1920 Wars & Armed Conflicts Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1920 Wars & Armed Conflicts Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 10 Jan League of Nations established: The League of Nations was established on January 10, 1920, as part of the Treaty of Versailles. It aimed to promote peace and cooperation among countries in the aftermath of World War I. source: britannica.com
- 13 Jan Reichstag Bloodbath: The Reichstag Bloodbath refers to a violent incident in Germany on January 13, 1920, involving clashes between police and workers. This event highlighted the political tensions in post-World War I Germany. source: britannica.com
- 18 Jan Georges Clemenceau resigns as French Prime Minister: Georges Clemenceau resigned from his position as Prime Minister of France, following the election of Paul Deschanel as President. Clemenceau's resignation marked a significant shift in French politics post-World War I. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 Jan Alexandre Millerand Forms French Government: Alexandre Millerand, a prominent French politician, forms a new government in France during a period of political reconstruction following World War I. Millerand would later become President of France from 1920 to 1924.
- 21 Jan Battle of Marash: Turkish National Forces Reclaim City: On January 21, 1920, Turkish National Forces initiated the Battle of Marash against French forces occupying the city. The engagement lasted until February 12, resulting in a Turkish victory and the French retreat from Marash. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 30 Jan France occupies Memel: On January 30, 1920, French troops occupied the city of Memel, which was part of the post-World War I territorial adjustments. This occupation was part of the broader geopolitical changes in Europe following the war. source: britannica.com
- 02 Feb Tartu Peace Treaty signed: The Tartu Peace Treaty was signed on February 2, 1920, between Estonia and Soviet Russia, establishing Estonia's independence. This treaty was a significant milestone in the post-World War I landscape of Eastern Europe. source: britannica.com
- 06 Feb French government endorses Treaty of Versailles: On February 6, 1920, the French government officially endorsed the Treaty of Versailles, affirming its commitment to the post-World War I peace settlement.
- 09 Feb Allies seek prosecution of German war criminals: On February 9, 1920, the Allied powers initiated efforts to prosecute German war criminals. This action was part of the broader post-World War I efforts to hold individuals accountable for war crimes.
- 10 Feb Schleswig plebiscite: On February 10, 1920, a plebiscite was held in the Schleswig region to determine its future nationality. The plebiscite was part of the post-World War I settlement to resolve territorial disputes. source: Wikipedia (day-month pages)
- 13 Feb Allies seek German war criminals post-World War I: On February 13, 1920, the Allied powers began efforts to identify and prosecute German war criminals following World War I. This initiative was part of the broader efforts to establish accountability for wartime atrocities. source: britannica.com
- 18 Feb Paul Deschanel becomes President of France: On February 18, 1920, Paul Deschanel was elected as the 14th President of France. His presidency was marked by his commitment to the League of Nations and efforts to rebuild France after World War I. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 19 Feb US Senate rejects Treaty of Versailles: On February 19, 1920, the United States Senate voted against ratifying the Treaty of Versailles, which had been signed in 1919 to officially end World War I. This decision reflected the Senate's reluctance to join the League of Nations and entangle the U.S. in international commitments. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 23 Feb Soviet Army consolidates Northern Russia: On February 23, 1920, the Soviet Army made significant advances in consolidating control over Northern Russia, a crucial step in the Russian Civil War. This consolidation was part of the broader efforts to stabilize the Bolshevik regime. source: britannica.com
- 24 Feb Syrian National Congress Declares Independence: The Syrian National Congress proclaims Syria's independence, with Faisal I of Iraq designated as king, reflecting the complex geopolitical reorganization of the Middle East after World War I.
- 23 Mar Black and Tans arrive in Ireland: The Black and Tans, a British paramilitary force, arrived in Ireland on March 23, 1920, to assist in suppressing the Irish War of Independence. Their presence was controversial and marked by violent reprisals against the Irish population. source: britannica.com
- 25 Mar Black and Tans arrive in Ireland: The Black and Tans, a British paramilitary group, arrived in Ireland on March 25, 1920, during the Irish War of Independence. Their actions were marked by violence and repression against the Irish population, contributing to the conflict's intensity. source: britannica.com
- 01 Apr UK Chief Secretary of Ireland resigns: On April 1, 1920, the Chief Secretary for Ireland resigned amid growing tensions and political unrest in Ireland. This resignation was a significant event in the context of the Irish War of Independence and the subsequent political changes in the region. source: britannica.com
- 07 Apr Turkish forces destroy Armenian village and missionary orphanage: On April 7, 1920, Turkish forces attacked an Armenian village and destroyed a missionary orphanage, reflecting the ongoing violence against Armenians in the aftermath of World War I and the Armenian Genocide. source: britannica.com
- 24 Apr Polish–Soviet War intensifies: On April 24, 1920, the Polish–Soviet War intensified as Polish forces advanced into Soviet Ukraine, leading to significant battles. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 26 Apr German Troop Withdrawal from Ruhr Valley: In April 1920, German troops withdrew from the Ruhr Valley, a region that had been occupied by Allied forces following World War I. This withdrawal was part of the implementation of the Treaty of Versailles, which aimed to demilitarize the area. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 03 May Polish Troops Capture Kiev in Polish-Soviet War: On May 3, 1920, Polish troops captured Kiev during the Polish-Soviet War, advancing into Soviet Ukraine.
