On November 21st, history has witnessed a series of significant events that have shaped the world in various ways.
From groundbreaking scientific discoveries and pivotal political changes to tragic disasters and monumental achievements in engineering, each of these events has left an indelible mark on the timeline of human progress.
This article explores 20 noteworthy occurrences that happened on this day, shedding light on the diverse and impactful moments that define November 21st throughout history.
November 21st – On this Day in History
164 BC – Judas Maccabeus Restores the Temple in Jerusalem
In 164 BC, Judas Maccabeus, a Jewish priest and the son of Mattathias, led a successful revolt against the Seleucid Empire, which had desecrated the Second Temple in Jerusalem. This act of cleansing and rededication is commemorated annually by the Jewish festival of Hanukkah.
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Judas Maccabeus, known for his guerrilla warfare tactics, recaptured Jerusalem from the forces of King Antiochus IV Epiphanes. After removing the Greek idols and restoring the altar, the Temple was purified and the practice of Jewish worship resumed.
This significant event in Jewish history symbolizes the triumph of religious freedom and the resilience of Jewish culture and identity.
235 – Anterus Becomes Pope
In the year 235, Anterus ascended to the papacy, becoming the Bishop of Rome. His pontificate was brief, lasting only about one month, but it was notable for his dedication to preserving the acts of the martyrs, which he ordered to be collected by notaries and kept in the church archives.
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Anterus’ efforts to document the lives and sacrifices of early Christians reflect the church’s commitment to honoring its history and those who suffered for their faith. His papacy, though short-lived, occurred during a time of persecution and turmoil for Christians, highlighting the ongoing struggle for the establishment and consolidation of the early Church.
1272 – Edward I Proclaimed King of England
On November 21, 1272, Edward I was proclaimed King of England, succeeding his father, Henry III. Edward, known as “Longshanks” due to his height and “Hammer of the Scots” for his campaigns in Scotland, was not present in England at the time of his proclamation. He was on the Ninth Crusade in the Holy Land.
His reign marked significant developments in the English legal system and governance, including the establishment of the Model Parliament in 1295, which included commoners in the decision-making process.
Edward I’s rule was characterized by military conquests, administrative reforms, and the consolidation of royal authority, leaving a lasting impact on the English monarchy and legal tradition.
1386 – Timur Captures Tbilisi
In 1386, the Central Asian conqueror Timur (also known as Tamerlane) captured and sacked the Georgian capital of Tbilisi. This event was part of Timur’s extensive military campaigns across Western Asia and his efforts to expand his empire. The capture of Tbilisi was marked by significant destruction and the taking of King Bagrat V as a captive.
Timur’s invasions brought devastation but also led to cultural exchanges between the different regions under his control. The sack of Tbilisi exemplifies the era’s brutal conquests and the turbulent history of Georgia, which endured multiple invasions and occupations over the centuries.
1783 – First Untethered Hot Air Balloon Flight
On November 21, 1783, history was made in Paris when Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and François Laurent d’Arlandes became the first humans to fly in an untethered hot air balloon. The balloon, designed by the Montgolfier brothers, soared over the city for approximately 25 minutes, traveling about 5.5 miles.
This groundbreaking flight demonstrated the potential of human flight and sparked widespread interest and further experimentation in aeronautics. The success of this flight marked the beginning of a new era in transportation and scientific exploration, showcasing human ingenuity and the spirit of adventure.
1789 – North Carolina Ratifies the U.S. Constitution
On November 21, 1789, North Carolina became the 12th state to ratify the United States Constitution. This decision came after considerable debate and initial hesitation, primarily due to concerns over the lack of a Bill of Rights.
North Carolina’s ratification was significant because it helped to solidify the new nation’s framework of government and emphasized the importance of protecting individual liberties.
The subsequent adoption of the Bill of Rights in 1791 addressed many of the state’s concerns and underscored the evolving nature of American democracy, where the voices of the states played a crucial role in shaping the federal system.
1877 – Thomas Edison Announces the Phonograph
On November 21, 1877, Thomas Edison unveiled his latest invention, the phonograph, a device capable of recording and playing back sound.
