Ferdinand Magellan Sails from Spain to Circumnavigate the Globe
On September 20, 1519, Magellan sailed from Spain with five ships on the voyage that would become the first circumnavigation of the earth.
The First Cannes Film Festival Opens
On September 20, 1946, the first Cannes Film Festival opened in France, seven years after it was originally planned for 1939.
Billie Jean King Beats Bobby Riggs in the Battle of the Sexes
On September 20, 1973, Billie Jean King beat Bobby Riggs in straight sets at the Houston Astrodome, before 50 million TV viewers.
Vietnam Is Admitted to the United Nations
On September 20, 1977, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam joined the United Nations, two years after reunification ended the Vietnam War.
A Suicide Bomber Attacks the US Embassy Annex in Beirut
On September 20, 1984, a suicide bombing at the US embassy annex in Beirut killed 23 people and deepened the American withdrawal from Lebanon.
George W. Bush Announces the War on Terror to Congress
On September 20, 2001, Bush addressed Congress after 9/11 and demanded the Taliban surrender al-Qaeda, setting out what became the war on terror.