1192day.year
Richard I of England is captured and imprisoned by Leopold V of Austria on his way home to England after the Third Crusade.
King Richard I of England was ambushed and taken prisoner by Leopold V of Austria on December 20, 1192, as he traveled home from the Third Crusade.
Returning from the Third Crusade, Richard I passed through the Holy Roman Empire in late 1192. In a dispute over a banner display at Acre, Duke Leopold V of Austria captured the king near Vienna. Richard was imprisoned at Dürnstein Castle and ultimately handed over to Emperor Henry VI. His detention lasted over a year and secured a hefty ransom from England. The event weakened royal authority and had lasting diplomatic repercussions across Europe.
1192
Richard I of England
Leopold V
Third Crusade
1808day.year
Peninsular War: The Siege of Zaragoza begins.
On December 20, 1808, French forces commenced the brutal Siege of Zaragoza during the Peninsular War against Napoleon's occupation.
Early in the Peninsular War, the Spanish city of Zaragoza became a focal point of resistance against the French Empire. Marshal Jean Lannes's troops surrounded the city on December 20, 1808, beginning a prolonged and bloody siege. Spanish defenders under General José de Palafox repelled multiple assaults and inflicted heavy casualties. Civilians endured starvation, bombardment, and urban combat in a display of fierce patriotism. The first siege lasted until February 1809 and symbolized the broader struggle for Spanish independence.
1808
Peninsular War
Siege of Zaragoza
1860day.year
South Carolina becomes the first state to attempt to secede from the United States with the South Carolina Declaration of Secession.
South Carolina became the first state to secede from the United States on December 20, 1860, issuing its Declaration of Secession.
In reaction to Abraham Lincoln's election, South Carolina convened a secession convention in Columbia. Delegates cited perceived threats to slavery and states' rights in their Declaration of Secession. By a unanimous vote, they declared the state's departure from the Union and assumed control of federal arsenals within their borders. This unprecedented act triggered a cascade of secessions by other Southern states. The crisis culminated in the outbreak of the American Civil War at Fort Sumter in April 1861.
1860
South Carolina
secede
South Carolina Declaration of Secession
1915day.year
World War I: The last Australian troops are evacuated from Gallipoli.
The last Australian troops evacuated from Gallipoli on December 20, 1915, culminating their campaign in World War I.
Allied forces launched the Gallipoli Campaign in April 1915 aiming to secure the Dardanelles and open a supply route to Russia. Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) soldiers landed at Anzac Cove and endured steep terrain and fierce Ottoman defense. After months of stalemate, high casualties, and harsh conditions, Allied commanders decided to withdraw. On December 20, 1915, the final Australian units were successfully evacuated under cover of darkness. The campaign left a lasting legacy in national consciousness, commemorated annually on ANZAC Day.
1915
World War I
Gallipoli
1941day.year
World War II: First battle of the American Volunteer Group, better known as the "Flying Tigers", in Kunming, China.
The American Volunteer Group, known as the Flying Tigers, flew their first combat mission in Kunming, China, during World War II.
On December 20, 1941, the Flying Tigers, composed of U.S. volunteer pilots led by Claire Lee Chennault, engaged Japanese aircraft in their first battle over Kunming. Flying Curtiss P-40 Warhawks, they defended Chinese supply routes crucial to the Allied war effort. Their tactics and aircraft nose art boosted morale and established their reputation. The AVG’s involvement provided a symbolic link between China and the United States before America's official entry into WWII. The success of this early engagement showcased the pilots’ skill and the effectiveness of air support in the China-Burma-India theatre. The Flying Tigers would go on to achieve a significant air-to-air kill ratio and legendary status.
1941
World War II
American Volunteer Group
Flying Tigers
Kunming
1942day.year
World War II: Japanese air forces bomb Calcutta, India.
Japanese air forces carried out a bombing raid on Calcutta, India, marking one of the few direct attacks on British-held India during World War II.
In December 1942, Japan’s Imperial Air Force launched aerial bombings against Calcutta, targeting docks, oil installations, and urban areas. The raids aimed to disrupt Allied supply lines and spread fear among British colonial authorities. Hundreds of civilians were killed or injured, and significant property damage occurred. The city’s anti-aircraft defenses and blackout measures were strained but eventually improved. These attacks highlighted the reach of Japanese forces and underscored India’s strategic importance in the war. The Calcutta bombings remain a stark reminder of WWII’s global impact on civilian populations.
