Today in history: May 20

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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.

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)