This invention revolutionized the way people experienced music and spoken word, laying the foundation for the modern recording industry. Edison’s phonograph used a tinfoil-covered cylinder to capture sound vibrations, which could then be reproduced.
The phonograph was initially met with astonishment and skepticism, but it quickly became a popular and transformative technology. Edison’s innovation opened the door to a new era of entertainment and communication, fundamentally changing the way sound was recorded and shared.
1905 – Albert Einstein Publishes Paper on Mass-Energy Equivalence
On November 21, 1905, Albert Einstein’s groundbreaking paper, “Does the Inertia of a Body Depend Upon Its Energy Content?”, was published in the journal Annalen der Physik.
In this paper, Einstein introduced the world to the equation E=mc², establishing the principle of mass-energy equivalence.
This revelation had profound implications for physics, altering the understanding of energy, mass, and the fundamental nature of the universe. The equation demonstrated that a small amount of mass could be converted into a vast amount of energy, a principle that later underpinned the development of nuclear power and atomic weapons.
Einstein’s work during this “Annus Mirabilis” (miracle year) of 1905 cemented his status as one of the most influential scientists in history.
1916 – Sinking of the HMHS Britannic
On November 21, 1916, the HMHS Britannic, a sister ship of the Titanic, sank in the Aegean Sea after hitting a mine. The Britannic was the largest ship lost during World War I and served as a hospital ship at the time of its sinking.
Despite the rapid sinking, the majority of the crew and medical staff survived, with 30 lives lost out of the 1,066 people on board.
The disaster highlighted the perils of naval warfare and the dangers faced by medical personnel during the war. The sinking of the Britannic also underscored the vulnerabilities of even the most advanced ships of the era, contributing to changes in ship design and safety regulations in subsequent years.
1918 – Abdication of Wilhelm II and Exile to the Netherlands
On November 21, 1918, following the end of World War I, Wilhelm II, the last German Emperor and King of Prussia, abdicated and went into exile in the Netherlands. His abdication marked the collapse of the German monarchy and the end of the German Empire, paving the way for the establishment of the Weimar Republic.
The abdication came amid widespread unrest in Germany, with soldiers and workers revolting against the prolonged war and its devastating consequences.
Wilhelm’s departure signified a dramatic shift in German politics and society, transitioning from an imperial autocracy to a democratic republic. His exile in the Netherlands lasted until his death in 1941, during which he remained largely isolated from German political developments.
1920 – Bloody Sunday in Dublin During the Irish War of Independence
On November 21, 1920, “Bloody Sunday” occurred in Dublin, a significant and violent day during the Irish War of Independence. Early in the morning, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) assassinated 15 British intelligence officers and informers in a coordinated operation.
In retaliation, later that day, the Royal Irish Constabulary (RIC) opened fire on the crowd at a Gaelic football match in Croke Park, killing 14 civilians and wounding many more. Additionally, three IRA prisoners were killed in Dublin Castle under controversial circumstances.
Bloody Sunday intensified the conflict between British forces and Irish republicans, escalating the violence and deepening the divide. This day remains a poignant reminder of the brutal struggle for Irish independence.
1953 – The British Natural History Museum Announces the Piltdown Man Hoax
On November 21, 1953, the British Natural History Museum revealed that the “Piltdown Man” skull, once believed to be a crucial missing link in human evolution, was a hoax. Discovered in 1912, the skull was initially hailed as a significant archaeological find, supposedly providing evidence of early human ancestors in England.
However, after decades of scrutiny, scientists exposed the Piltdown Man as a forgery, composed of a medieval human skull and an orangutan jawbone. The revelation of this scientific fraud had profound implications, highlighting the importance of rigorous peer review and skepticism in scientific inquiry. The Piltdown Man hoax remains one of the most notorious cases of scientific deception.
1964 – Opening of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge
On November 21, 1964, the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, connecting the New York City boroughs of Staten Island and Brooklyn, officially opened to traffic. At the time, it was the world’s longest suspension bridge, with a main span of 4,260 feet.
Designed by engineer Othmar Ammann, the bridge was named after the Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, who was the first European to enter New York Harbor.