1942
Japanese air forces
Calcutta
India
1948day.year
Indonesian National Revolution: The Dutch military captures Yogyakarta, the temporary capital of the newly formed Republic of Indonesia.
Dutch forces captured Yogyakarta, the temporary capital of Indonesia, during the struggle for independence.
During the Indonesian National Revolution on December 20, 1948, Dutch troops launched Operation Kraai to seize Yogyakarta. The city served as the Republican capital under leaders Sukarno and Hatta after Indonesia’s 1945 declaration of independence. The Dutch aimed to suppress the republic and reassert colonial control, detaining key Indonesian leaders. International criticism and pressure eventually forced diplomatic negotiations and the release of political prisoners. The event galvanized Indonesian resistance and increased global support for independence. It paved the way for the Dutch–Indonesian Round Table Conference and full sovereignty in 1949.
1948
Indonesian National Revolution
captures Yogyakarta
1960day.year
Vietnam War: The National Liberation Front of South Vietnam, popularly known as the Viet Cong, is formally established in Tân Lập village, present day Tây Ninh province.
The Viet Cong was formally established in Tân Lập, laying the foundation for a major phase of the Vietnam War.
On December 20, 1960, leaders in South Vietnam announced the formation of the National Liberation Front in Tân Lập village.
Known as the Viet Cong, this coalition united various communist and nationalist insurgent groups.
It aimed to overthrow the US-backed Saigon government through guerrilla warfare and political mobilization.
The NLF's creation marked a new level of Northern influence in the South.
Over the next years, the Viet Cong carried out significant operations, including the Tet Offensive, shaping the conflict's trajectory.
Their tactics and resilience influenced insurgent movements around the world.
1960
Vietnam War
National Liberation Front of South Vietnam
Tây Ninh province
1989day.year
The United States invasion of Panama deposes Manuel Noriega.
In 1989, the United States launched Operation Just Cause in Panama, leading to the deposition and capture of General Manuel Noriega.
On December 20, 1989, U.S. forces initiated Operation Just Cause to remove General Manuel Noriega from power in Panama. The intervention followed escalating tensions over Noriega’s alleged drug trafficking and threats to the Panama Canal’s security. Intense fighting in Panama City and surrounding areas culminated in Noriega seeking refuge in the Vatican embassy. He eventually surrendered to U.S. troops and was flown to Miami to face drug charges. The operation ended his 12-year dictatorship and aimed to restore democratic governance in Panama. It remains a significant example of U.S. military intervention and its geopolitical impact in Latin America.
1989
United States invasion of Panama
deposes
Manuel Noriega
1995day.year
NATO begins peacekeeping in Bosnia.
In 1995, NATO deployed its first peacekeeping force to Bosnia under a UN mandate following the Dayton Peace Accords.
On December 20, 1995, NATO commenced Operation Implementation Force (IFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina to enforce the military aspects of the Dayton Peace Accords. This groundbreaking mission involved over 60,000 troops from 32 nations tasked with overseeing ceasefire compliance, facilitating the withdrawal of combatants, and securing safe conditions for returning refugees. IFOR marked NATO’s first major peacekeeping engagement outside the North Atlantic region. The operation laid the foundation for long-term stabilization by subsequent forces and contributed to ending years of ethnic conflict in the Balkans. It demonstrated NATO’s evolving role in post-Cold War European security.
1995
NATO
Bosnia
2024day.year
Six people are killed and over 200 are injured when an anti-Islam activist drives a car into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany.
In 2024, a vehicle driven by an anti-Islam activist crashed into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, killing six and injuring over 200.
On December 20, 2024, a lone anti-Islam extremist drove a car into visitors at a bustling Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany.
The attack resulted in the deaths of six people and left over 200 others injured, some critically.
Police quickly apprehended the suspect at the scene and launched a terrorism investigation.
The incident deeply shook the local community and prompted a review of security measures at public gatherings.
German officials condemned the violence and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.
The event reignited debates across Europe about hate-driven attacks and public safety during festive events.
2024
drives a car into a crowd
Magdeburg
Germany