What happened on August 20th?

Good morning history enthusiasts!

On this day, a crucial moment in World War I happened - the capture of Brussels by the German army in 1914.

This event was part of Germany's Schlieffen Plan, which aimed to swiftly defeat France by advancing through neutral Belgium. The fall of Brussels not only marked a significant advance in the German campaign but also drew Britain into the conflict, significantly escalating the war. 

Here’s what else happened on this day throughout history:

⚠️1914: The German Army Captured Brussels

In August 1914, during the early days of World War I, the German Army launched a rapid and intense invasion of Belgium, leading to the capture of Brussels. This advance was part of Germany’s broader strategy to swiftly defeat France by moving through Belgium, which was intended to serve as a gateway to the French heartland.

The capture of Brussels on August 20, 1914, came after a series of fierce battles between German and Belgian forces. The Germans, with their overwhelming numerical and technological superiority, quickly overcame the defenses put up by the Belgians. The city’s fall was significant both strategically and psychologically; it demonstrated the effectiveness of Germany’s military tactics and further intensified the war's impact on civilian populations.

With the occupation of Brussels came the imposition of German martial law, and the city was subjected to a harsh regime that included the requisitioning of supplies and control over daily life. This occupation, coupled with reports of German atrocities against Belgian civilians, fueled anti-German sentiment across Europe and helped galvanize Allied support for the war effort. The capture marked the beginning of a brutal occupation that would last until the end of the war, with the city becoming a focal point of resistance and suffering during the conflict.

Read more about WWI and what exactly caused it in What Caused World War 1? Political, Imperialistic, and Nationalistic Factors and our July 28th newsletter.

🌍1741: Danish Explorer Vitus Bering Encountered Alaska

Leading a Russian expedition on the St. Peter, the explorer spotted the Alaskan coast, confirming land in the North Pacific. This discovery validated Russian territorial claims and opened fur trading opportunities. The Russian Empire funded the expedition to map the Siberian coast and explore potential trade routes and resources.

⚔️1794: The Battle of Fallen Timbers Ended

General Anthony Wayne led American troops to a decisive victory over Native American confederation forces near present-day Toledo, Ohio. This battle, known as the Battle of Fallen Timbers, crushed the resistance of a coalition of tribes, including the Shawnee, Miami, and Delaware. The defeat forced Native American leaders to negotiate and sign the Treaty of Greenville in 1795, ceding vast tracts of land in the Northwest Territory to the United States.

✍️1865: Austria and Prussia Signed the Convention of Gastein

This agreement assigned the administration of Holstein to Austria and Schleswig to Prussia, aiming to ease rising tensions following their joint victory against Denmark in the Second Schleswig War. However, the arrangement only delayed conflict, as disagreements over the duchies' governance persisted. The unresolved disputes eventually led to the Austro-Prussian War in 1866.

🚢1889: The London Dock Strike Happened

Thousands of London dock workers launched a strike demanding fair wages and better working conditions. They sought a minimum hourly wage of sixpence and garnered massive support from other workers and trade unions. The strike, lasting five weeks, caused major trade disruptions. Employers eventually agreed to the demands, marking a significant victory that led to major labor reforms and strengthened trade unions in the UK.

✉️1911: First Around-the-World Telegram Sent

The New York Times sent a telegram around the world, completing its journey in just 16.5 minutes. The message, addressed to the Times' office in New York, simply read, "This message sent around the world." It traveled through key telegraph hubs including San Francisco, Manila, Hong Kong, Saigon, Singapore, Bombay, Suez, and Lisbon before returning to New York. This demonstration aimed to showcase the remarkable efficiency and connectivity of the global telegraph network.

🏈1920: The National Football League Was Formed

Representatives from four Ohio football teams—Akron Pros, Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Indians, and Dayton Triangles—met in Canton, Ohio, to establish the American Professional Football Association (APFA), which later became the National Football League (NFL). This meeting aimed to create a standardized schedule and reduce the high player salaries caused by bidding wars. The formation of the NFL provided a structured league that revolutionized American sports, eventually becoming an integral part of American culture and entertainment with a massive following and significant cultural impact.

🌍1960: Senegal Seceded from the Mali Federation

The Federation faced political conflicts and economic difficulties, leading Senegal, under the leadership of Léopold Sédar Senghor, to withdraw and become a sovereign nation. This move was a crucial milestone in the wave of decolonization sweeping across Africa, as many countries sought independence from European colonial powers. 

🚁1968: The Warsaw Pact Nations Invaded Czechoslovakia

Soviet-led Warsaw Pact troops invaded Czechoslovakia to stop Alexander Dubček's Prague Spring reforms. Dubček aimed to promote freedom of speech and reduce state economic control. Over 200,000 troops and 2,000 tanks from the USSR, Poland, East Germany, Hungary, and Bulgaria quickly crushed the resistance. The invasion reinstated a strict communist regime and highlighted Cold War tensions and the Soviet Union's control over its satellite states.

🚀1975: Viking 1 Launched

This mission, part of the Viking program, included an orbiter and a lander designed to study the Martian surface and search for life. Viking 1 landed on Mars, sending back detailed images and valuable data on the planet's soil and atmosphere, greatly advancing our understanding of Mars and paving the way for future missions.

🎖️1982: U.S. Marines Deployed to Lebanon

U.S. Marines arrived in Beirut as part of a multinational peacekeeping force during the Lebanese Civil War. Their mission aimed to stabilize the region after the Israeli invasion and the PLO's withdrawal, supporting the fragile Lebanese government amid violent sectarian conflict. This deployment underscored the complex geopolitics of the Middle East and led to significant events, including the tragic 1983 Beirut barracks bombing that killed 241 U.S. service members.

🌟Born on This Day in History

1890: H.P. Lovecraft, Writer

H.P. Lovecraft was the author of influential horror fiction. His works like The Call of Cthulhu and At the Mountains of Madness have left a lasting impact on the genre, inspiring countless writers and filmmakers.

1933: Benjamin Harrison, President of the United States

Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd President of the United States, served from 1889 to 1893. He was a respected elder statesman, known for his contributions to U.S. law and policy, and was involved in various legal and academic pursuits until his death in 1901.

1974: Amy Adams, Actress

Known for her versatility, she has delivered acclaimed performances in films such as Enchanted, American Hustle, and Arrival, earning multiple Academy Award nominations.

1983: Andrew Garfield, Actor

Celebrated for his roles in both film and theater, including his portrayal of Spider-Man and performances in The Social Network and Angels in America, which earned him critical acclaim.

💔Died on This Day in History

2014: B.K.S. Iyengar, Indian Teacher

A pioneering yoga teacher, he brought the practice to the Western world and authored numerous influential books like Light on Yoga, significantly impacting global yoga practices.

2017: Jerry Lewis, Comedian

Legendary comedian and philanthropist, known for his slapstick humor and raising millions for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

That’s all for August 20th, folks! See you tomorrow with more intriguing events from the past! 

Matt