Browse Historical Events by Day: What Happened on October 20th?

The Battle of Soor takes place during the War of the Austrian Succession, with the Austrian army defeating the French.

Maria Theresa becomes the ruler of the Habsburg Monarchy following the death of her father, Emperor Charles VI.

The Naval Battle of Navarino occurs, during which combined British, French, and Russian forces defeat the Ottoman Empire's fleet.

General Douglas MacArthur lands on the Philippine island of Leyte and delivers his famous “I Have Returned” speech. It is one of the most iconic phrases of the war, coupled with one of the most famous photographs, that captured the moment he waded ashore. More

The House Committee on Un-American Activities focused on universities, labor unions, and the film industry. The committee called Hollywood actors, directors, producers, and screenwriters to testify regarding communist influence on motion pictures. Ten men who refused to state their political affiliations, claiming First Amendment rights, were imprisoned for contempt of Congress. The “Hollywood Ten” became the first victims of a blacklist by major movie studios that curtailed hundreds of careers before it ended in 1960. More

Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi is captured and killed during the Libyan Civil War. More