December 20 is the 354th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 11 days remain until the end of the year.
We have some interesting facts & historic events all about December 20th, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.
Keep reading for more interesting facts about December 20th in history!
Table of Contents
Global Celebrations
- Games Day
- Go Caroling Day
- National Sangria Day
- International Human Solidarity Day
Historic Events
What Happened On This Day – December 20
2007: Queen Elizabeth becomes the longest-living British monarch
The previous longest living monarch – Queen Victoria – died on Jan 22, 1901, when she was 81 years, 7 months, and 29 days old. Queen Elizabeth, who was born on 21 April 1926, turned 81 years, 7 months and 30 days on this day.
1999: Portuguese transfer sovereignty of Macau to China
Portugal ruled over the special administrative region of China from the mid-16th century to 1999. Macau has a high degree of independence from China, and has control over its legal system, monetary system, and immigration policy.
1989: United States’ invasion of Panama begins
Also known as Operation Just Cause, the invasion took place under the leadership of President George H. W. Bush and led to the deposing of the dictator, Manuel Noriega. The invasion ended on January 31, 1990.
1973: Spanish Prime Minister Carrero Blanco assassinated
A confidant of dictator Francisco Franco, Blanco was assassinated by the Basque nationalist and separatist group Euskadi Ta Askatasuna or ETA.
1803: Louisiana Purchase completed
The United States was officially handed over the territory of Louisiana by the French. The French had regained control of the territory that spans over 15 present-day states and 2 Canadian territories in 1800. In 1762, Spain had taken over the territory.
Famous Birthdays
Births On This Day, December 20
1976: Aubrey Huff, American baseball player
1966: Matt Neal, English race car driver
1946: Uri Geller, Israeli psychic
1905: Bill O’Reilly, Australian cricketer
1868: Harvey Samuel Firestone, American businessman, founded the Firestone Tire, Rubber Company
Heartbreaking Deaths
Deaths On This Day, December 20
1996: Carl Sagan, American astronomer, author
1976: Richard J. Daley, American politician, 48th Mayor of Chicago
1968: John Steinbeck, American author, Nobel Prize laureate
1812: Sacagawea, American member of the Lewis, Clark Expedition
1722: Kangxi Emperor, of China
