Europa
- 1918 – Women Allowed to Stand for UK Parliament
The Parliament (Qualification of Women) Act 1918 was passed in the United Kingdom, allowing women to stand for election to Parliament for the first time. This marked a significant milestone in the fight for gender equality in British and European politics. - 1918 – Pogrom in Lwów (now Lviv, Ukraine)
A violent pogrom took place in Lwów, then part of Poland, over three days around November 21. At least 50 Jews and 270 Ukrainian Christians were killed by Poles in the aftermath of World War I, reflecting the turbulent and often violent reshaping of Eastern Europe at the time. - 1918 – End of World War I: Surrender of German Navy
On November 21, 1918, shortly after the armistice ending World War I, the German Navy surrendered at Rosyth, Scotland. Thirty-nine German submarines were handed over off Harwich, marking a key moment in the disarmament of Germany and the end of naval hostilities in Europe. - 1920 – Irish War of Independence: Bloody Sunday
In Dublin, the Irish Republican Army (IRA) assassinated a group of British intelligence agents. In retaliation, British forces killed 14 civilians at a Gaelic football match at Croke Park. This day, known as “Bloody Sunday,” became one of the most notorious days of the Irish War of Independence. - 1974 – Birmingham Pub Bombings (UK)
Bombings carried out by the Provisional Irish Republican Army in Birmingham killed 21 people. The event was one of the deadliest attacks during the Troubles in the UK, and the subsequent wrongful conviction and later acquittal of the “Birmingham Six” became a major legal scandal. - 1620 – Signing of the Mayflower Compact (not in Europe, but involving European settlers): 41 male passengers on the Mayflower signed the Mayflower Compact before landing in what would become Plymouth, Massachusetts.
America
- 1620 – Signing of the Mayflower Compact
On this day, 41 male passengers aboard the Mayflower signed the Mayflower Compact before landing at Plymouth, Massachusetts. This agreement established a basic form of self-government and is considered a foundational moment for democracy in America. - 1789 – North Carolina Becomes the 12th U.S. State
North Carolina ratified the United States Constitution and was admitted as the 12th state in the Union. - 1877 – Thomas Edison Announces the Phonograph
Thomas Edison announced the invention of the phonograph, the first machine capable of recording and playing back sound, revolutionizing communication and entertainment. - 1922 – First Female U.S. Senator Sworn In
Rebecca Latimer Felton of Georgia took the oath of office, becoming the first woman to serve as a United States Senator. Her appointment was brief, but it marked a milestone for women in American politics. - 1931 – Premiere of “Frankenstein”
The Universal horror film “Frankenstein,” starring Boris Karloff, was released, becoming a classic of American cinema. - 1964 – Verrazano-Narrows Bridge Opens in New York City
The Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, connecting Staten Island and Brooklyn, opened. At the time, it was the world’s longest suspension bridge. - 1979 – U.S. Embassy in Pakistan Burned
A mob attacked and burned the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of two Americans. The attack was linked to false rumors about U.S. involvement in an incident in Mecca. - 1941: Tweety Bird, the iconic cartoon character, made its debut in “A Tale of Two Kitties”.
- 1967: President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Air Quality Act, a significant step in U.S. environmental policy.
- 1985: U.S. Navy analyst Jonathan Pollard was arrested for espionage.
- 1992: A deadly tornado outbreak began in Houston, Texas, eventually affecting 13 states and killing 26 people.
Asia
- 1962 – End of the Sino-Indian War
On November 21, 1962, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army declared a unilateral ceasefire, effectively ending the month-long Sino-Indian War. The conflict, fought over disputed Himalayan borders, resulted in a significant setback for India and had a lasting impact on its political and military landscape. The ceasefire announcement marked China’s demonstration of military strength and shifted regional dynamics in Asia. - 1971 – Battle of Garibpur in the Indo-Pakistani War
On this day, Indian troops, aided by Mukti Bahini (Bengali guerrillas), defeated the Pakistan army in the Battle of Garibpur. This early victory in what would become the Bangladesh Liberation War set the stage for further Indian involvement and eventual independence for Bangladesh. - 1979 – U.S. Embassy in Pakistan Burned
A mob in Islamabad, Pakistan, attacked and burned down the U.S. Embassy. The violence was triggered by rumors of American involvement in an attack on a mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The incident resulted in the deaths of two Americans and highlighted the volatility of U.S.-Pakistan relations at the time. - 2011 – Clashes in Cairo During the Egyptian Revolution
On November 21, 2011, during the Egyptian revolution, violent clashes erupted between protesters and security forces in Cairo’s Tahrir Square. At least 11 people were killed, underscoring the intense struggle for political reform and the challenges facing Egypt during this period of upheaval. - 1972 – South Korea Approves New Constitution
Voters in South Korea overwhelmingly approved a new constitution, legitimizing President Park Chung Hee and establishing the Fourth Republic. This event marked a significant moment in South Korea’s political history, consolidating Park’s power. - 2012 – Escalation in the Israel-Gaza Conflict: On November 21, 2012, a rocket launched from Gaza struck near Bethlehem, and Israeli airstrikes killed 31 Palestinians. An explosive device thrown onto a bus in Tel Aviv injured at least 28 people.
Africa
- 1985 – Mamelodi Massacre, South Africa
On November 21, 1985, South African police opened fire and killed thirteen residents in the township of Mamelodi, Pretoria. This occurred during the State of Emergency declared by President P.W. Botha, a period marked by intense anti-apartheid protests and violent state repression. The massacre stands as one of the tragic episodes of resistance and state violence during the final years of apartheid. - 2024 – Mali’s Junta Chief Sacks Prime Minister and Government
On November 21, 2024, Mali’s military junta leader dismissed Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga and his government. This move followed public criticism by Maiga regarding the lack of clarity over Mali’s transition to civilian rule, deepening the country’s ongoing political crisis amid persistent jihadist and separatist violence.
This day in history: 21 november