Today in history August 21

  1. August 21, 1911 – The Mona Lisa is stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris
    On August 21, 1911, the world-famous painting, the Mona Lisa, was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris. The theft was discovered the next day when museum staff noticed the painting missing. The thief was later identified as Vincenzo Peruggia, an Italian handyman who believed the painting should be returned to Italy. Peruggia hid the painting in his apartment for more than two years before attempting to sell it. The Mona Lisa was recovered in 1913 and returned to the Louvre, where it remains one of the most visited artworks in the world.
  2. August 21, 1959 – Hawaii becomes the 50th U.S. state
    On August 21, 1959, Hawaii was officially admitted as the 50th state of the United States. This marked the last addition to the U.S. as a state to date. The admission of Hawaii followed a long history of territorial status and debates about statehood. Hawaii’s strategic location in the Pacific Ocean made it significant for military and economic reasons. Its diverse culture and unique geography have since contributed to its importance as a tourist destination and cultural hub.
  3. August 21, 1914 – The Battle of Tannenberg begins during World War I
    The Battle of Tannenberg, one of the early battles of World War I, started on August 21, 1914. It was fought between the German and Russian armies in East Prussia. The Germans achieved a decisive victory, largely due to superior tactics and communication. This battle thwarted the Russian advance into German territory and boosted German morale. The battle is also noted for the death of Russian General Alexander Samsonov, who committed suicide after the defeat.
  4. August 21, 1986 – The city of Pripyat is evacuated due to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster
    Following the catastrophic nuclear accident at the Chernobyl power plant on April 26, 1986, the city of Pripyat was evacuated on August 21, 1986. Pripyat was home to the plant workers and their families. The evacuation was necessary due to the dangerous levels of radiation released during the disaster. The city has remained abandoned since then, becoming a ghost town and a symbol of nuclear catastrophe. Today, Pripyat is part of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone and is visited by tourists under strict safety regulations.
  5. August 21, 1955 – Emmett Till is brutally murdered in Mississippi
    Emmett Till, a 14-year-old African American boy, was brutally murdered on August 21, 1955, in Mississippi. He was accused of offending a white woman in a grocery store, a charge that led to his lynching by two white men. His death became a catalyst for the Civil Rights Movement as his mother insisted on an open-casket funeral to show the brutality of racism. The murderers were acquitted by an all-white jury, sparking national outrage. Till’s story remains a powerful reminder of racial violence and injustice in America.
  6. August 21, 1968 – The Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia begins
    On August 21, 1968, troops from the Soviet Union and other Warsaw Pact countries invaded Czechoslovakia to suppress the Prague Spring reforms. The Prague Spring was a period of political liberalization led by Alexander Dubček. The invasion aimed to halt the movement toward greater freedom and political openness. The occupation resulted in the end of the reforms and a return to strict communist control. The event had lasting impacts on Cold War politics and the struggle for reform in Eastern Europe.
  7. August 21, 1916 – The Battle of Verdun ends
    The Battle of Verdun, one of the longest and bloodiest battles of World War I, ended on August 21, 1916. It lasted for about ten months and was fought between French and German forces. The battle symbolized the brutal nature of trench warfare and the immense human cost of the conflict. Despite heavy casualties on both sides, the French managed to hold their positions. Verdun became a symbol of French determination and sacrifice.
  8. August 21, 1959 – The first successful American satellite, Explorer 6, is launched
    Explorer 6 was launched by the United States on August 21, 1959, as part of early efforts in space exploration. It was the first satellite to send back images of Earth from orbit. The satellite helped scientists learn more about the Earth’s radiation belts and the space environment. Explorer 6 was a significant step in the space race during the Cold War. Its success paved the way for future American space missions and satellite technology.
  9. August 21, 1983 – The Soviet Union shoots down Korean Air Lines Flight 007
    On August 21, 1983, Korean Air Lines Flight 007 was shot down by Soviet fighter jets after straying into Soviet airspace. All 269 people aboard the flight were killed. The incident severely escalated Cold War tensions between the Soviet Union and the United States. It led to widespread international condemnation and increased distrust between the superpowers. The tragedy also prompted changes in international aviation safety protocols.
  10. August 21, 1940 – The first successful flight of the Heinkel He 280, the world’s first jet-powered fighter aircraft
    The Heinkel He 280 made its first successful flight on August 21, 1940, marking a milestone in aviation history. It was the world’s first jet-powered fighter aircraft, developed by Germany during World War II. Although it never entered mass production, the He 280 demonstrated the potential of jet propulsion in military aviation. Its design influenced the development of subsequent jet fighters. The flight represented a significant advance in aircraft technology during the 20th century.

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