May 20

1882

Three leaders sign a document at a table. The first wearing a German spiked helmet says, 'Friends forever!' The next wearing an Austro-Hungarian soldier's cap says, 'This is the best!' The final wearing an Italian royal cap says, 'Nothing can go wrong!'
May 20 1882: The Triple Alliance between the German Empire, Austria-Hungary, and the Kingdom of Italy is formed.

1862

Abraham Lincoln signs a document that reads, 'In case of pandemic, stay home stead of going out.'
May 20 1862: President Abraham Lincoln signs the Homestead Act (source: Library of Congress Today in History)