This Day in History: June 20

1837 Victoria becomes Queen of the United Kingdom

Queen Victoria's reign spanned 64 years, during which the United Kingdom became one of the world's most powerful nations. Her rule saw the growth of the British Empire, which encompassed large parts of the planet. She passed away in 1901.

1942 Kazimierz Piechowski and three others escape from Auschwitz concentration camp

In an extraordinary act of bravery, Kazimierz Piechowski and three fellow prisoners escaped Auschwitz by stealing an SS staff car and dressing up as SS officers. During World War II, the Nazi regime killed 1.1 million people at Auschwitz, with only 144 known escapes.

1963 The “Red Telephone” is instituted

The hotline between the United States and the Soviet Union was established after the Cuban Missile Crisis. Contrary to popular belief, communications between the two superpowers occurred via teletype or fax, and today, via email.

1975 The film Jaws is premiered

Steven Spielberg's thriller about a rogue great white shark terrorizing a summer resort town is often considered one of the greatest films of all time.

1789 French Revolution: The Third Estate swears the Tennis Court Oath

In the Palace of Versailles, the Third Estate of the French Estates-General took the Tennis Court Oath, pledging not to disband until a new constitution was formed. This was a significant moment in the French Revolution, which ultimately led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic.

1214 The University of Oxford receives its charter

The University of Oxford, one of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities, received its charter from King Henry III in 1214.

451 Battle of the Catalaunian Plains

Roman and Visigoth forces defeated Attila the Hun in northeast France, halting the Hun invasion of Roman Gaul. The exact date of the battle is disputed.

1840 Samuel Morse patents his telegraph

The American inventor Samuel Morse received a patent for his telegraph, which revolutionized long-distance communication by allowing messages to be sent quickly over wires using Morse code.

1895 Caroline Willard Baldwin becomes the first American woman to earn a PhD in science

Caroline Willard Baldwin earned her doctorate in science from Cornell University, becoming the first woman in the United States to do so.

2020 Highest-ever temperature recorded in the Arctic circle

The temperature in Verkhoyansk, Siberia, reached 38°C (100°F), the highest ever recorded in the Arctic Circle. This is seen as evidence of the effects of climate change in the region.