February 20

in History

Parabiago, ItalyMedieval

1339

Battle of Parabiago

Mercenaries clash in the fields of Lombardy

On the frost-hardened plains outside Milan, the Milanese army clashed with the San Giorgio mercenaries of Lodrisio Visconti in the Battle of Parabiago. The fierce medieval engagement pitted rival factions of the powerful Visconti family against each other in a struggle for control of one of Italy's wealthiest cities. The battle's outcome shaped the political landscape of northern Italy for generations to come.

1339 AD

Honolulu, HawaiiEarly 20th Century

1901

Hawaii Legislature Convenes

A new territory finds its democratic voice

The legislature of Hawaii Territory convened for the first time, marking a new chapter in the islands' political history. Just two years after the United States had annexed the Hawaiian Kingdom, the elected representatives gathered to begin the work of self-governance under American rule. This moment launched Hawaii on the path that would eventually lead to statehood in 1959, transforming a Pacific island chain into America's fiftieth state.

1901 AD

John Diefenbaker — Canadian prime minister John Diefenbaker cancelled the Avro CF-105 Arrow (pictured) interceptor-aircraft program amid much political debate.

Prime Minister of Canada from 1957 to 1963Late 20th Century

1959

John Diefenbaker

Canadian prime minister John Diefenbaker cancelled the Avro CF-105 Arrow (pictured) interceptor-aircraft program amid much political debate.

John George Diefenbaker was the 13th prime minister of Canada, serving from 1957 to 1963. He was the only Progressive Conservative party leader between 1935 and 1979 to lead the party to an election victory, doing so three times, although only once with a majority of the seats in the House of Commons.

1959 AD