- 13 May Eugene Debs presidential nomination from prison: Eugene V. Debs was nominated for president by the Socialist Party while imprisoned for his anti-war activism. His candidacy highlighted the political repression of dissenting voices during World War I. source: history.com
- 15 May Execution of Maria Bochkareva during Russian Civil War: Maria Bochkareva, a notable figure in the Russian Civil War, was executed on May 15, 1920. She was known for her role as a female soldier and her efforts to support the White Army. source: britannica.com
- 23 May Pope Benedict XV issues peace encyclical: On May 23, 1920, Pope Benedict XV issued the encyclical "Pacem, Dei Munus Pulcherrimum," calling for international reconciliation and lasting peace following World War I. source: vatican.va
- 01 Jun U.S. Senate rejects Armenian mandate: On June 1, 1920, the U.S. Senate voted against accepting the Armenian mandate, a decision that had significant implications for the post-World War I settlement in the Middle East. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 04 Jun Treaty of Trianon Dramatically Reshapes Hungary: The Treaty of Trianon, signed in Paris, imposed severe territorial and demographic losses on Hungary following World War I. The treaty resulted in Hungary losing approximately 71% of its pre-war territory and 63% of its population, fundamentally altering the nation's geopolitical landscape and national identity.
- 05 Jun Bolshevik Invasion of Georgia: Bolshevik cavalry forces invaded Georgia, marking a critical moment in the Russian Civil War and Soviet territorial expansion. This military incursion represented a significant geopolitical event in the Caucasus region, demonstrating the Soviet Union's aggressive territorial ambitions.
- 06 Jun Wrangel's Offensive Against the Red Army: General Pyotr Wrangel, a prominent White Army commander during the Russian Civil War, launched a significant military offensive against the Bolshevik Red Army in southern Russia. This strategic operation was part of the ongoing conflict between the anti-communist White forces and the revolutionary Red Army, representing a critical moment in the struggle for control of the Russian territories following the 1917 Russian Revolution.
- 11 Jun Birth of the 'Smoke-Filled Room' political phrase: On June 11, 1920, the term 'smoke-filled room' entered the political lexicon during the Republican National Convention. It referred to the backroom negotiations that led to Warren G. Harding's nomination for president. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 Jun Polish-Soviet War: Red Army recaptures Kiev: On June 12, 1920, during the Polish-Soviet War, the Red Army recaptured Kiev from Polish forces. source: britannica.com
- 02 Jul Tukhachevsky's proclamation in Russo-Polish War: On July 2, 1920, during the Russo-Polish War, Soviet General Mikhail Tukhachevsky issued an order proclaiming that "the fate of the general revolution will be decided in the west" and that "the road to world conflagration leads over Poland’s corpse." source: britannica.com
- 07 Jul Arthur Meighen becomes Canadian Prime Minister: On July 7, 1920, Arthur Meighen was appointed as the 9th Prime Minister of Canada, succeeding Sir Robert Borden. Meighen's tenure was marked by his leadership during a period of post-war reconstruction and economic challenges.
