20 October in history
5 events that happened on 20 October, from 1740 to 2011.
✦ Anniversary of the day
1740 CE 286 years ago
Maria Theresa inherits the Habsburg lands
The death of Emperor Charles VI left his 23-year-old daughter Maria Theresa ruler of Austria, Hungary and Bohemia. She fought off Frederick the Great's challenge and reformed the state over a 40-year reign.
1803 CE 223 years ago
The US Senate ratifies the Louisiana Purchase
The Senate approved the treaty buying Louisiana from France by 24 votes to 7. For 15 million dollars, the United States gained some 828,000 square miles, roughly doubling its territory.
1944 CE 82 years ago
US forces land on Leyte as MacArthur returns
American troops landed on Leyte, and General Douglas MacArthur waded ashore to fulfil his 1942 promise to return to the Philippines. Days later, the Battle of Leyte Gulf crippled the Japanese navy.
2011 CE 15 years ago
Muammar Gaddafi is captured and killed near Sirte
Rebel fighters captured Muammar Gaddafi near his hometown of Sirte and killed him shortly afterwards. His death ended 42 years of rule and the Libyan civil war.
