What Happened This Year 1920

Historical Events from This Year 1920

Military & Warfare

Red Army's Retreat from Warsaw After Radzymin Battle

August 16th, 1920 104 years ago

The Battle of Radzymin, part of the Polish–Soviet War, concluded with a decisive Polish victory that forced the Soviet Red Army to retreat from Warsaw. After intense fighting, Polish forces managed to hold their ground, which significantly bolstered national morale at a critical juncture. This battle marked a pivotal moment in the defense of Warsaw, highlighting the strategic importance of Radzymin in the broader conflict.

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Sports & Recreation

Ray Chapman Injured by Carl Mays' Fastball

August 16th, 1920 104 years ago

Ray Chapman, a player for the Cleveland Indians, was struck on the head by a fastball thrown by Carl Mays of the New York Yankees during a game. The incident occurred when Chapman, attempting to hit the pitch, was hit in a vulnerable area. Following the impact, he fell to the ground and was rushed to the hospital, where it was determined that he had sustained severe head injuries. Tragically, Chapman would become the second player in Major League Baseball history to die as a result of injuries suffered in a game, marking a somber moment in sports history.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Women Granted the Right to Vote

August 18th, 1920 104 years ago

The ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment marked a pivotal moment in American history, as it extended the right to vote to women across the United States. This significant achievement followed decades of activism and advocacy by suffragists who fought tirelessly for equality in voting rights. The amendment's passage culminated in a nationwide celebration among supporters, symbolizing a breakthrough in the struggle for women's suffrage and contributing to broader movements for gender equality.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Tambov Rebellion Sparked by Prodrazvyorstka

August 19th, 1920 104 years ago

The Tambov Rebellion was a significant uprising of peasants against Bolshevik authority in response to the grain requisitioning policy known as Prodrazvyorstka. This policy, implemented by the Bolsheviks, aimed to forcibly appropriate grain from peasants to supply the Red Army. The rebellion occurred in the Tambov region, where discontent with the harsh requisitioning methods fueled widespread resistance. As tensions escalated, the initial protests turned into a well-organized insurgency, challenging Bolshevik control and calling for autonomy and an end to the oppressive policies that were impacting the rural populace.

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Sports & Recreation

Formation of the NFL in Canton, Ohio

August 20th, 1920 104 years ago

The American Professional Football Conference was organized in Canton, Ohio, with key figures from various regional football leagues coming together to establish a single governing body for professional football. This meeting set the stage for the formation of the National Football League, which would become one of the most popular sports leagues in the United States. Representatives from different teams convened to discuss rules, align standards, and secure the future of professional football.

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Technology & Innovation

First Commercial Radio Station Begins Operations

August 20th, 1920 104 years ago

8MK, which would later become WWJ, was the first commercial radio station to begin operations in Detroit. Operated by the Detroit News, it launched with the aim of providing entertainment and information to the public. The station offered music, news, and other programming, marking the start of commercial radio broadcasting in the United States. As a pioneer in the field, it opened the doors to a rapidly growing industry that would transform communication in the 20th century.

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Military & Warfare

The Turning Point of the Polish-Soviet War

August 25th, 1920 104 years ago

The Battle of Warsaw marked a pivotal encounter in the Polish–Soviet War, which sought to establish Polish sovereignty and halt the westward spread of Bolshevism. Beginning on August 13, Polish forces, bolstered by the support from local populations and strategic European alliances, launched a counteroffensive against the advancing Red Army, which aimed to capture the capital. Following intense fighting and tactical maneuvers, the Red Army faced a significant defeat by August 25, forcing them to retreat and changing the trajectory of the war.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Certification of the 19th Amendment

August 26th, 1920 104 years ago

The 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution was certified, granting women the right to vote. This momentous decision was the culmination of a long struggle for women's suffrage, driven by activists and reformers advocating for gender equality in voting rights. The amendment was officially certified by Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby after being passed by Congress and ratified by the states, marking a pivotal shift in American democracy. This achievement not only empowered women but also symbolized the broader movement for social justice in the United States.

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Military & Warfare

Decisive Polish Victory in Komarów

August 31st, 1920 104 years ago

The Battle of Komarów marked a significant Polish victory during the Polish–Soviet War, fought from August 31 to September 2, 1920. Commanded by General Władysław Sikorski, Polish forces faced the advancing Red Army in the village of Komarów in eastern Poland. With superior tactics and local knowledge, Polish cavalry successfully counterattacked, leading to heavy Soviet casualties. This battle turned the tide in the war, showcasing the effectiveness of the Polish cavalry against mechanized Soviet troops.

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