March 20 Major Events in World History

1861

A magnitude-6.8 earthquake on 20 March 1861 destroys much of Mendoza, Argentina, killing thousands and reshaping the city; it remains one of Argentina’s deadliest quakes.

1883

The Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property is signed on 20 March 1883 by thirteen nations, establishing international patent and trademark standards.

1888

The first Romani-language operetta premieres in Moscow on 20 March 1888, marking a milestone in the recognition of Romani culture within the Russian Empire.