King Edward VI of England is crowned at Westminster Abbey on February 20, 1547 at the age of nine following the death of Henry VIII. He died in 1553.
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On This Day in History: February 20
Explore the historical events that shaped our world on February 20th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.
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Congress officially banns dueling in Washington, D.C., on February 20, 1839, aiming to stop the deadly practice among politicians. The law made accepting, or carrying a challenge to a duel in the District, a felony punishable by up to 10 years of hard labor.
The impetus for the legislation came from the fatal 1838 duel between Representatives Jonathan Cilley of Maine and William Graves of Kentucky. This act aimed to stop the deadly practice among politicians. The new law reduced the number of duels in the District but many continue to take place beyond the district borders.
University College London becomes the first university in England to admit women.
A Nazi rally with more than 20,000 people was held at the Madison Square Garden on February 20, 1939. It was sponsored by the German American Bund, an organization with headquarters in Manhattan and thousands of members across the United States.
The stage had a large image of Washington hung between American flags — and swastikas. Their vision for America was a combination of white supremacy, fascist ideology and American patriotism. More
The Parícutin volcano in Mexico's Michoacán State, erupts on February 20, 1943 following several weeks of earthquakes. The eruptions continued for nine years, displacing thousands and burying two towns and destroying farmlands. No direct fatalities were recorded.
John H. Glenn Jr, one of NASA’s original seven Mercury astronauts, becomes the first American to orbit Earth, circling it three times. Glenn went on to become a U.S. Senator in 1974. More