Europa
- French Revolution: Declaration of the First French Republic (1792)
On September 21, 1792, the National Convention in France abolished the monarchy and declared France a republic. This pivotal moment ended over a thousand years of monarchical rule and marked the beginning of the First French Republic, setting the stage for the Reign of Terror and a profound transformation of French society and European politics. - Malta Gains Independence (1964)
Malta, a southern European island nation, officially gained independence from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1964. Malta had been under British control since 1814, and while it initially retained the Queen of England as head of state, it later became a republic in 1974. - Death of Edward II of England (1327)
Edward II, King of England, died on September 21, 1327. Historical accounts suggest he was murdered while imprisoned, marking a dramatic episode in English medieval history. - Operation Sea Lion Date Set (1940)
Adolf Hitler fixed the date for Operation Sea Lion, the planned German invasion of Britain, for September 21, 1940. While the operation was ultimately never carried out, this decision was a significant point during World War II in Europe. - End of Soviet Occupation of East Germany (1955)
On September 21, 1955, the Soviet occupation of East Germany formally ended, marking a shift in postwar European geopolitics and the evolving Cold War landscape. - In 1864, the Italian army quelled protests in Turin related to the move of the Italian capital.
- In 1848, a renewed uprising began in Baden, Germany, reflecting the revolutionary spirit sweeping across Europe in the mid-19th century.
America
- Benedict Arnold’s Betrayal (1780)
On September 21, 1780, Benedict Arnold, a general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, met with British Major John André to discuss handing over the American fort at West Point to the British. This act of treason is considered one of the greatest betrayals in American history. - First Flight of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress (1942)
The Boeing B-29 Superfortress, a significant long-range bomber used extensively by the United States during World War II and the Korean War, made its maiden flight on this day. - Colin Powell Confirmed as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1989)
On September 21, 1989, General Colin Powell was confirmed by the U.S. Senate as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, becoming the first African American to hold the highest military position in the United States. - Belize Gains Independence (1981)
Belize (formerly British Honduras), located in Central America, became an independent nation from the United Kingdom on September 21, 1981. - Naval History: Capture of the British Brig Atalanta (1814)
The U.S. sloop-of-war Wasp captured the British brig Atalanta and sent it to the United States with a prize crew during the War of 1812.
Asia
- Battle of Palikao – Second Opium War (1860)
On September 21, 1860, during the Second Opium War, an Anglo-French force decisively defeated Chinese troops at the Battle of Palikao near Beijing. This victory opened the way for the allied forces to enter Beijing, leading to significant consequences for Qing China, including the eventual looting and burning of the Old Summer Palace. - End of the Hundred Days’ Reform in China (1898)
On this day in 1898, Empress Dowager Cixi seized power in China, abruptly ending the Hundred Days’ Reform. This conservative coup halted a series of ambitious modernization reforms and marked a return to traditional rule, shaping the trajectory of late Qing Dynasty China. - Taiping Rebellion – Battle of Cixi (1862)
The Ever Victorious Army, a mercenary force led by Western officers, defeated Taiping forces at the Battle of Cixi on September 21, 1862, during one of the largest civil wars in history. - Great Typhoon in Japan (1934)
A devastating typhoon struck western Honshū, Japan, on September 21, 1934, killing more than 3,000 people. This remains one of the deadliest natural disasters in Japanese history. - Chinese Civil War – Battle of Rugao (1945)
On September 21, 1945, the Battle of Rugao was fought during the Chinese Civil War, resulting in a communist victory. This was part of the broader struggle for control of China in the aftermath of World War II. - International Day of Peace
September 21 is observed as the International Day of Peace, a United Nations-designated day promoting peace and the cessation of hostilities worldwide. Many Asian countries participate in related events and educational activities.
Africa
- Westgate Mall Attack, Kenya (2013)
On September 21, 2013, the Westgate Mall in Nairobi, Kenya, was attacked by militants from the extremist group al-Shabaab. The siege lasted several hours, resulting in the deaths of at least 63 shoppers and four attackers, with many more injured. The attack was claimed as retaliation for Kenyan military involvement in Somalia. - Birth of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana (1909)
September 21 marks the birthday of Kwame Nkrumah, born in 1909 in Nkroful, Gold Coast (now Ghana). Nkrumah became the first President of Ghana and a leading figure in the pan-African movement and African independence struggles. - President Julius Nyerere Re-elected, Tanzania (1965)
On this day in 1965, Julius Nyerere was returned to power in a one-party election in Tanzania, reinforcing his leadership during the early years of the nation’s independence. - First Female Gripen Pilot, South Africa (2004)
On September 21, 2004, Catherine Labuschagne made history as the first female pilot to fly a Gripen fighter jet at an air show in Pretoria, South Africa, marking a significant milestone in African aviation and gender equality.
This day in history: 21 september