20 November in history

5 events that happened on 20 November, from 1272 to 1945.

✦ Anniversary of the day
1272 CE 754 years ago
Edward I is proclaimed king while returning from crusade
Four days after Henry III's death, his son Edward was proclaimed king though still abroad. Edward I conquered Wales, expelled England's Jews in 1290 and waged long wars against Scotland.
Scotland England
1759 CE 267 years ago
Hawke defeats the French fleet at Quiberon Bay
In a gale off Brittany, Admiral Edward Hawke pursued the French fleet among the rocks and shoals of Quiberon Bay and destroyed or scattered it. The victory ended French plans to invade Britain.
1820 CE 206 years ago
A sperm whale sinks the whaleship Essex
In the South Pacific, an enraged sperm whale rammed and sank the Nantucket whaleship Essex. Survivors spent about three months in open boats, resorting to cannibalism; the story inspired Moby-Dick.
1917 CE 109 years ago
British tanks attack in mass at Cambrai
Some 476 British tanks led a surprise attack at Cambrai, breaking through German lines several miles in a day. A German counter-attack soon recovered most of the ground, but the tactics pointed to the future.
1945 CE 81 years ago
The Nuremberg trials begin
The International Military Tribunal opened at Nuremberg to try 22 senior Nazi leaders for war crimes, crimes against peace and crimes against humanity. The trial laid foundations for international criminal law.
Nuremberg

Edward I is proclaimed king while returning from crusade