20 January

January 20 is the 20th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar; 345 days remain until the end of the year.

We have some interesting facts & historic events all about January 20th, including areas in religion, crime, health and more.

Keep reading for more interesting facts about January 20th in history!

Table of Contents

  1. Global Celebrations
  2. Historic Events
  3. Famous Birthdays
  4. Heartbreaking Deaths

Global Celebrations

  • National Disc Jockey Day
  • Penguin Awareness Day
  • Camcorder Day
  • International Day of Acceptance
  • National Buttercrunch Day
  • National Cheese Lover’s Day

Historic Events

2009: Barack Obama is sworn in as U.S. president

Obama became the country’s first black president.

1981: The Iran hostage crisis ends

52 U.S. citizens were released after 444 days at the hands of a group of Islamists.

1969: The killing of a student activist sets the stage for the Bangladesh Liberation War

The war resulted in the secession of East Pakistan from the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the establishment of Bangladesh as a sovereign nation.

1942: Nazi officials meet to organize the extermination of Jews

During the Wannsee Conference in Berlin, the Nazis discussed what they called the “Final Solution to the Jewish question”.

1934 Fujifilm is founded

The Japanese photography and electronics company soon became a global player in its field.

1981: Irish Republicans preparing petrol bombs during rioting following the death of Bobby Sands on hunger strike. Derry, Northern Ireland, 1981

Irish Republicans preparing petrol bombs during rioting following the death of Bobby Sands on hunger strike. Derry, Northern Ireland, 1981

1961: JFK and Jackie Kennedy during their visit to Venezuela in 1961 with president Rómulo Betancourt

JFK and Jackie Kennedy during their visit to Venezuela in 1961 with president Rómulo Betancourt
JFK and Jackie Kennedy during their visit to Venezuela in 1961 with president Rómulo Betancourt

1960: Rod Taylor and the recently deceased Yvette Mimieux in a publicity still for “The Time Machine”. 1960

Rod Taylor and the recently deceased Yvette Mimieux in a publicity still for "The Time Machine". 1960
Rod Taylor and the recently deceased Yvette Mimieux in a publicity still for “The Time Machine”. 1960

1950: View of the Oval Study and the Blue Room during Truman’s reconstruction of the White House. 1950

View of the Oval Study and the Blue Room during Truman's reconstruction of the White House. 1950
View of the Oval Study and the Blue Room during Truman’s reconstruction of the White House. 1950

1944: March of captured nazi soldiers on Red square. Moscow 1944.

March of captured nazi soldiers on Red square. Moscow 1944.
March of captured nazi soldiers on Red square. Moscow 1944.

1937: Ford Motor Co. security attacks union organization Richard Frankensteen for distributing leaflets at the Battle of the Overpass (1937)

Ford Motor Co. security attacks union organization Richard Frankensteen for distributing leaflets at the Battle of the Overpass (1937)
Ford Motor Co. security attacks union organization Richard Frankensteen for distributing leaflets at the Battle of the Overpass (1937)

1898: Officer of the Austro-Hungarian army, 1898 [Colorized]

Officer of the Austro-Hungarian army, 1898 [Colorized]
Officer of the Austro-Hungarian army, 1898 [Colorized]

1890: Belle Époque dancer Cleo de Merode, considered by many to be the most beautiful woman of her time – 1890s

Belle Époque dancer Cleo de Merode, considered by many to be the most beautiful woman of her time - 1890s
Belle Époque dancer Cleo de Merode, considered by many to be the most beautiful woman of her time – 1890s

Famous Birthdays

Births On This Day, January 20

1971: Gary Barlow, English singer-songwriter, pianist, producer

1956: Bill Maher, American comedian, actor, television host

1946: David Lynch, American director

1930: Buzz Aldrin, American pilot, astronaut

1920: Federico Fellini, Italian director

Heartbreaking Deaths

Deaths On This Day, January 20

2012: Etta James, American singer-songwriter

1993: Audrey Hepburn, Belgian/English actress, singer

1936: George V, of the United Kingdom

1900: John Ruskin, English author

1837: John Soane, English architect

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