Osun Defender History Corner: February 20 In Focus

Today, on the history corner, we take a trip in the realm of flashback and recall some events that marked this day.

February 20, 1792

The Postal Service Act, establishing the United States Post Office Department, is signed by President George Washington.

February 20, 1835

The Battle of Yala takes place during the First Carlist War in Spain.

February 20, 1872

The Metropolitan Museum of Art opens in New York City.

February 20, 1909

Publication of the Futurist Manifesto by Filippo Tommaso Marinetti in the French newspaper Le Figaro, launching the Futurism movement.

February 20, 1920

The Panama Canal Zone is formally transferred from the United States to Panama.

February 20, 1931

The U.S. Congress approves the construction of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

February 20, 1943

The Battle of Kasserine Pass begins during World War II, marking the first major engagement between American and German forces in North Africa.

February 20, 1962

John Glenn becomes the first American to orbit the Earth aboard Friendship 7 during the Mercury-Atlas 6 mission.

February 20, 1986

The Soviet Union launches the core module of the Mir Space Station.

February 20, 1989

An explosion on the Soviet cruise missile submarine K-219 kills 4 sailors.

February 20, 2003

During a Great White concert in West Warwick, Rhode Island, a fire breaks out, killing 100 and injuring over 200.

February 20, 2005

Spain becomes the first country to vote in a referendum on ratification of the proposed Constitution of the European Union, rejecting it by 42%.

February 20, 2010

In Madeira, Portugal, heavy rain and flooding result in at least 40 deaths, in the deadliest disaster in the history of the archipelago.

February 20, 2011

Libyan protests against Muammar Gaddafi’s regime begin.

February 20, 2013

A series of bombings in Karachi, Pakistan, kills at least 45 people and injures over 180 others.

February 20, 2014

Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro orders the arrest of opposition leader Leopoldo López.

February 20, 2015

A gunman takes hostages at the Café Racer in Seattle, Washington, killing five before shooting himself.

February 20, 2018

A twin-engine passenger plane crashes near Yasuj, Iran, killing all 65 people on board.

February 20, 2019

At least 70 people are killed and 54 others injured in a massive fire that broke out in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

February 20, 2020

The South Korean film “Parasite” becomes the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture at the 92nd Academy Awards.

Please note that these are just a few historical events that happened on February 20. History is full of numerous other significant events on this day, ranging from politics and warfare to cultural and scientific milestones.