What events are listed for Aug. 20 in Today in History?

The list includes the return of the first Dutch East India Company ships from the Far East in 1597, Alaska’s first sighting in 1741, Sun Yat-sen’s formation of the first Tongmenghui chapter in 1905, the Soviet offensive in Mongolia in 1939, the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, and the Oslo Peace Accords in 1993.

Why is Aug. 20 historically notable in this history listing?

It brings together milestones in exploration, revolutionary politics, war, and diplomacy. The entries span the sighting of Alaska, the rise of Tongmenghui, the Prague Spring crackdown, and the Oslo Peace Accords, showing how the date is tied to major global turning points.

Which 20th-century events appear in the Aug. 20 history entries?

The 20th-century entries include Sun Yat-sen forming a Tongmenghui chapter in 1905, General Zhukov leading a Soviet offensive in Mongolia in 1939, the invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968, and the Oslo Peace Accords in 1993.

THURSDAY, Aug. 20, 2026

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Summary

On Thursday, Aug. 20, Today in History lists major events from 1597 to 1993. The entries include Dutch East India Company ships returning from the Far East, Alaska being first sighted by a Russian expedition, and Sun Yat-sen forming a Tongmenghui chapter. It also notes Soviet actions in Mongolia and Czechoslovakia, plus the signing of the Oslo Peace Accords.

Key Facts

In 1597, the first Dutch East India Company ships returned from the Far East.
In 1741, Alaska was first sighted by a Russian expedition led by Danish explorer Vitus Bering.
In 1905, Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-sen formed the first chapter of Tongmenghui, a union of secret societies determined to bring down the Qing dynasty.
In 1968, 250,000 Soviet and Warsaw Pact troops invaded Czechoslovakia at night to suppress the Prague Spring.
In 1993, the Oslo Peace Accords were signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization after secret negotiations in Norway, and a public ceremony in Washington, D.C. was held the following month.

Published Aug 19, 2026 11:10 am KST

1597-First Dutch East India Company ships return from the Far East

1741-Alaska is first sighted by a Russian expedition led by Danish explorer Vitus Bering

1905-Chinese revolutionary Sun Yat-sen forms the first chapter of Tongmenghui, a union of secret societies determined to bring down the Qing dynasty

1939-General Zhukov leads a Soviet offensive against the Japanese invasion in Mongolia

1968-250,000 Soviet and Warsaw Pact troops invade Czechoslovakia at night to suppress the Prague Spring

1993-Oslo Peace Accords are signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization after secret negotiations in Norway, a public ceremony in Washington, D.C. is held the following month

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