What Happened This Year 2020

Historical Events from This Year 2020 (View all 94)

Military & Warfare

U.S. Airstrike Kills Qasem Soleimani in Iraq

January 3rd, 2020 5 years ago

An American drone strike near Baghdad International Airport resulted in the death of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. The operation, authorized by U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed to eliminate Soleimani due to his alleged involvement in orchestrating attacks against American forces in the region. This targeted elimination escalated tensions between the U.S. and Iran, leading to global concerns about potential armed conflict.

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Natural Disasters

Intensity of the 2019–20 Puerto Rico earthquakes

January 7th, 2020 5 years ago

A series of earthquakes struck southern Puerto Rico, with a magnitude of 6.4Mw being the most significant on January 7, 2020. The tremors resulted in the death of four individuals and injuries to nine others. Epicenters were reported around the municipality of Guayanilla, leading to widespread panic and structural damage. Critical infrastructure, including schools and other public buildings, sustained harm, requiring immediate assessments and repairs to ensure safety for residents. The event led to the activation of emergency response protocols to assist those affected by the quakes.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Ukrainian Passenger Plane Shot Down in Iran

January 8th, 2020 5 years ago

A Ukrainian International Airlines flight, operating as Flight 752, took off from Tehran Imam Khomeini International Airport and crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in the deaths of all 176 passengers and crew members on board. The incident occurred amidst heightened military tensions in the region, leading to the plane being mistakenly targeted by an Iranian military anti-aircraft missile. The aircraft was bound for Kyiv, Ukraine, and included many Iranian-Canadian dual nationals among those killed.

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Health & Medicine

First Recorded Death from COVID-19 in Wuhan

January 11th, 2020 5 years ago

On January 11, 2020, health officials in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, reported the first death due to COVID-19. This marked a pivotal moment in the emerging outbreak, which had been identified only a month earlier. The victim was a 61-year-old man who had visited the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, which was linked to many of the early cases of the virus. The announcement drew international attention and raised concerns about the potential for human-to-human transmission of the disease.

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Natural Disasters

Taal Volcano Erupts, Causing Widespread Destruction

January 12th, 2020 5 years ago

The Taal Volcano in the Philippines erupted violently, leading to significant ashfall across nearby regions, particularly affecting Batangas and Cavite. The eruption prompted evacuations of thousands of residents over safety concerns. Volcanic activity included explosions that launched ash plumes and posed severe risks of falling debris and volcanic gases. In total, the eruption resulted in the tragic loss of 39 lives, highlighting the dangers associated with living in proximity to active volcanoes.

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Health & Medicine

Thailand Reports First COVID-19 Case Outside China

January 13th, 2020 5 years ago

The Thai Ministry of Public Health reported the first confirmed case of COVID-19 outside of China, marking a significant moment in the spread of this new virus. The confirmed individual is a 61-year-old woman who traveled from Wuhan to Thailand. This case led to increased health monitoring and preventive measures in Thailand and the broader region, as concerns about the global spread of the virus grew.

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Born in 2020

People Who Died in 2020 (View all 549)

John Lewis

American civil rights leader and congressman
Born
February 21st, 1940 85 years ago
Died
March 29th, 2001 23 years ago — 61 years old

A prominent civil rights leader and politician, dedicated efforts to racial equality and justice spanned decades. He served as a United States Congressman representing Georgia's 5th congressional district from 1987 until his death in 2020. Lewis was a key figure in the March on Washington in 1963 and led the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965, which were pivotal in the struggle for voting rights. His life was marked by a commitment to nonviolence and grassroots activism, and he became a symbol of the fight against systemic racism. Lewis authored several books, including 'March,' a graphic novel trilogy recounting his experiences in the civil rights movement.

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Don Larsen

Baseball player, perfect game pitcher
Born
August 7th, 1929 95 years ago
Died
January 1st, 2020 5 years ago — 90 years old

An American baseball player achieved prominence as a pitcher in Major League Baseball. Played primarily for the New York Yankees, notable for throwing a perfect game in the 1956 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers. This achievement remains a significant highlight in World Series history, marking the only perfect game ever pitched in the Series. After his stellar performance in 1956, spent time with other teams such as the Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Athletics before retiring from professional baseball.

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Lexi Alijai

American rapper with notable mixtapes
Born
1998 27 years ago
Died
January 1st, 2020 5 years ago — 22 years old

A rapper emerged from the United States, gained recognition for blending various musical styles in original compositions. Released the mixtapes 'Growing Pains' in 2017 and 'I Am' in 2018, that showcased unique lyrical abilities and resonated with a young audience. Collaborated with other artists in the hip-hop community, contributing to a vibrant scene. Tragically passed away in 2020 at a young age, leaving behind a growing legacy within the genre.

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David Stern

NBA Commissioner overseeing growth
Born
September 22nd, 1942 82 years ago
Died
January 1st, 2020 5 years ago — 77 years old

Served as the Commissioner of the National Basketball Association from 1984 to 2014. During tenure, expanded league to 30 teams and significantly increased television rights and revenue. Played a key role in the establishment of the WNBA in 1996. Oversaw the implementation of the salary cap and revenue-sharing systems, transforming the financial landscape of professional basketball. Was involved in the global promotion of basketball, which led to international players joining the league.

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Tafazzul Haque Habiganji

Islamic scholar and politician in Bangladesh
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
January 5th, 2020 5 years ago — 82 years old

Engaged in Islamic scholarship and political activism. Contributed to the development of Islamic teachings and their implementation in socio-political spheres. Served as a member of parliament and was involved in various legislative initiatives. Played a significant role in promoting religious education and social welfare across communities. Focused on addressing educational reforms within the Islamic framework, impacting the lives of many individuals in Bangladesh. His work in politics included participation in national discussions regarding religious affairs and economic development.

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Neil Peart

Drummer and lyricist for Rush
Born
September 12th, 1952 72 years ago
Died
January 7th, 2020 5 years ago — 67 years old

A prominent drummer and lyricist, contributed significantly to the Canadian rock band Rush. Joined the band in 1974 and became celebrated for intricate drumming and thought-provoking lyrics. Collaborated closely with band members to produce albums that received critical acclaim. Integral to the band's success, Peart's work spanned several decades until the band's retirement in 2015. Authored several books, particularly travel narratives and memoirs.

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