The construction of the bridge was a monumental engineering achievement, significantly improving transportation and connectivity in New York City. The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge remains a vital artery in the city’s infrastructure, carrying millions of vehicles annually and symbolizing the city’s growth and modernization.
1969 – Establishment of the First Permanent ARPANET Link
On November 21, 1969, the first permanent ARPANET link was established between UCLA and the Stanford Research Institute (SRI). ARPANET, the precursor to the modern Internet, was developed by the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) of the U.S. Department of Defense.
This milestone marked the beginning of a new era in communication technology, as ARPANET introduced packet switching, a method of data transmission that became the foundation for the Internet.
The connection between UCLA and SRI enabled researchers to share information and collaborate more efficiently, setting the stage for the expansive global network that we rely on today. The establishment of this link is celebrated as a pivotal moment in the history of information technology.
1970 – Agreement on the Return of Okinawa to Japan
On November 21, 1970, U.S. President Richard Nixon and Japanese Prime Minister Eisaku Sato reached a historic agreement to return Okinawa to Japan in 1972.
Okinawa had been under U.S. administration since the end of World War II, following the Battle of Okinawa. The agreement stipulated that while the U.S. would return administrative control to Japan, it would maintain military bases on the island.
This accord marked a significant step in post-war U.S.-Japan relations, symbolizing the restoration of Japanese sovereignty and the strengthening of the bilateral alliance. The return of Okinawa addressed longstanding Japanese concerns about sovereignty and the presence of foreign troops, while also ensuring continued U.S. strategic interests in the region.
1980 – MGM Grand Hotel Fire
On November 21, 1980, a devastating fire broke out at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino (now Bally’s) in Las Vegas, Nevada, killing 85 people and injuring 650.
The fire started in a restaurant and quickly spread through the casino due to the lack of proper fire safety measures and flammable interior materials. Most of the fatalities were caused by smoke inhalation as guests were trapped in their rooms and stairwells.
This tragedy prompted significant changes in fire safety codes and regulations across the United States, particularly in high-rise buildings and hotels. The MGM Grand fire remains one of the deadliest hotel fires in U.S. history and serves as a critical reminder of the importance of stringent fire safety standards.
1990 – Charter for the World Wide Fund for Nature
On November 21, 1990, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) adopted its charter, formally establishing the organization’s mission and guiding principles. The WWF, founded in 1961, is one of the world’s largest and most respected conservation organizations, dedicated to the preservation of biodiversity and the reduction of human impact on the environment.
The charter emphasized the importance of sustainable development, habitat conservation, and the protection of endangered species. The adoption of the charter solidified WWF’s commitment to addressing global environmental challenges through scientific research, policy advocacy, and community-based conservation efforts. The organization’s work has had a profound impact on conservation practices and environmental awareness worldwide.
1995 – Initialing of the Dayton Agreement
On November 21, 1995, the Dayton Agreement was initialed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio, effectively ending the Bosnian War. The peace accord was negotiated under the auspices of the United States, with significant involvement from the European Union and the United Nations.
The agreement outlined the framework for a political settlement among Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro), leading to the establishment of a single sovereign state known as Bosnia and Herzegovina, composed of two entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska.
The Dayton Agreement brought an end to nearly four years of brutal conflict, ethnic cleansing, and genocide, marking a significant step toward peace and reconciliation in the Balkans.
2004 – Ukrainian Presidential Election and the Orange Revolution
On November 21, 2004, the second round of the Ukrainian presidential election took place, sparking widespread protests due to allegations of electoral fraud. The election saw incumbent Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych declared the winner over opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko, despite numerous reports of irregularities and manipulation.
The ensuing protests, known as the Orange Revolution, were characterized by mass demonstrations, civil disobedience, and strikes. The movement demanded a fair and transparent electoral process, ultimately leading to the Ukrainian Supreme Court annulling the election results and ordering a re-run. In the subsequent re-run election held in December 2004, Yushchenko emerged victorious.
The Orange Revolution was a pivotal moment in Ukraine’s democratic development, emphasizing the power of popular movements in challenging corrupt regimes and advocating for political reform.