In History, Today on April 20

Jacques Cartier sets sail on his first voyage to the New World, commissioned by King Francis I of France to explore the northern lands, which would later become Canada.

Oliver Cromwell dissolves the Rump Parliament by force, marking a significant moment in the English Interregnum.

The Treaty of Paris is signed, ending the Anglo-Spanish War (1654–1660) between France and Spain.

Captain James Cook arrives in Australia, marking the first European contact with the eastern coastline of the continent.

The Siege of Boston begins during the American Revolutionary War, following the battles of Lexington and Concord.

Adolf Hitler is born in Braunau am Inn, Austria. He would later become the dictator of Nazi Germany, leading the country during World War II and orchestrating the Holocaust.

The Ludlow Massacre occurs in Colorado, where striking coal miners and their families are attacked by the Colorado National Guard and company guards, resulting in numerous deaths.

During World War II, Adolf Hitler makes his last trip to the surface from his underground bunker to award Iron Crosses to Hitler Youth members.

The Bay of Pigs Invasion ends in failure for the United States. The CIA-backed Cuban exiles are defeated by Fidel Castro's forces, strengthening his regime.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau is sworn in as the 15th Prime Minister of Canada, marking the beginning of his first term in office.

The Columbine High School massacre occurs in Littleton, Colorado, where two students open fire, killing 13 people and wounding more than 20 others before committing suicide.

Danica Patrick became the first woman to win an IndyCar race, achieving victory at the Indy Japan 300.

The Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, leading to one of the largest environmental disasters in U.S. history.

A 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck Lushan County in Sichuan, China, resulting in significant casualties and damage.

Cuba's National Assembly elected Miguel Díaz-Canel as the new President, marking the end of the Castro era in Cuban leadership.