- 15 Jul Establishment of Silesian Voivodeship: On July 15, 1920, the Polish Parliament enacted a constitutional act granting autonomy to the Silesian Voivodeship, a region in Upper Silesia. This legislation established the Silesian Sejm (Parliament) and provided the voivodeship with its own legislative body and treasury, marking a significant step in Poland's post-World War I reconstruction. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 20 Jul Greek Army Captures Silivri: On July 20, 1920, during the Greco-Turkish War, the Greek Army captured the town of Silivri in the Ottoman Empire. This victory was part of Greece's military campaign to expand its territory in Asia Minor. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 22 Jul Warren G. Harding's Foreign Policy Speech: On July 22, 1920, Warren G. Harding, the Republican presidential candidate, delivered a speech outlining his foreign policy views. Harding advocated for a return to normalcy and opposed the United States' involvement in international organizations like the League of Nations. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 23 Jul Battle of Maysalun: On July 23, 1920, French forces defeated the Syrian Arab Army at the Battle of Maysalun, solidifying France's control over Syria. The battle was a significant event in the establishment of the French Mandate in Syria. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 24 Jul Soviet Army captures Lemberg: On July 24, 1920, during the Polish–Soviet War, the Soviet Army captured Lemberg (now Lviv, Ukraine), a significant city in the region. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 01 Aug Peace of Riga and Latvian Independence: On August 1, 1920, the Peace of Riga was signed, ending the Polish–Soviet War and leading to the recognition of Latvian independence. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 10 Aug Allied Recognition of Central European States: On August 10, 1920, the Allied powers recognized the independence of several Central European states, including Poland, Czechoslovakia, and the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, following the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire after World War I. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 13 Aug Battle of Warsaw: Pivotal moment in Polish-Soviet War: The Battle of Warsaw, fought from August 12 to 25, 1920, was a decisive engagement during the Polish-Soviet War. The Polish forces, under General Józef Piłsudski, successfully defended Warsaw against the advancing Red Army, marking a turning point in the war. source: britannica.com
- 15 Aug Polish-Soviet War: Battle of Warsaw: The Battle of Warsaw, occurring on August 15, 1920, was a critical battle in the Polish-Soviet War. The Polish forces achieved a significant victory, halting the Soviet advance into Poland and altering the course of the war. source: britannica.com
- 19 Aug Second Silesian Uprising Begins: The Second Silesian Uprising began on August 19, 1920, as Polish nationalists sought to gain control over Upper Silesia from Germany. This conflict was part of a series of uprisings aimed at securing Polish territory after World War I. source: britannica.com
- 28 Aug Warren G. Harding's pivotal campaign speech on post-World War I America: On August 28, 1920, Republican presidential candidate Warren G. Harding delivered a significant campaign speech in Boston, emphasizing the need for America to return to "normalcy" after World War I. He stated, "America's present need is not heroics, but healing; not nostrums, but normalcy; not revolution, but restoration." This speech resonated with the public and became a central theme of his successful campaign. source: britannica.com
- 20 Sep Black and Tans burn Balbriggan: On September 20, 1920, British forces known as the Black and Tans burned the town of Balbriggan in Ireland. This act was part of the violent conflict during the Irish War of Independence, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life. source: historyireland.com
- 21 Sep Balbriggan burning incident: The Balbriggan burning incident occurred on September 21, 1920, following the earlier attack by the Black and Tans. This event further escalated tensions during the Irish War of Independence, leading to widespread outrage. source: historyireland.com
- 23 Sep Alexander Millerand elected president of France: Alexander Millerand was elected President of France on September 23, 1920. His presidency was marked by efforts to stabilize the French government during a tumultuous post-World War I period. source: britannica.com
- 02 Oct British warning to Soviet Union over naval presence: On October 2, 1920, British Foreign Secretary Lord Curzon sent a warning to Soviet Foreign Minister Georgy Chicherin about Soviet submarines in the Baltic Sea, stating that the Royal Navy would attack Russian submarines on sight. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 Oct Polish-Soviet War ceasefire: A ceasefire was declared on October 12, 1920, effectively ending the Polish-Soviet War. The truce led to the signing of the Peace of Riga in March 1921, which divided disputed territories between Poland and Soviet Russia. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 07 Nov Soviet final offensive in Russian Civil War: The Soviet final offensive in the Russian Civil War began on November 7, 1920, marking a decisive phase in the conflict. This offensive aimed to consolidate Bolshevik control over Russia and eliminate remaining anti-Bolshevik forces. The campaign ultimately led to the establishment of Soviet dominance in the region. source: britannica.com
- 18 Nov Latvia declares independence: On November 18, 1920, Latvia declared its independence from Russia, following the end of World War I and the subsequent Russian Civil War. This declaration marked a significant moment in Latvian history, establishing the country as a sovereign state. source: latvia.eu
- 20 Nov Woodrow Wilson receives Nobel Peace Prize: On November 20, 1920, former U.S. President Woodrow Wilson was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in establishing the League of Nations after World War I. His vision aimed to promote peace and prevent future conflicts. source: nobelprize.org
- 21 Nov Bloody Sunday during the Anglo-Irish War: On November 21, 1920, known as Bloody Sunday, a series of violent events occurred in Dublin, including the Croke Park massacre. This day marked a significant escalation in the conflict between Irish republicans and British forces. source: bbc.com
- 11 Dec Finland joins the League of Nations: On December 11, 1920, Finland officially joined the League of Nations, marking a significant step in its international relations post-independence. This membership allowed Finland to participate in global diplomacy and contribute to international peace efforts. The League of Nations was established after World War I to promote cooperation among countries. source: britannica.com
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