26 fun facts for June, 20
Discover dozens of fun facts for this special day. Read the summary for a quick recap on what happened.
Summary
June 20th holds significance for numerous historical events, including the French Revolution, Queen Victoria's ascension, and the introduction of the Deutsche Mark. From the fields of science, entertainment, and sports, many memorable events took place on this day such as the release of Disney's Hercules, boxer Muhammad Ali's trial, and the discovery of new Earth-sized planets.
26 Fun facts
- June 20, 1789: During the French Revolution, members of the National Assembly took the Tennis Court Oath, pledging not to separate until a new constitution was established for France. This significant event marked the beginning of a new political era in France and the world.
- June 20, 1791: King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette attempted to flee Paris in disguise during the French Revolution. They were caught and returned to the capital, leading to increased agitation amongst revolutionaries and ultimately their execution.
- June 20, 1837: Queen Victoria ascended to the British throne at age 18, following the death of her uncle, King William IV. She went on to have the longest reign in British history at that time, and is still celebrated today with Victoria Day in Canada.
- June 20, 1863: West Virginia was admitted into the United States as the 35th state, after it seceded from Virginia during the American Civil War. The state's admission resulted from differences between eastern and western regions over issues like slavery and representation.
- June 20, 1893: Lizzie Borden was acquitted of the axe murders of her father and stepmother in Fall River, Massachusetts, despite strong circumstantial evidence. The case remains one of the enduring mysteries in American criminal history.
- June 20, 1900: The Boxer Rebellion began in China, a violent uprising against foreign influence in areas such as trade, religion, and politics. Supported by the Qing Dynasty, the Boxer movement ultimately failed, and China was forced to agree to humiliating terms by foreign powers.
- June 20, 1921: The U.S. Congress passed the Sheppard-Towner Maternity Act, providing federal funding for maternity and child care. The act aimed to reduce high infant mortality rates in the country and marked a significant step toward recognizing the importance of public health in the U.S.
- June 20, 1948: The Deutsche Mark was first introduced as the official currency of West Germany, replacing the unstable Reichsmark. This helped stabilize the German economy after World War II, becoming one of the factors that led to the German economic miracle.
- June 20, 1963: The United States and the Soviet Union established a direct "hotline" communication link between the two superpowers to help manage crises and prevent misunderstandings that might lead to war.
- June 20, 1967: Boxer Muhammad Ali was convicted of refusing induction into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. Later, the Supreme Court overturned his conviction, restoring his heavyweight title and boxing license.
- June 20, 1975: The classic movie Jaws premiered, directed by Steven Spielberg. The film not only became a blockbuster success but created a lasting fear of sharks and set the standard for summer blockbusters.
- June 20, 1982: Argentine soccer legend, Diego Maradona, broke the world record transfer fee for the second time in his career. This time, he moved from Boca Juniors to FC Barcelona for a fee of £5 million.
- June 20, 1992: Singer and songwriter Peter Gabriel released his groundbreaking album, "Us." The album contained songs tackling themes like love and politics, as well as Gabriel's exploration of world music.
- June 20, 1994: O.J. Simpson pleaded not guilty to the murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Lyle Goldman. The trial became one of the most publicized criminal cases in American history.
- June 20, 1997: The animated film Hercules, produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios, was released in theaters. It received critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying its place in Disney's Renaissance era.
- June 20, 2001: Famous psychic and spoon-bender Uri Geller unsuccessfully tried to bend the U.K.'s millennium sculpture, "The Girl," with his psychic powers in a publicity stunt.
- June 20, 2003: Dame Vera Lynn, a British singer who became famous during World War II, was awarded a lifetime achievement award for her contribution to music and her tireless support over the years for her chosen charities.
- June 20, 2008: Film director and screenwriter, Sydney Pollack, was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Pollack was best known for films like "Tootsie" and "The Way We Were."
- June 20, 2012: The U.N. declared June 20th as World Refugee Day. The day aims to raise awareness and support for the millions of people displaced from their homes due to war, persecution, or natural disasters.
- June 20, 2013: Record-breaking tightrope walker, Nik Wallenda, crossed the Grand Canyon on a 2-inch-thick wire without a safety harness, a height of 1,500 feet.
- June 20, 2015: Apple Inc. announced Apple Music, their streaming service. This marked the company's expansion in the music industry and competition with other streaming services like Spotify.
- June 20, 2016: The Summer Solstice coincided with the Strawberry Moon for the first time in nearly 70 years, creating a rare and beautiful spectacle in the sky.
- June 20, 2017: NASA announced the discovery of 10 new Earth-size planets in the habitable zones of their stars, increasing the possibility of finding life outside the Solar System.
- June 20, 2018: Canada became the second country in the world, after Uruguay, to legalize the recreational use of marijuana nationwide.
- June 20, 2019: World Giraffe Day is celebrated annually on this day to raise awareness about the conservation of these majestic animals and support efforts towards protecting their habitats.
- June 20, 2020: In response to China's new security law, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that Britain would offer around 3 million Hong Kong residents the chance to apply for British citizenship.