George Floyd by a Minnesota court.
On April 20, 2021, former police officer Derek Michael Chauvin was found guilty on all counts in the murder of George Floyd.
The verdict was delivered by the Fourth Judicial District Court of Minnesota.
Chauvin's trial followed widespread protests against police brutality across the United States.
Jurors reached a unanimous decision after weeks of testimony and evidence.
The case became a symbol in the fight for racial justice and police reform.
Family members and supporters hailed the verdict as a step toward accountability.
The judgment sparked celebrations in Minneapolis and beyond.
Legal experts noted its potential influence on future policing standards.
2021
State of Minnesota v. Derek Michael Chauvin
Derek Chauvin
murder of George Floyd
Fourth Judicial District Court of Minnesota