Europa
- Prague Spring Suppressed: Soviet-Led Invasion of Czechoslovakia (1968)
On August 21, 1968, troops from the Soviet Union and other Warsaw Pact countries invaded Czechoslovakia to crush the Prague Spring, a period of political liberalization and reform led by Alexander Dubček. The invasion involved over 165,000 troops and 4,600 tanks, and marked a decisive end to hopes for “socialism with a human face” in Czechoslovakia. The occupation was met with widespread nonviolent resistance, but ultimately restored hardline communist rule and reaffirmed Soviet dominance in Eastern Europe. This event is remembered as a “black day” in Czechoslovak history and had a profound impact on the country’s society and on the broader Cold War landscape. - Mona Lisa Stolen from the Louvre (1911)
On August 21, 1911, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris by three Italian handymen. The theft became a media sensation and contributed to the painting’s global fame. The artwork was recovered in 1913. - Latvia Gains Full Independence from the Soviet Union (1991)
On August 21, 1991, Latvia declared full independence from the Soviet Union, following a peaceful revolution known as the Singing Revolution. This marked a significant moment in the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the re-establishment of Baltic independence. - Battle of Dunkeld (1689): A key battle in Scotland between Jacobite clans supporting the deposed King James VII and government forces loyal to William of Orange. The Jacobites were defeated, solidifying William’s rule.
- King Gustav III’s Coup in Sweden (1772): Gustav III ended parliamentary rule and established himself as an enlightened despot by adopting a new constitution.
- Battle of Vimeiro (1808): British and Portuguese forces led by Arthur Wellesley (later the Duke of Wellington) defeated the French near Vimeiro, Portugal, marking the first Anglo-Portuguese victory of the Peninsular War.
America
- Pueblo Revolt: Capture of Santa Fe (1680)
On August 21, 1680, Pueblo Indians captured Santa Fe from the Spanish during the Pueblo Revolt. This was a significant uprising of Indigenous people against Spanish colonization in what is now New Mexico, marking a rare and successful Native American revolt in North American colonial history. - Nat Turner’s Rebellion Begins (1831)
Nat Turner, an enslaved preacher, led a rebellion of enslaved and free Black people in Southampton County, Virginia, starting on August 21, 1831. The uprising resulted in the deaths of 55 to 65 white people and led to brutal reprisals, with about twice as many Black people killed in retaliation. The rebellion had a profound impact on the history of slavery and race relations in the United States. - F5 Tornado Strikes Rochester, Minnesota (1883)
A devastating F5 tornado hit Rochester, Minnesota, on August 21, 1883. The tragedy led to the creation of the Mayo Clinic, now one of the world’s leading medical institutions. - Hawaii Becomes the 50th U.S. State (1959)
On August 21, 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed an executive order proclaiming Hawaii the 50th state of the United States. Hawaii Admission Day is now commemorated annually to mark this milestone in American history. - Total Solar Eclipse Captivates the U.S. (2017)
On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse traversed the continental United States from coast to coast. It was the first such eclipse since 1918, drawing millions of Americans outside to witness the rare astronomical event. - Battle of Tenaru (1942): U.S. Marines repelled the first major Japanese ground attack on Guadalcanal during World War II.
- Second Battle of the Somme Begins (1918): While primarily a European event, American forces participated in this major World War I offensive.
Asia
- Battle of Yancheng (1140, China)
On August 21, 1140, Song dynasty general Yue Fei achieved a significant victory against the Jin dynasty forces led by General Wuzhu at the Battle of Yancheng. This battle is celebrated in Chinese history for Yue Fei’s military prowess and loyalty to the Song dynasty. - Wildlife Protection Act Passed (1972, India)
On August 21, 1972, the Wildlife Protection Act was enacted by the Indian Parliament. This landmark legislation aimed to protect endangered species of flora and fauna and laid the foundation for wildlife conservation efforts across India. - India-Nepal Earthquake (1988)
A major earthquake struck the India-Nepal border region on August 21, 1988. With a magnitude of 6.9, it caused widespread devastation in Nepal and the Indian state of Bihar, resulting in at least 709 deaths and thousands of injuries. - Death of Ustad Bismillah Khan (2006, India)
Renowned Indian shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan passed away on August 21, 2006. A recipient of the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, he played a pivotal role in popularizing the shehnai as a classical instrument both in India and abroad. - Minamoto Yoritomo Appointed Shogun (1192, Japan): Marked the beginning of the Shogunate system in Japan, a transformative moment in Japanese governance.
- Ninoy Aquino Day (Philippines): August 21 is observed as a national holiday in the Philippines to commemorate the assassination of Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, Jr., a key figure in the country’s return to democracy.
- Karwan-e-Aman Bus Service Resumes (2008, India/Pakistan): The cross-border bus service between Srinagar and Muzaffarabad resumed, symbolizing efforts at peace and connectivity in the Kashmir region.
Africa
- International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism
August 21 is observed globally as the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism. This day is recognized across Africa, honoring the memory of those who have suffered from acts of terrorism on the continent and worldwide. - Lake Nyos Disaster (Cameroon, 1986)
On August 21, 1986, a catastrophic natural disaster struck Cameroon when a sudden eruption of carbon dioxide gas from Lake Nyos suffocated up to 1,800 people and thousands of livestock within a 20-kilometer radius. The tragedy remains one of the deadliest limnic eruptions in history and had a profound impact on disaster preparedness and scientific research in Africa. - Start of the Haitian Revolution (1791)
While geographically in the Caribbean, the Haitian Revolution began on August 21, 1791, and is deeply significant to African history and the diaspora. Enslaved Africans in Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) rose up against French colonial rule, igniting the only successful slave revolt in history and leading to the first Black republic. This event is widely commemorated in Africa and among people of African descent as a symbol of resistance and liberation. - Pan-African Commemorations: August 21 is a day for reflection on Black resistance and power, observed as part of “Black August,” which honors freedom fighters and political prisoners across Africa and the diaspora.
- South African Historical Events: While no specific major South African event is universally recognized on this date, South African media often highlight significant moments and figures from the country’s history on August 21.
This day in history: 21 august