THE DAY IN HISTORY · AUGUST 20
August 20 in history
What happened on August 20: 2 moments from the Maps of History atlases, in 1191 and 1955, each linked to the map that shows it.
— Execution of the Acre prisoners
20 Aug 1191 — ransom negotiations have stalled, and Richard orders the execution of some 2,700 Muslim prisoners from Acre’s surrendered garrison. Saladin’s army can see the killings. This brutal act of war is a site of memory.
READ THIS MOMENT → · SEE IT ON THE CRUSADES MAP → · THE FULL STORY →
— Philippeville massacre
20 Aug 1955 — The FLN attacks European civilians, and France answers with a massive reprisal in which thousands are killed. Together, the attack and reprisal end any middle ground in Algeria. Terror and counter-terror become a war without mercy. Remember the dead of both.
READ THIS MOMENT → · SEE IT ON THE DECOLONIZATION OF AFRICA MAP → · THE FULL STORY →
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