What happened on November 20 in world history? Here are 4 events worth remembering: See them above in our 57-second video, and below for more details!
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The Nuremberg Trials begin
The commencement of the Nuremberg Trials was a pivotal moment in post-World War II history, as leading Nazi officials faced prosecution for war crimes and crimes against humanity. These trials set lasting precedents for international law and justice.
- The trials marked the first time in history that world leaders were held accountable for actions such as genocide and crimes against peace, establishing new legal standards for human rights violations.
- The principles established at Nuremberg—such as rejecting the defense of “following orders” in cases of human rights abuses—have since been incorporated into international law and continue to influence global justice systems.
- Nuremberg demonstrated the international community's commitment to pursuing justice, paving the way for subsequent war crimes tribunals and the formation of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Bo Derek is Born
The birth of Bo Derek introduced an actress and model who would become an iconic figure in Hollywood, known for her beauty, beachy style, and famous role in the film 10. Derek’s career made her a symbol of glamour and sparked trends that influenced fashion and pop culture in the 1980s.
- Derek’s appearance in the 1979 film 10 made her a pop culture sensation, with her beach scene and braided hairstyle becoming instantly iconic and cementing her place in Hollywood history.
- Beyond her acting career, Derek has been an advocate for animal rights and veterans’ support, using her platform to promote causes she’s passionate about.
Fire Breaks out in Windsor Castle
The fire that broke out at Windsor Castle was a significant event, causing extensive damage to one of the British monarchy’s most beloved residences. The disaster spurred nationwide efforts to restore the castle and protect Britain’s historical heritage.
- The fire, which began in Queen Victoria’s Private Chapel, spread rapidly, severely damaging over 100 rooms and valuable artwork, tapestries, and furnishings dating back centuries.
- In response, a restoration project was launched that took five years and involved meticulous work to restore and replicate the castle’s historic interiors, funded in part by opening Buckingham Palace to the public.
“Cabaret” opens on Broadway
The debut of the musical Cabaret on Broadway introduced audiences to a bold, politically charged story that would become one of the most influential musicals in theater history. Set in pre-World War II Berlin, the show offered a dark, nuanced exploration of political and social themes.
- Cabaret was known for addressing complex issues like political extremism, anti-Semitism, and societal decadence, a departure from the lighter themes typically seen in musicals at the time.
- Directed by Harold Prince, Cabaret set a new standard for storytelling in musicals, inspiring future productions to tackle serious themes and creating a genre of musical theater that resonates with modern audiences.