November 20th, 2008

Today in History

1989:
Velvet Revolution: The number of peaceful protestors assembled in Prague, Czechoslovakia swells from 200,000 the day before to an estimated half-million.

1983:
An estimated 100 million people watch the controversial made-for-television movie The Day After, depicting the start of a nuclear war.

1943:
United States Marines land on Tarawa and Makin atolls in the Gilbert Islands and take heavy fire from Japanese shore guns.

1789:
New Jersey becomes the first U.S. state to ratify the Bill of Rights.

1407:
A solemn truce between John, Duke of Burgundy and Louis of Valois, Duke of Orléans is agreed under the auspicies of John, Duke of Berry. Orléans would be assassinated three days later by Burgundy.