Vasco da Gama’s Arrival in India
On May 20, 1498, Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, arrived in Kozhikode, India, after embarking on a perilous two-year journey from Lisbon. His arrival marked a pivotal moment in history, as it signified the establishment of a sea route from Europe to India, a feat that revolutionized trade and exploration.
Birth of Blue Jeans
May 20, 1873, witnessed the genesis of the iconic blue jeans, a testament to the ingenuity of Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis. On this day, they secured a patent for the revolutionary process of reinforcing men’s work pants with rivets, giving rise to the durable and versatile garment we now know as jeans.
Christopher Columbus’ Demise
On May 20, 1506, Christopher Columbus, the explorer renowned for his ‘discovery’ of the Americas, passed away at the age of 55. His expeditions, beginning in the 15th century, opened up new frontiers and forever altered the course of history.
End of Hamburger Hill Battle
May 20th also marked the culmination of the intense Hamburger Hill battle in South Vietnam. US and South Vietnamese forces finally captured Hill 937, a strategic position that witnessed brutal fighting and resulted in heavy casualties.
