What Happened on March 20 in History?
March 20 is a significant date in history, marked by the start of major conflicts, the founding of a major U.S. political party, and the publication of one of the most influential novels in American literature.
Major Historical Events
The Iraq War Begins (2003): The United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Poland launched a military invasion of Iraq to topple the regime of Saddam Hussein.
Napoleon's "Hundred Days" Rule (1815): After escaping exile on Elba, Napoleon Bonaparte returned to Paris with a loyal army, beginning his final period of rule.
Republican Party Founded (1854): Opponents of slavery met in a schoolhouse in Ripon, Wisconsin, to organize the Republican Party of the United States.
"Uncle Tom's Cabin" Published (1852): Harriet Beecher Stowe's anti-slavery novel was published in book form; it became a bestseller and intensified the divisions leading to the American Civil War.
Tokyo Subway Sarin Attack (1995): Members of the Aum Shinrikyo cult released deadly sarin gas on five subway trains in Tokyo, killing 12 people and sickening thousands.
Tunisia Gains Independence (1956): Tunisia officially gained its independence from French rule following years of nationalist struggle.
Selma March Protection (1965): President Lyndon B. Johnson federalized the Alabama National Guard to protect civil rights activists marching from Selma to Montgomery.
Science & Technology
Theory of General Relativity (1916): Albert Einstein published his groundbreaking findings on the general theory of relativity.
First U.S. Aircraft Carrier (1922): The USS Langley was commissioned as the first aircraft carrier in the United States Navy.
FDA Approves AZT (1987): The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved AZT (azidothymidine), the first medication approved to treat HIV/AIDS.
Culture & Entertainment
John Lennon and Yoko Ono Marry (1969): The Beatles leader married artist Yoko Ono in Gibraltar, followed by their famous "Bed-In for Peace" honeymoon.
Iditarod Milestone (1985): Libby Riddles became the first woman to win the 1,135-mile Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
Disney Acquires Fox (2019): The Walt Disney Company completed its acquisition of 21st Century Fox's entertainment assets.
Notable Births & Deaths
Born: Roman poet Ovid (43 BC); Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen (1828); television host Fred Rogers (1928); and filmmaker Spike Lee (1957).
Died: Scientist Sir Isaac Newton (1727); country singer Kenny Rogers (2020); and iconic action star and martial artist Chuck Norris (2026).
Global Holidays
International Day of Happiness: Proclaimed by the United Nations in 2012 to recognize well-being as a universal goal.
Spring Equinox: Often falls on March 20, marking the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
